Middle East Updated
Average Cost of Living in Abu-Dhabi
The average cost of living in Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is $1,812 per month for a single person, and $4,626 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $2,000 per month. The local average net salary is $2,650 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 41.2 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,812 / month
- Family of 4
- $4,626 / mo
- Student
- $1,030 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Abu-Dhabi
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$2,650.07 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Abu-Dhabi | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Abu-Dhabi | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Abu-Dhabi | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Abu-Dhabi | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Abu-Dhabi | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Abu-Dhabi | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Abu-Dhabi | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Abu-Dhabi | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Abu-Dhabi | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Abu-Dhabi | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Abu-Dhabi FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Abu-Dhabi. |
Rent & Property Prices in Abu-Dhabi
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,000 | $1,634 – $2,549 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,338 | $817 – $1,715 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,704 | $2,451 – $5,446 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,813 | $2,156 – $4,084 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,711 | $4,547 – $6,807 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $2,981 | $2,298 – $6,051 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,000$1,634 – $2,549
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,338$817 – $1,715
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,704$2,451 – $5,446
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,813$2,156 – $4,084
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,711$4,547 – $6,807
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $2,981$2,298 – $6,051
Grocery Prices in Abu-Dhabi
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.84 | $1.36 – $2.72 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.53 | $0.82 – $2.45 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.32 | $1.09 – $4.90 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.07 | $1.74 – $3.92 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $10 | $4.20 – $22 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $9.21 | $5.45 – $14 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $11 | $6.81 – $16 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.43 | $1.36 – $3.54 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.93 | $1.36 – $2.72 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.79 | $1.09 – $4.08 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.42 | $0.82 – $2.18 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.14 | $0.54 – $1.63 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.09 | $0.54 – $1.63 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.76 | $1.36 – $3.27 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.57 | $0.41 – $0.82 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $13 | $8.17 – $23 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.34 | $1.36 – $3.30 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.36 | $1.63 – $4.08 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $6.26 | $4.90 – $7.62 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.84$1.36 – $2.72
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.53$0.82 – $2.45
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.32$1.09 – $4.90
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.07$1.74 – $3.92
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $10$4.20 – $22
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $9.21$5.45 – $14
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $11$6.81 – $16
- Apples (1 kg) $2.43$1.36 – $3.54
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.93$1.36 – $2.72
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.79$1.09 – $4.08
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.42$0.82 – $2.18
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.14$0.54 – $1.63
- Onions (1 kg) $1.09$0.54 – $1.63
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.76$1.36 – $3.27
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.57$0.41 – $0.82
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $13$8.17 – $23
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.34$1.36 – $3.30
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.36$1.63 – $4.08
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $6.26$4.90 – $7.62
Public Transport & Car Costs in Abu-Dhabi
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.68 | $0.54 – $1.36 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $26 | $22 – $54 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.27 | $1.50 – $3.27 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.61 | $0.50 – $1.09 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $8.17 | $8.17 – $16 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.79 | $0.68 – $0.93 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $29,952 | $27,229 – $46,263 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $21,799 | $20,939 – $23,145 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.68$0.54 – $1.36
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $26$22 – $54
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.27$1.50 – $3.27
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.61$0.50 – $1.09
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $8.17$8.17 – $16
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.79$0.68 – $0.93
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $29,952$27,229 – $46,263
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $21,799$20,939 – $23,145
Utility & Internet Costs in Abu-Dhabi
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $147 | $82 – $283 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $62 | $16 – $121 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $89 | $54 – $128 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $147$82 – $283
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $62$16 – $121
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $89$54 – $128
Childcare & Preschool in Abu-Dhabi
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $639 | $522 – $1,361 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $14,918 | $10,892 – $21,950 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $639$522 – $1,361
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $14,918$10,892 – $21,950
Clothing Prices in Abu-Dhabi
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $65 | $14 – $154 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $50 | $19 – $82 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $97 | $41 – $163 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $102 | $49 – $218 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $65$14 – $154
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $50$19 – $82
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $97$41 – $163
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $102$49 – $218
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Abu-Dhabi
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $74 | $41 – $136 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $44 | $14 – $68 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $14 | $11 – $16 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $74$41 – $136
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $44$14 – $68
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $14$11 – $16
Restaurant Prices in Abu-Dhabi
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $8.17 | $5.45 – $19 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $68 | $41 – $177 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $8.85 | $8.17 – $9.53 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $12 | $8.17 – $15 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $11 | $9.53 – $14 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.55 | $4.08 – $8.17 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.07 | $0.82 – $1.63 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.40 | $0.27 – $1.09 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $8.17$5.45 – $19
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $68$41 – $177
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $8.85$8.17 – $9.53
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $12$8.17 – $15
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $11$9.53 – $14
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.55$4.08 – $8.17
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.07$0.82 – $1.63
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.40$0.27 – $1.09
Salaries & Mortgages in Abu-Dhabi
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $2,650 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 5.06% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $2,650
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 5.06%
Compare Abu-Dhabi with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
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Israel
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Abu-Dhabi?
- An estimated $1,812 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Abu-Dhabi. A family of four needs around $4,626 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,030.
- How much money do I need to live in Abu-Dhabi?
- Plan for at least $1,812 per month as a single person, $4,626 per month for a family of four, or $1,030 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Abu-Dhabi.
- What is the average rent in Abu-Dhabi?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Abu-Dhabi rents for around $2,000 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $3,704 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Abu-Dhabi?
- The average monthly net salary in Abu-Dhabi is around $2,650. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 75% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Abu-Dhabi?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Abu-Dhabi costs around $8.17. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $57 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.84/L) and bread ($1.53/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Abu-Dhabi?
- A monthly public transport pass in Abu-Dhabi costs around $26. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Abu-Dhabi?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Abu-Dhabi costs around $89 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.