Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is said to be one of the world’s most expensive places to live. However, according to the Economist and Mercer - two of the top providers of cost of living indicators – Abu Dhabi is more affordable than most expat destinations. The Economist placed Abu Dhabi as 82nd most expensive city in the world, while Mercer placed Abu Dhabi at 30th.
It is likely however that the cost of living in Abu Dhabi is sure to increase even more over the coming years, the most likely factor being the high cost of accommodation. Rent, on its own, will account for at least 50% of your cost of living in Abu Dhabi, so be prepared.
Here follows up-to-date cost of living figures for Abu Dhabi:
Currency conversion: USD$ 1 = AED 5
| Accommodation (based on monthly rent in good areas) | |
| Furnished 2 bedroom house | AED 20,000 |
| Unfurnished 2 bedroom house | AED 15,000 |
| Furnished 2 bedroom apartment | AED 10,000 |
| Unfurnished 2 bedroom apartment | AED 8,000 |
| Room in shared apartment | AED 2,000 |
| Food and Drink | |
| Milk | AED 5.00 |
| Cheese | AED 25.00 |
| Dozen eggs | AED 8.00 |
| White bread | AED 2.50 |
| Rice | AED 6.00 |
| White sugar | AED 4.00 |
| Large Coca Cola | AED 2.00 |
| Still mineral water | AED 1.50 |
| Olive oil | AED 15.00 |
| Tomatoes | AED 4.00 |
| Apples | AED 8.00 |
| Fresh beef filet | AED 40.00 |
| Fresh whole chicken | AED 18.00 |
| Fresh white fish | AED 40.00 |
| Table salt | AED 3.00 |
| Milk chocolate bar | AED 2.50 |
| Household | |
| Soap | AED 3.00 |
| Toothpaste | AED 7.00 |
| Shampoo | AED 10.00 |
| Deodorant | AED 10.00 |
| Utilities | |
| Purchase of low cost cell phone | AED 200.00 |
| 3 minute call - cell phone | AED 1.80 |
| Cable TV | AED 139-249 |
| Electricity | AED 150 |
| Water | AED 50 |
| Petrol per gallon | AED 6.25 |
| Eating out | |
| Three-course dinner in restaurant | AED 150.00 |
| Fast-food meal | AED 30.00 |
| Cup of coffee in bar/cafe | AED 12.00 |
| Entertainment | |
| Spirit (1 tot) | AED 20-25 |
| Bottle beer | AED 15-20 |
| Bar/Club Entry | Free-AED 50 |
| Marlborough Lights | AED 6 |
| Cinema Ticket | AED 30 |
| Entrance to beach | AED 30-200 |
| Services – health, appearance | |
| Gym Membership (annual payment per couple) | AED 3000-8000 |
| Average male haircut | AED 35 |
| Average female cut and blowdry | AED 110 |
| Manicure | AED 40 |
| Pedicure | AED 40 |
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