Cost of living in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi: A comparison
Whether you are moving to the UAE or planning a move between emirates, choosing between living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be difficult, especially since both cities offer fantastic lifestyles. To make the decision-making process easy, it’s best to investigate and find the cost of living in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi. Today, with MyBayut, find out how the relative cost of living in both cities compares when it comes to housing, utilities, schools, transport and more.
Basic Cost of Living in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi
Before we compare the different expenses, take a look at the starting Dubai vs Abu Dhabi cost of living. This includes the most basic expenses, including housing, grocery and utilities, with the monthly cost split by family size.
So without further ado, let’s look closely at the cost of living difference between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Housing
A common question when choosing between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is: “Which city is more affordable?” Often, the primary factor considered is the cost of housing, whether it’s rent or property purchase prices. Thus, it’s important to compare the rental costs in both emirates when calculating the cost of living in Abu Dhabi vs Dubai.
However, consider that both Abu Dhabi and Dubai boast a massive portfolio of properties, and it’s possible to find both budget-friendly and luxurious homes in these emirates. While areas on Abu Dhabi’s mainland, such as Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Mussafah and Al Reef, are known for affordable properties, the emirate’s residential islands, such as Al Reem Island and Saadiyat Island, offer unparalleled luxury.
Similarly, suburban areas in Dubai such as DAMAC Hills 2, Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Sports City are perfect for budget-conscious tenants, while Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, which are centrally located and offer easy access to commercial and leisure hubs, command higher rents on average.
Rental and Sales Trends in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
To clarify the picture, we have drawn up a comparison table for rental and sales trends in both cities. Here’s the comparison table for rental apartments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai according to different bed types:
Apartment Bed Types | Average Rent in Dubai | Average Rent in Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
Apartment Bed Types Studios | Average Rent in Dubai AED 52,000 | Average Rent in Abu Dhabi AED 30,000 |
Apartment Bed Types 1-bed | Average Rent in Dubai AED 91,000 | Average Rent in Abu Dhabi AED 59,000 |
Apartment Bed Types 2-bed | Average Rent in Dubai AED 150,000 | Average Rent in Abu Dhabi AED 92,000 |
Apartment Bed Types 3-bed | Average Rent in Dubai AED 254,000 | Average Rent in Abu Dhabi AED 124,000 |
Apartment Bed Types 4-bed | Average Rent in Dubai AED 487,000 | Average Rent in Abu Dhabi AED 159,000 |
Here’s more insight into the additional costs of renting in Dubai.
On the other hand, if you want to find permanent residence, here’s what you have to pay to buy an apartment in the desired city.
Apartment Bed Types | Average Sales Price in Dubai | Average Sales Price in Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
Apartment Bed Types Studios | Average Sales Price in Dubai AED 790,000 | Average Sales Price in Abu Dhabi AED 718,000 |
Apartment Bed Types 1-bed | Average Sales Price in Dubai AED 1,551,000 | Average Sales Price in Abu Dhabi AED 1,050,000 |
Apartment Bed Types 2-bed | Average Sales Price in Dubai AED 3,017,000 | Average Sales Price in Abu Dhabi AED 1,702,000 |
Apartment Bed Types 3-bed | Average Sales Price in Dubai AED 5,293,000 | Average Sales Price in Abu Dhabi AED 2,774,000 |
Apartment Bed Types 4-bed | Average Sales Price in Dubai AED 14,649,000 | Average Sales Price in Abu Dhabi AED 6,748,000 |
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 836 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 3160 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 761 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 881 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 911 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 836 SQFT
- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 330 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 879 SQFT
Groceries
When it comes to comparing the cost of living in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi, an essential expense to consider is your monthly grocery shopping. Your monthly grocery bill will vary significantly depending on your preferences and your supermarket of choice, regardless of where you live.
However, when comparing the cost of staple household items, the average cost of groceries in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi is nearly the same. Popular supermarket chains such as Carrefour and Lulu have various branches across both emirates and offer quality products at economical prices.
On the other hand, those shopping for imported foods at premium retailers such as Waitrose and Al Maya Supermarket will see an increase in their cost of living in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
Take a look below at the comparison of prices for basic items to understand what you’ll have to pay in case you decide to live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi:
Grocery Items | Prices in Dubai | Prices in Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
Grocery Items Milk (1 Litre) | Prices in Dubai AED 6.85 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 6.65 |
Grocery Items Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | Prices in Dubai AED 5.35 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 4.95 |
Grocery Items Rice (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 8.81 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 8.28 |
Grocery Items Eggs (12) | Prices in Dubai AED 12.19 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 11.66 |
Grocery Items Local Cheese (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 32.75 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 32.94 |
Grocery Items Chicken Fillets (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 31.64 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 29.21 |
Grocery Items Beef Round (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 41.05 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 44.05 |
Grocery Items Apples (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 9.00 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 8.12 |
Grocery Items Banana (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 6.77 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 6.44 |
Grocery Items Oranges (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 7.31 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 6.48 |
Grocery Items Tomato (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 5.98 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 5.39 |
Grocery Items Potato (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 4.30 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 3.98 |
Grocery Items Onion (1kg) | Prices in Dubai AED 5.57 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 5.10 |
Grocery Items Lettuce (1 head) | Prices in Dubai AED 5.77 | Prices in Abu Dhabi AED 6.79 |
Utilities
Aside from their housing rent, residents will also consider the cost of their electricity and water connection. The Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) is the relevant authority in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, utilities are provided by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
When comparing utility costs in the larger Abu Dhabi or Dubai cost of living, Dubai typically emerges as the more expensive option. For example, in a Dubai apartment, utility bills can range from AED 500 to AED 1,100 per month, while similar expenses in Abu Dhabi usually fall between AED 370 and AED 1,000. It’s worth noting that villa residents can expect higher utility costs in both cities.
