Cost of Living in Ruwais - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $906 (excluding rent), and $1,648 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,133 (excluding rent), and $3,254 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.81 AED 25.01

$3.34 AED 12.26

$10.21 AED 37.49

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$38.3 AED 141

$82.1 AED 301

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.81 AED 28.66

$6.7 AED 24.6

$8.65 AED 31.75

Cappuccino

$4.65 AED 17.08

$2.15 AED 7.89

$5.37 AED 19.72

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

$0.79 AED 2.9

$0.55 AED 2.01

$1.25 AED 4.58

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.35 AED 1.27

$0.26 AED 0.95

$0.52 AED 1.9

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$10.58 AED 38.86

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.5 AED 34.88

Milk (1 liter)

$1.78 AED 6.52

$1.76 AED 6.45

$1.8 AED 6.59

White Bread (500g)

$1.52 AED 5.6

$1.11 AED 4.07

$1.94 AED 7.12

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.9 AED 6.99

$1.1 AED 4.03

$4.11 AED 15.08

Eggs

$3.2 AED 11.76

$1.44 AED 5.28

$4.97 AED 18.23

Local Cheese (1kg)

$2.77 AED 10.19

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.74 AED 28.43

$3.29 AED 12.09

$14.39 AED 52.8

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.73 AED 24.72

Apples (1kg)

$2.95 AED 10.82

$1.66 AED 6.08

$3.6 AED 13.2

Banana (1kg)

$1.67 AED 6.15

$1.4 AED 5.13

$1.96 AED 7.2

Oranges (1kg)

$1.39 AED 5.12

$0.84 AED 3.09

$1.96 AED 7.19

Tomato (1kg)

$0.78 AED 2.88

Potato (1kg)

$0.66 AED 2.44

Onion (1kg)

$0.43 AED 1.57

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.68 AED 6.15

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.66 AED 2.43

$0.56 AED 2.05

$0.85 AED 3.11

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.66 AED 24.45

Wine (Bottle)

$13.46 AED 49.41

$10.77 AED 39.54

$16.16 AED 59.3

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.38 AED 5.05

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.76 AED 10.15

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.66 AED 6.11

$1.11 AED 4.09

$2.78 AED 10.2

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$52.5 AED 193

$21.81 AED 80.1

$52.5 AED 193

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.78 AED 10.21

$1.39 AED 5.1

$3.34 AED 12.27

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.65 AED 2.38

$0.47 AED 1.72

$1.12 AED 4.1

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.26 AED 30.35

$7.23 AED 26.56

$12.4 AED 45.54

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.74 AED 2.72

$0.65 AED 2.4

$0.77 AED 2.82

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

$44.7K AED 164K

$43.9K AED 161.2K

$44.7K AED 164K

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

$21.9K AED 80.5K

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

$92 AED 338

$82.8 AED 304

$110 AED 405

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

$52.7 AED 193

$32.41 AED 119

$60.8 AED 223

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$97.8 AED 359

$54.7 AED 201

$123 AED 452

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$63.7 AED 234

$33.04 AED 121

$96.7 AED 355

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$38.79 AED 142

$14.71 AED 54

$53.5 AED 196

Cinema Ticket

$11.38 AED 41.8

$10.84 AED 39.79

$12.19 AED 44.76

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

$588 AED 2,160

$217 AED 798

$1,290 AED 4,736

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,810 AED 14K

$2,721 AED 9,992

$4,898 AED 18K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$21.59 AED 79.3

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$81.5 AED 299

$24.88 AED 91.4

$138 AED 508

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$78.1 AED 287

$33.49 AED 123

$107 AED 393

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$53.7 AED 197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$758 AED 2,782

$622 AED 2,285

$1,152 AED 4,231

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$762 AED 2,798

$549 AED 2,016

$1,510 AED 5,543

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,509 AED 9,213

$1,087 AED 3,993

$4,118 AED 15.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,351 AED 4,962

$946 AED 3,473

$2,973 AED 10.9K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,755 AED 17.5K

$2,542 AED 9,333

$5,553 AED 20.4K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,813 AED 10.3K

$1,328 AED 4,875

$2,813 AED 10.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,682 AED 9,848

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.71

3.25

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

Last update: November 23, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🕌 Middle east

Cost of Living in Ruwais - Frequently Asked Questions

Ruwais offers a calm, family-friendly environment with easy access to the coast and nearby industrial hubs. Cost of Living in Ruwais, United Arab Emirates tends to be more predictable than metropolitan centers, with straightforward housing options and lower density. You gain space, quieter streets, and a reliable routine at a practical cost, though you may trade some cultural variety and shopping options for that steadiness. This setup often appeals to remote workers who prioritize consistency, safety, and shorter commutes. Tip: map out a plan for occasional trips to larger cities to broaden experiences.

Daily life in Ruwais centers on practical routines: housing options range from compact apartments to family-friendly villas within walkable compounds. Grocery shopping blends local markets with international chains, and you’ll find a mix of casual dining and takeout. For errands and work, a car is common, with occasional trips to Abu Dhabi or nearby towns for bigger needs. Co-working and remote work are feasible if you select a spot with solid internet and a reliable cafe scene. Ruwais living cost depends on lifestyle choices and housing type, so plan around core monthly needs. Tip: scout neighborhoods at different times of day to assess noise and access.

Quality of life in Ruwais blends a tranquil environment with practical access to the coast and nearby services. A simple budgeting framework helps you track housing, utilities, groceries, and transport, with an eye toward long-term leases to stabilize costs. You can reduce outlays by cooking at home, buying seasonal produce, and maximizing energy efficiency during hot months. Seasonality shapes activities: summer heat makes indoor days dominant, while cooler periods invite outdoor exploration and weekend trips. To find the right neighborhood, weigh proximity to services, the vibe you want, and housing type – compact apartments, rows of townhouses, or larger compounds. Tip: build a flexible monthly plan and revisit it after big trips or seasonal changes.