Middle East Updated
Average Cost of Living in United Arab Emirates
The average cost of living in United Arab Emirates ranges from $1,159 per month in Ras-Al-khaimah to $2,120 per month in Dubai, with a median monthly basket of $1,812 for a single person. We track 5 cities in United Arab Emirates.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates at a glance | Headline numbers across 5 cities. |
| Cities in United Arab Emirates | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about United Arab Emirates | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
5
Median monthly · single
$1,812
Average cost index
38.9
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Dubai /
Ras-Al-khaimah
Browse cities
5 cities shown
About cost of living in United Arab Emirates
- How expensive is United Arab Emirates?
- United Arab Emirates has 5 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Ras-Al-khaimah is among the most affordable, while Dubai ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in United Arab Emirates?
- Budget anywhere from $1,159 per month in Ras-Al-khaimah (the cheapest tracked city) to $2,120 per month in Dubai (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in United Arab Emirates?
- Ras-Al-khaimah typically offers the lowest cost of living in United Arab Emirates, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in United Arab Emirates has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for United Arab Emirates up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.