However, other utilities like mobile and internet services are priced similarly across both emirates. This is because Etisalat and du, the two primary providers in the UAE, offer comparable plans.
For instance, postpaid mobile plans start at AED 250 per year and can go up to AED 1,000, depending on data and call packages. Similarly, TV and internet packages typically begin at AED 400 per month.
Education
For families with school-going children, tuition fees are an unavoidable expense that must be factored into their monthly cost of living. Thus, it’s worth knowing the average cost of schooling in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi to find out which city suits their budget.
Private schools are the favoured choice for expats living in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The leading private schools typically offer British, American, IB and Indian curricula.
The table below compares the annual tuition fee ranges in popular schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As seen in the table, schools offering Indian and British curricula in Dubai tend to be more expensive than those in Abu Dhabi. However, it’s important to note that both emirates offer many schooling options, catering to various budgets.
Curriculum | Annual Tuition Fee (Dubai) | Annual Tuition Fee (Abu Dhabi) |
|---|---|---|
Curriculum Indian | Annual Tuition Fee (Dubai) AED 10,000 – AED 35,000 | Annual Tuition Fee (Abu Dhabi) AED 10,000 – AED 30,000 |
Curriculum British | Annual Tuition Fee (Dubai) AED 18,000 – AED 90,000 | Annual Tuition Fee (Abu Dhabi) AED 20,000 – AED 80,000 |
Curriculum American | Annual Tuition Fee (Dubai) AED 19,000 – AED 95,000 | Annual Tuition Fee (Abu Dhabi) AED 25,000 – AED 100,000 |
Curriculum International Baccalaureate | Annual Tuition Fee (Dubai) AED 45,000 – AED 130,000 | Annual Tuition Fee (Abu Dhabi) AED 50,000 – AED 150,000 |
Healthcare
Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must get health insurance, which also factors into the cost of living in the UAE. If you are on an investor visa or your employer does not provide insurance for your family, you must purchase medical insurance for yourself and your dependents.
Medical insurance premiums cost a similar amount in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and will vary depending on the level of coverage and benefits.
The basic health insurance plan (known as the Essential Benefits Plan in Dubai) costs around AED 650 to AED 725 and has certain eligibility criteria. A more comprehensive plan for a single person can cost between AED 4,000 to AED 7,000. On the other hand, a family of four can expect to pay a starting premium of around AED 17,000, which can rise to AED 65,000 to AED 70,000 for worldwide coverage and additional benefits.
You can take a look at popular medical insurance companies in Dubai and the top Abu Dhabi insurance providers to get a better idea of the insurance premiums.
Transport
Another expense to consider when deciding Abu Dhabi cost of living vs Dubai is transportation. Most residents own private cars to commute within both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The fuel cost is the same in both emirates and is significantly cheaper than in other parts of the world.
Many residents rely on Dubai’s public transport network, including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, taxis and the Dubai Ferry. If you want some estimates, the starting cost of a monthly Silver Nol card is AED 140, while a Gold NOL card for a similar duration will cost AED 280.
On the other hand, public transport in Abu Dhabi includes taxis and public buses, with a monthly pass for buses costing around AED 95. Thus, if you want to compare Dubai vs Abu Dhabi cost of living for transport, the former option is cheaper.
House help
Many residents also hire house help, which is relatively more affordable in the UAE than in other parts of the world. Expats who wish to hire full-time maids or nannies will have to sponsor them and provide medical insurance, which will add to their living expenses in the UAE.
However, the cost of a nanny visa in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the same. Residents can expect to pay AED 8,500 for maids who are on agency visas. If you wish to sponsor a maid visa, the cost goes up to AED 17,000. This will exclude their monthly salary, which can range between AED 1,500 to AED 3,500, although this can increase if the employer cannot accommodate them.
Several agencies offer part-time house help, too, which costs between AED 35 to AED 50 per hour.
Entertainment
Residents will be delighted to know that both cities offer a plethora of entertainment, from fine-dining restaurants to sandy beaches, grand shopping malls, state-of-the-art cinemas and theme parks. Setting aside a budget for leisure activities over the weekends and public holidays is a good idea.
However, the cost of living in Abu Dhabi vs Dubai will be similar regarding expenses for entertainment and activities. A ticket to the cinema in both emirates costs between AED 35 – AED 50, while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around AED 230 – AED 300. A weekend trip to one of the public parks, which is one of the many affordable activities in either city, will cost between AED 1 – 10 per person.
FAQs
WHICH EMIRATE IS BETTER FOR EXPATS – ABU DHABI OR DUBAI?
Ultimately, your cost of living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi will largely depend on your lifestyle and preferences. With options for every budget regarding housing, schooling, entertainment and more, it’s possible to lead an affordable or luxurious lifestyle in either emirate. Generally, the cost of living in the capital is slightly lower than in Dubai.
HOW CAN I KNOW ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING IN DUBAI IN MORE DETAIL?
Our dedicated guide on family living costs in Dubai explains the expected costs for individuals and families living in the emirate. Similarly, our guide to the average living cost in Abu Dhabi also offers a breakdown of the different expenses for residents living in the UAE’s capital.
That concludes our comparison of the cost of living – Dubai vs Abu Dhabi! We hope this guide helps you determine which emirate is the better choice for you.
Want to invest in property in Dubai? Take a look at the reasons for investing in off-plan properties in Dubai before you decide.
The UAE is especially popular with Indian expats, who comprise a significant portion of the population. If you’re moving from India to Dubai, take a look at our checklist for smooth and easy relocation!
Dubai residents moving to the capital city can read up on our guide to moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Find all the necessary procedures to take care of, from disconnecting your DEWA connection to applying for the right moving permit.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on living in the UAE!
