Cost of Living in Al Ain - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $845 (excluding rent), and $1,609 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,061 (excluding rent), and $3,231 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.72 AED 24.66

$3.29 AED 12.09

$27.43 AED 101

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$67.8 AED 249

$40.68 AED 149

$136 AED 498

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.96 AED 29.23

$6.38 AED 23.40

$9.55 AED 35.06

Cappuccino

$4.82 AED 17.68

$2.23 AED 8.17

$9.73 AED 35.71

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

$0.82 AED 2.99

$0.56 AED 2.07

$3.62 AED 13.28

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 AED 1.37

$0.28 AED 1.03

$1.41 AED 5.17

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.28 AED 30.37

$8.19 AED 30.04

$13.80 AED 50.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$11.09 AED 40.69

$9.70 AED 35.61

$13.87 AED 50.9

Milk (1 liter)

$1.86 AED 6.82

$1.39 AED 5.10

$3.34 AED 12.26

White Bread (500g)

$1.47 AED 5.38

$0.80 AED 2.94

$2.40 AED 8.79

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.45 AED 9.01

$1.26 AED 4.62

$5.57 AED 20.45

Eggs

$3.17 AED 11.65

$1.43 AED 5.23

$6.84 AED 25.10

Local Cheese (1kg)

$2.73 AED 10.02

$21.86 AED 80.2

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.65 AED 31.74

$4.66 AED 17.09

$14.24 AED 52.3

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.89 AED 25.28

$16.53 AED 60.7

Apples (1kg)

$2.49 AED 9.13

$1.39 AED 5.11

$3.90 AED 14.32

Banana (1kg)

$1.61 AED 5.91

$1.34 AED 4.93

$3.23 AED 11.86

Oranges (1kg)

$1.32 AED 4.85

$0.80 AED 2.93

$3.97 AED 14.56

Tomato (1kg)

$0.85 AED 3.11

$2.81 AED 10.33

Potato (1kg)

$0.66 AED 2.42

$0.52 AED 1.92

$1.74 AED 6.40

Onion (1kg)

$0.39 AED 1.43

$2.08 AED 7.62

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.67 AED 6.12

$1.12 AED 4.09

$3.35 AED 12.28

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.59 AED 2.16

$0.40 AED 1.45

$0.79 AED 2.90

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.38 AED 23.41

$5.55 AED 20.38

$8.33 AED 30.56

Wine (Bottle)

$13.88 AED 50.9

$8.33 AED 30.57

$33.31 AED 122

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.33 AED 4.89

$2.83 AED 10.38

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.16 AED 7.92

$1.33 AED 4.89

$4.00 AED 14.68

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.07 AED 3.92

$0.67 AED 2.44

$2.66 AED 9.77

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$24.20 AED 88.8

$21.50 AED 78.9

$25.54 AED 93.7

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.77 AED 10.17

$1.39 AED 5.09

$3.61 AED 13.24

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.55 AED 2.03

$0.51 AED 1.88

$0.97 AED 3.58

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.12 AED 29.81

$16.25 AED 59.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.76 AED 2.78

$0.67 AED 2.46

$0.86 AED 3.14

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

$45.0K AED 165.0K

$29.9K AED 109.7K

$45.3K AED 166.4K

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

$22.4K AED 82.1K

$21.9K AED 80.4K

$22.4K AED 82.3K

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

$92.6 AED 340

$83.3 AED 306

$270 AED 990

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

$50.8 AED 186

$15.83 AED 58.1

$81.5 AED 299

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$96.5 AED 354

$54.0 AED 198

$122 AED 446

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$52.9 AED 194

$21.45 AED 78.7

$80.4 AED 295

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$40.59 AED 149

$27.06 AED 99.3

$54.1 AED 199

Cinema Ticket

$11.43 AED 41.94

$10.88 AED 39.92

$27.20 AED 99.8

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

$634 AED 2,327

$409 AED 1,502

$1,637 AED 6,007

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,838 AED 14.1K

$2,742 AED 10.1K

$20.6K AED 75.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.52 AED 79.0

$80.7 AED 296

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$55.7 AED 204

$21.45 AED 78.7

$134 AED 492

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$78.8 AED 289

$33.76 AED 124

$135 AED 496

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.7 AED 197

$134 AED 493

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$673 AED 2,469

$544 AED 1,995

$815 AED 2,993

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$749 AED 2,749

$496 AED 1,820

$5,511 AED 20.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$5,111 AED 18.8K

$1,105 AED 4,056

$16.6K AED 60.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,234 AED 4,528

$960 AED 3,522

$11.0K AED 40.3K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,397 AED 8,795

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,209 AED 4,436

$1,193 AED 4,380

$1,239 AED 4,547

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,645 AED 13.4K

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.

Last update: January 13, 2026

Al Ain Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

283

Mbps

164

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.