Cost of living in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is known for its modern architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in this dynamic city is crucial for residents and expatriates alike.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Abu Dhabi, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10.89 on average, with a range between $4.08 and $27.23.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $68.06, with prices ranging from $43.56 to $115.71.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.53, with a range between $8.17 and $10.89.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6.81 to $16.92, imported beer $9.53 to $17.7, cappuccino $3.81 to $9.53, and Coke/Pepsi $0.75 to $2.18.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.09 and $2.72 per liter, averaging $1.81.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.82 and $3.54, with an average price of $1.37.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.63 to $6.53, averaging $3.17.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.09 to $3.81 per kg, while oranges range from $0.82 to $3.27 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.54 and $2.18 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.82 to $2.72 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.54 and $1.09, with a monthly pass priced between $21.78 and $40.84.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.74 and $0.9 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.72, with a cost of $0.49 to $0.82 per km and $8.17 to $13.61 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1020.97 to $1905.81, averaging $1349.31.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $816.78 to $1397.78, averaging $1005.6.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2041.94 to $4256.49, averaging $2841.47.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1361.29 to $3947.75, averaging $2170.73.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4083.88 to $7326.42, averaging $4970.48.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3648.26 to $6246.43, averaging $4038.5.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $105.19 and $272.26, averaging $155.64.
- Internet - Internet services range from $81.68 to $122.52, with an average cost of $103.04.
Cost of Living Rankings
Abu Dhabi ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in United Arab Emirates. The cost of living indices for United Arab Emirates are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United Arab Emirates, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Abu Dhabi offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major global cities, particularly in terms of transportation and utilities.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Dining out can be affordable, especially at casual restaurants, but prices can rise significantly at mid-range and upscale venues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi presents a balanced cost of living with affordable options in dining and transportation, while housing costs can be higher in central areas.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget accordingly, as the city offers a range of options to suit different financial plans.