So, you’ve decided to relocate to Abu Dhabi?
Excellent choice! But have you figured out everything about cost of living in Abu Dhabi yet?
Although, Abu Dhabi is quite famous for offering various facilities to its expats. But there are certain aspects you must figure out before calling an international relocation company in UAE.
And if you’ve no clue from where to begin your search to understand Abu Dhabi’s living costs, we’ve you covered. From food to housing and healthcare, we’ve tried to explain everything that you’d want to know about.
Come, let us tell you all about the cost of living in Abu Dhabi for a smart move!
Why Should You Move to Abu Dhabi?
If you’re in doubt for choosing Abu Dhabi over Dubai, we have a few convincing reasons to share. Abu Dhabi is not only UAE’s capital but has various exciting benefits to offer you as an expat such as:
- Abu Dhabi beats various giants (including Paris, London, & Amsterdam) in terms of infrastructure and advanced housing arrangements.
- Secondly, Abu Dhabi is a hub of world’s biggest job market having various openings in some of the best companies to work at.
- Thirdly, the city offers safest residential communities whether you’re staying alone or with family.
- Fourthly, UAE is a hub of nationalities, and you’ll easily find your community as an expat in Abu Dhabi.
Breaking Down Living Costs in Abu Dhabi
Now that we’ve discussed all major attractions of Abu Dhabi, let’s go deep into details!
Let’s discuss what it costs you to live a comfortable life in Abu Dhabi. Below, we’ve broken down the living costs to understand this city with a clearer view.
Read on and discover everything about rents, food, education, healthcare, and transportation costs you’ll be bearing as an expat:
Understanding Rents in Abu Dhabi
Let’s first start with rents in Abu Dhabi that impact a large portion of your income each month!
Usually, you will find a studio, 2-3 BHK apartments and a villa in Abu Dhabi. And each have a varying renting amount depending on the location, amenities offered, and proximity to markets etc.
Here’s the rental breakdown of each accommodation:
- Studio – AED 15,500/- to AED 99,000/- per year
- 2-3 BHK apartment – AED 25000/- to AED 200,000/- per year
- Villa – AED 130,000/- to AED 300,000/- per year
Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Reem Island, and Al Khalidiya are some of the notable residential areas in Abu Dhabi.
Utilities & Internet Costs
Other than covering the rental costs, you’ll also be paying for utility bills!
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) provides utility connections (including electricity, water, gas) to apartments and villas. And you’ll be paying around:
- AED 375/- to AED 825/- (for apartments)
- AED 1200/- to AED 2850/- (for villa)
Other than utility bills, you’ll require an internet connection and a mobile plan. Du and Etisalat are major service providers for both these connections in Abu Dhabi. And you’ll be paying about:
- Between AED 325/- to AED 575/- per month (for internet)
- Between AED 95/- to AED 290/- per month (for mobile)
Educational Costs
If you’re moving to UAE with kids, you’ll have to set aside a specific amount for their schooling from your income, too!
Let’s break down the cost that you’ll be covering in terms of fee:
- AED 30,000/- to AED 100,000/- tuition fee (per child)
- AED 5,000/- to AED 10,000/- other study expenses (like uniform, books etc)
NOTE: This amount can vary from school to school and your child’s grade level.
But do check with your company if they’re offering educational allowance in your employment contract, too.
Grocery & Food Prices
You can either cook at home or go outside for food in Abu Dhabi!
If you prefer to cook at home, you can buy groceries either from Carrefour or Lulu. And groceries will cost you around AED 1500/- to AED 2500/- per month.
And if you prefer to go out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the cost varies. If you’re on a budget, you may opt for fast food (that will cost you around AED 25/- per meal). And if you’re seeking a fine dining option, the cost jumps to AED 500/- per meal.
Understanding Travelling Expenses
One of the unavoidable expenses that will chase you each month is the travelling cost!
In Abu Dhabi, you’ll have 3 modes of transportation:
- Personal vehicle
- Taxis/carpooling services
- Public transport (bus, trains etc)
Now, let us break down the amount you’ll be paying for each commuting option:
- Over AED 2.5/- per trip (for buses)
- AED 1.82/- per KM (for taxis)
- AED 3.03/- per liter (if you own a car)
Healthcare Costs
After covering rent, utility bills, and grocery, you’ll have to save some amount as healthcare expenses, too!
In Abu Dhabi, you’ll find Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic a trusted healthcare option.
Here’s what you’ll be paying for healthcare treatment in Abu Dhabi:
- Over AED 200/- for medical consultation per visit
- Over AED 500/- for special treatment per visit
Tips for New Expats in Abu Dhabi
Here are some essential tips for you to make your experience as an expat in Abu Dhabi comfortable!
- If you’re on a tight budget, use public transport than travelling in taxis.
- Try to learn local language (i.e. Arabic) to communicate with locals easily.
- Make a monthly budget to keep an eye over your expenses.
- Since Abu Dhabi is an Islamic state, dress modestly when in public.
- Confirm if health insurance is included in your perks before accepting a job offer in Abu Dhabi.
And if you’re in search of a reliable relocation company in UAE, The Move It is here to help. Dial 800 668348 to connect with our relocation experts, today!
