Cost of Living in Al Ain - Updated Prices & Insights

54.59

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $771 (excluding rent), and $1,567 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,887 (excluding rent), and $3,244 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.82 AED 25.04

$3.34 AED 12.28

$27.84 AED 102

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$66.8 AED 245

$40.09 AED 147

$134 AED 491

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.32 AED 30.57

$6.66 AED 24.47

$9.99 AED 36.67

Cappuccino

$4.8 AED 17.63

$2.22 AED 8.14

$9.69 AED 35.6

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.74 AED 2.73

$0.52 AED 1.89

$3.3 AED 12.12

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.38 AED 1.38

$0.28 AED 1.04

$1.42 AED 5.22

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.1 AED 29.76

$8.01 AED 29.43

$13.51 AED 49.61

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$10.97 AED 40.28

$9.6 AED 35.25

$13.72 AED 50.4

Milk (1 liter)

$1.79 AED 6.57

$1.34 AED 4.91

$3.22 AED 11.81

White Bread (500g)

$1.47 AED 5.41

$0.81 AED 2.96

$2.41 AED 8.83

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.44 AED 8.96

$1.25 AED 4.59

$5.54 AED 20.35

Eggs

$3.23 AED 11.86

$1.45 AED 5.33

$6.96 AED 25.56

Local Cheese (1kg)

$2.76 AED 10.15

$22.12 AED 81.2

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.72 AED 32.01

$4.69 AED 17.24

$14.35 AED 52.7

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.86 AED 25.18

$16.45 AED 60.4

Apples (1kg)

$2.47 AED 9.06

$1.38 AED 5.07

$3.87 AED 14.2

Banana (1kg)

$1.64 AED 6.04

$1.37 AED 5.04

$3.3 AED 12.11

Oranges (1kg)

$1.33 AED 4.9

$0.8 AED 2.95

$4 AED 14.7

Tomato (1kg)

$0.8 AED 2.93

$2.64 AED 9.71

Potato (1kg)

$0.7 AED 2.58

$0.56 AED 2.05

$1.86 AED 6.83

Onion (1kg)

$0.4 AED 1.46

$2.11 AED 7.74

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.65 AED 6.07

$1.1 AED 4.06

$3.31 AED 12.17

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.63 AED 2.3

$0.42 AED 1.54

$0.84 AED 3.09

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.42 AED 23.58

$5.59 AED 20.53

$8.38 AED 30.77

Wine (Bottle)

$12.37 AED 45.42

$4.12 AED 15.13

$33 AED 121

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.39 AED 5.09

$2.95 AED 10.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.24 AED 8.22

$1.38 AED 5.08

$4.15 AED 15.24

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.12 AED 4.1

$0.7 AED 2.56

$2.79 AED 10.24

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$24.91 AED 91.5

$22.14 AED 81.3

$26.3 AED 96.6

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.78 AED 10.19

$1.39 AED 5.1

$3.61 AED 13.27

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.53 AED 1.94

$0.49 AED 1.79

$0.93 AED 3.41

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.03 AED 29.47

$16.05 AED 58.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.75 AED 2.75

$0.66 AED 2.43

$0.85 AED 3.1

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$45.5K AED 167K

$30.3K AED 111.1K

$45.9K AED 168.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$22.7K AED 83.2K

$22.2K AED 81.6K

$22.7K AED 83.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$91.9 AED 338

$82.7 AED 304

$268 AED 984

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$51.2 AED 188

$15.96 AED 58.6

$82.1 AED 302

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$96.2 AED 353

$53.9 AED 198

$121 AED 445

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$52.8 AED 194

$21.4 AED 78.6

$80.3 AED 295

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$41.28 AED 152

$27.51 AED 101

$55 AED 202

Cinema Ticket

$11.55 AED 42.4

$10.99 AED 40.36

$27.48 AED 101

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$622 AED 2,284

$401 AED 1,474

$1,606 AED 5,897

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,768 AED 13.8K

$2,691 AED 9,883

$20.2K AED 74.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.77 AED 79.9

$81.7 AED 300

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$57.2 AED 210

$22.07 AED 81

$138 AED 507

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$79.9 AED 293

$34.23 AED 126

$137 AED 503

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.9 AED 198

$135 AED 494

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$682 AED 2,504

$551 AED 2,023

$826 AED 3,035

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$743 AED 2,728

$492 AED 1,807

$5,467 AED 20.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,999 AED 18.4K

$1,081 AED 3,969

$16.2K AED 59.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,243 AED 4,565

$967 AED 3,550

$11K AED 40.6K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,014 AED 7,395

$6,648 AED 24.4K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,220 AED 4,480

$4,386 AED 16.1K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,620 AED 13.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.19

2.99

7.5

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

City tags:

🕌 Middle east

Cost of Living in Al Ain - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Al Ain sits in the middle of the UAE spectrum, often more approachable than Dubai or Abu Dhabi while offering similar services. You’ll find options for comfortable apartments and shared living that suit short or long stays, plus diverse food scenes from inexpensive street meals to international groceries. Utilities and internet tend to be predictable, and public transport is practical for city trips, with taxis or ride-hailing readily available. Seasonal shifts can affect outdoor activities; plan air-conditioning costs in summer. Overall, it’s a practical base for exploring the region without breaking the budget. Tip: Plan a simple monthly budget and compare neighborhoods by access to essential services.

Daily life centers on a walkable core with parks, cafés, and markets. Housing options range from modern complexes to mid-rise apartments near services, with reasonable commutes to schools and coworking spaces. Food choices span local markets, casual eateries, and international options that suit different budgets. Public transit and rideshares cover most trips, while biking is pleasant in cooler months. For budgeting, the Al Ain living cost stays manageable thanks to affordable groceries and varied dining. Tip: Start your search near business hubs or university areas to balance convenience and price, and test-drive routes at different times.

Quality of life in Al Ain blends outdoor access with a calm, family-friendly rhythm. To budget effectively, create a simple framework: fixed essentials (rent, utilities, internet) and discretionary categories (eating out, leisure). Seasonality matters – summer cooling costs rise, while milder months open up outdoor activities and weekend market visits. Neighborhood fit ranges from central, walkable zones near schools and parks to quieter suburban compounds with gardens and parking. For value, consider longer leases for favorable housing terms, compare nearby coworking spaces, and shop at local markets for fresh produce. Tip: use a rough monthly plan that tracks space, groceries, transport, and occasional adventures to stay balanced.