Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi has a cost of living index of 53/100 (New York = 100). It is 47% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

53/100
Cost Index
$4,900/mo
Median Income
89/100
Safety Index
hot desert
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 68/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,850/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$1,360/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,800/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 60/100
Milk (1 liter)$2.05/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.5/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2.2/kg
Dining OutScore: 65/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$16/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$68/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$10/meal
TransportationScore: 55/100
Monthly Transit Pass$85/month
One-Way Ticket$1.36/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.54/km
UtilitiesScore: 50/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$152/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$52/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$101/month
HealthcareScore: 65/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$75/visit
Dentist Visit$90/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$18/course
EntertainmentScore: 60/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$14/ticket
Theater Ticket$45/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 60/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$75/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$25/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 55/100
Haircut (Men)$25/cut
Haircut (Women)$50/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$6.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 65/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$75/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$50/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$110/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
60/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Downtown Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abu Dhabi cheap to live in?

Abu Dhabi has a cost of living index of 53/100, where New York = 100. It is 47% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,060–$1,484 per month.

How much does rent cost in Abu Dhabi?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Abu Dhabi costs approximately $1,850/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,360/month.

Is Abu Dhabi good for digital nomads?

Abu Dhabi has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Abu Dhabi?

The median net monthly salary in Abu Dhabi is approximately $4,900 USD. The income tax rate is around 0%.

How does Abu Dhabi compare to New York for cost of living?

Abu Dhabi (cost index 53) is 47% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,175/month by moving from New York to Abu Dhabi.

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