Cost of Living in Ruwais - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $835 (excluding rent), and $1,647 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,831 (excluding rent), and $3,335 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.5 AED 23.88
$3.19 AED 11.71
$9.75 AED 35.81
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$37.67 AED 138
$37.67 AED 138
$80.7 AED 296
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.56 AED 27.77
$6.49 AED 23.83
$8.38 AED 30.76
Cappuccino
$4.76 AED 17.47
$2.2 AED 8.07
$5.49 AED 20.17
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.76 AED 2.8
$0.53 AED 1.94
$1.2 AED 4.42
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.35 AED 1.27
$0.26 AED 0.95
$0.52 AED 1.91
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$10.69 AED 39.25
$10.69 AED 39.25
$10.69 AED 39.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.39 AED 34.47
$9.39 AED 34.47
$9.39 AED 34.47
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.87 AED 6.86
$1.85 AED 6.79
$1.89 AED 6.94
White Bread (500g)
$1.48 AED 5.43
$1.07 AED 3.95
$1.88 AED 6.92
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.1 AED 7.72
$1.21 AED 4.45
$4.54 AED 16.67
Eggs
$3.19 AED 11.72
$1.43 AED 5.27
$4.95 AED 18.17
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.75 AED 10.08
$2.75 AED 10.08
$2.75 AED 10.08
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.83 AED 32.42
$3.75 AED 13.78
$16.4 AED 60.2
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.65 AED 24.41
$6.65 AED 24.41
$6.65 AED 24.41
Apples (1kg)
$2.95 AED 10.82
$1.66 AED 6.08
$3.6 AED 13.21
Banana (1kg)
$1.61 AED 5.92
$1.35 AED 4.94
$1.89 AED 6.94
Oranges (1kg)
$1.33 AED 4.89
$0.8 AED 2.95
$1.87 AED 6.86
Tomato (1kg)
$0.78 AED 2.87
$0.78 AED 2.87
$0.78 AED 2.87
Potato (1kg)
$0.67 AED 2.45
$0.67 AED 2.45
$0.67 AED 2.45
Onion (1kg)
$0.43 AED 1.57
$0.43 AED 1.57
$0.43 AED 1.57
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.6 AED 5.87
$1.6 AED 5.87
$1.6 AED 5.87
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.65 AED 2.4
$0.55 AED 2.03
$0.84 AED 3.08
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.56 AED 24.09
$6.56 AED 24.09
$6.56 AED 24.09
Wine (Bottle)
$12.38 AED 45.44
$4.12 AED 15.14
$16.51 AED 60.6
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.33 AED 4.88
$1.33 AED 4.88
$1.33 AED 4.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.73 AED 10.04
$2.73 AED 10.04
$2.73 AED 10.04
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.64 AED 6.03
$1.1 AED 4.03
$2.74 AED 10.07
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$59.1 AED 217
$24.56 AED 90.2
$59.1 AED 217
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.73 AED 10.03
$1.37 AED 5.01
$3.28 AED 12.05
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.68 AED 2.49
$0.49 AED 1.8
$1.17 AED 4.29
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.54 AED 27.67
$6.6 AED 24.22
$11.31 AED 41.53
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.8 AED 2.93
$0.7 AED 2.59
$0.83 AED 3.04
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$45.1K AED 165.8K
$44.4K AED 162.9K
$45.1K AED 165.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.1K AED 81.1K
$22.1K AED 81.1K
$22.1K AED 81.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$92.4 AED 339
$83.2 AED 305
$111 AED 407
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$53.4 AED 196
$32.88 AED 121
$61.6 AED 226
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$95.5 AED 351
$53.5 AED 196
$120 AED 442
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$58.7 AED 215
$30.45 AED 112
$89.1 AED 327
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$45.04 AED 165
$17.08 AED 62.7
$62.1 AED 228
Cinema Ticket
$11.22 AED 41.21
$10.68 AED 39.23
$12.02 AED 44.13
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$527 AED 1,934
$194 AED 714
$1,155 AED 4,240
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,855 AED 14.2K
$2,753 AED 10.1K
$4,956 AED 18.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$21.66 AED 79.5
$21.66 AED 79.5
$21.66 AED 79.5
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$78.9 AED 290
$24.06 AED 88.4
$134 AED 491
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$79.7 AED 293
$34.16 AED 125
$109 AED 401
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$54.9 AED 202
$54.9 AED 202
$54.9 AED 202
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$742 AED 2,727
$610 AED 2,239
$1,129 AED 4,147
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$847 AED 3,111
$610 AED 2,242
$1,679 AED 6,164
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,217 AED 8,141
$961 AED 3,528
$3,639 AED 13.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,380 AED 5,066
$966 AED 3,546
$3,035 AED 11.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,794 AED 21.3K
$4,368 AED 16K
$7,176 AED 26.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,473 AED 12.8K
$2,389 AED 8,774
$4,698 AED 17.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,748 AED 10.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.71
3.25
6
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Ruwais - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruwais generally affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other UAE cities in terms of value and trade-offs?
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.
What does daily life look like here in terms of housing options, groceries and dining, transport, and errands for a newcomer?
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.
How would you assess quality of life, budget effectively, and pick a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle in Ruwais, considering seasonality and local rhythms?
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.
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