Cost of Living in Al Ain - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $687 (excluding rent), and $1,570 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,690 (excluding rent), and $3,225 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.83 AED 25.08

$3.35 AED 12.3

$27.89 AED 102

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$66.9 AED 246

$40.12 AED 147

$134 AED 491

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.4 AED 30.84

$6.72 AED 24.68

$10.07 AED 36.99

Cappuccino

$4.7 AED 17.25

$2.17 AED 7.97

$9.48 AED 34.83

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

$0.77 AED 2.81

$0.53 AED 1.95

$3.4 AED 12.48

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.35 AED 1.28

$0.26 AED 0.96

$1.32 AED 4.84

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.26 AED 30.34

$8.17 AED 30.01

$13.77 AED 50.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$10.81 AED 39.71

$9.46 AED 34.75

$13.52 AED 49.66

Milk (1 liter)

$1.85 AED 6.79

$1.38 AED 5.07

$3.32 AED 12.2

White Bread (500g)

$1.54 AED 5.64

$0.84 AED 3.08

$2.51 AED 9.22

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.43 AED 8.91

$1.24 AED 4.57

$5.51 AED 20.23

Eggs

$3.15 AED 11.56

$1.41 AED 5.2

$6.78 AED 24.91

Local Cheese (1kg)

$2.75 AED 10.11

$22.05 AED 81

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.73 AED 32.07

$4.7 AED 17.27

$14.38 AED 52.8

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.79 AED 24.92

$16.28 AED 59.8

Apples (1kg)

$2.49 AED 9.13

$1.39 AED 5.11

$3.9 AED 14.31

Banana (1kg)

$1.59 AED 5.84

$1.33 AED 4.87

$3.19 AED 11.71

Oranges (1kg)

$1.34 AED 4.93

$0.81 AED 2.97

$4.03 AED 14.78

Tomato (1kg)

$0.86 AED 3.14

$2.84 AED 10.42

Potato (1kg)

$0.67 AED 2.46

$0.53 AED 1.95

$1.77 AED 6.5

Onion (1kg)

$0.4 AED 1.46

$2.12 AED 7.77

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.59 AED 5.83

$1.06 AED 3.9

$3.18 AED 11.7

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.64 AED 2.35

$0.43 AED 1.58

$0.86 AED 3.16

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.22 AED 22.85

$5.42 AED 19.89

$8.12 AED 29.82

Wine (Bottle)

$13.86 AED 50.9

$8.32 AED 30.56

$33.28 AED 122

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.33 AED 4.89

$2.83 AED 10.4

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.16 AED 7.92

$1.33 AED 4.9

$4 AED 14.7

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.07 AED 3.93

$0.67 AED 2.45

$2.67 AED 9.8

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$24.69 AED 90.7

$21.94 AED 80.6

$26.06 AED 95.7

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.7 AED 9.91

$1.35 AED 4.96

$3.51 AED 12.9

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.53 AED 1.93

$0.49 AED 1.79

$0.93 AED 3.4

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.98 AED 29.32

$15.97 AED 58.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.75 AED 2.76

$0.66 AED 2.44

$0.85 AED 3.12

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

$44.6K AED 163.9K

$29.7K AED 109K

$45K AED 165.3K

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

$22.1K AED 81K

$21.6K AED 79.4K

$22.1K AED 81.3K

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

$92.4 AED 339

$83.1 AED 305

$269 AED 989

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

$50.4 AED 185

$15.69 AED 57.6

$80.7 AED 296

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$97.4 AED 358

$54.6 AED 200

$123 AED 451

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$53.4 AED 196

$21.68 AED 79.6

$81.3 AED 299

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$40.2 AED 148

$26.8 AED 98.4

$53.6 AED 197

Cinema Ticket

$11.6 AED 42.61

$11.05 AED 40.56

$27.62 AED 101

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

$640 AED 2,350

$413 AED 1,516

$1,652 AED 6,066

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,803 AED 14K

$2,717 AED 9,976

$20.4K AED 74.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.67 AED 79.6

$81.3 AED 298

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$57.3 AED 210

$22.09 AED 81.1

$138 AED 507

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$78.5 AED 288

$33.66 AED 124

$135 AED 494

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.6 AED 197

$134 AED 492

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$677 AED 2,486

$547 AED 2,008

$820 AED 3,013

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)

$5,026 AED 18.5K

$1,087 AED 3,991

$16.3K AED 59.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,217 AED 4,470

$947 AED 3,477

$10.8K AED 39.7K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,053 AED 7,540

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,237 AED 4,544

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,405 AED 12.5K

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: November 24, 2025

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.