Cost of Living in Sharjah - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,547 monthly including rent, or $692 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,247 with rent, or $1,354 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,946 including rent, or $2,016 for daily expenses alone.

Sharjah sits 4–15% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 48% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.35 AED 19.64
$4.00 AED 14.70
$8.02 AED 29.44
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.06 AED 121
$20.66 AED 75.9
$68.9 AED 253
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.53 AED 35.00
$8.41 AED 30.88
$11.77 AED 43.23
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$9.48 AED 34.83
$8.13 AED 29.86
$10.83 AED 39.80
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.41 AED 34.56
-
Cappuccino
$4.30 AED 15.79
$2.17 AED 7.98
$8.15 AED 29.93
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.93 AED 3.42
$0.65 AED 2.38
$1.29 AED 4.75
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.37 AED 1.36
$0.28 AED 1.02
$0.85 AED 3.11
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.78 AED 6.54
$1.12 AED 4.12
$3.09 AED 11.34
White Bread (500g)
$1.18 AED 4.34
$0.69 AED 2.52
$1.79 AED 6.57
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.03 AED 7.47
$1.37 AED 5.03
$3.57 AED 13.10
Eggs
$2.79 AED 10.24
$1.09 AED 3.99
$5.96 AED 21.91
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.51 AED 38.62
$6.67 AED 24.50
$18.05 AED 66.3
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.69 AED 24.59
$3.19 AED 11.70
$13.27 AED 48.75
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.53 AED 31.31
$3.99 AED 14.67
$13.33 AED 48.97
Apples (1kg)
$1.82 AED 6.70
$1.06 AED 3.91
$2.39 AED 8.78
Banana (1kg)
$1.56 AED 5.75
$1.40 AED 5.14
$2.24 AED 8.24
Oranges (1kg)
$1.47 AED 5.40
$0.55 AED 2.01
$2.21 AED 8.12
Tomato (1kg)
$1.22 AED 4.47
$0.83 AED 3.05
$1.38 AED 5.06
Potato (1kg)
$1.04 AED 3.80
$0.69 AED 2.53
$1.38 AED 5.07
Onion (1kg)
$1.17 AED 4.30
$0.53 AED 1.93
$1.73 AED 6.34
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.45 AED 5.33
$0.80 AED 2.96
$1.87 AED 6.88
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.59 AED 2.17
$0.39 AED 1.44
$0.78 AED 2.87
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$15.46 AED 56.8
$6.22 AED 22.84
$16.23 AED 59.6
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.88 AED 6.92
$1.34 AED 4.93
$2.42 AED 8.87
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.45 AED 12.68
$1.96 AED 7.21
$5.60 AED 20.57
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.47 AED 23.75
$5.51 AED 20.22
$6.88 AED 25.27
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.67 AED 6.14
$1.39 AED 5.12
$2.79 AED 10.24
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$40.17 AED 148
$21.42 AED 78.7
$58.9 AED 216
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.60 AED 13.21
$3.20 AED 11.74
$3.99 AED 14.65
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.66 AED 2.42
$0.52 AED 1.92
$0.79 AED 2.91
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.03 AED 18.47
$5.03 AED 18.47
$12.58 AED 46.22
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.81 AED 2.99
$0.70 AED 2.57
$0.91 AED 3.33
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$45.4K AED 166.8K
$23.5K AED 86.3K
$45.8K AED 168.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.3K AED 82.0K
$22.3K AED 81.8K
$22.3K AED 82.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$195 AED 716
$121 AED 446
$405 AED 1,487
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$65.9 AED 242
$27.42 AED 101
$89.1 AED 327
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$102 AED 374
$81.1 AED 298
$122 AED 447
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$64.2 AED 236
$27.76 AED 102
$83.3 AED 306
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$37.64 AED 138
$16.13 AED 59.3
$53.8 AED 198
Cinema Ticket
$13.00 AED 47.76
$10.54 AED 38.71
$19.17 AED 70.4
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$273 AED 1,002
$268 AED 986
$295 AED 1,084
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,985 AED 22.0K
$3,223 AED 11.8K
$10.7K AED 39.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$53.0 AED 195
$23.55 AED 86.5
$111 AED 407
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$97.4 AED 358
$20.57 AED 75.5
$126 AED 463
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$95.4 AED 350
$53.9 AED 198
$132 AED 485
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$82.6 AED 304
$55.2 AED 203
$110 AED 406
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$755 AED 2,772
$674 AED 2,475
$898 AED 3,299
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$596 AED 2,191
$542 AED 1,989
$812 AED 2,984
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,617 AED 5,940
$1,086 AED 3,987
$2,442 AED 8,971
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,008 AED 3,702
$804 AED 2,952
$1,875 AED 6,888
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$8,253 AED 30.3K
$8,253 AED 30.3K
$10.4K AED 38.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,745 AED 10.1K
$2,745 AED 10.1K
$8,274 AED 30.4K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,234 AED 8,204
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.42
4
5

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

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $755 for a central one-bedroom, or $596 outside the center. At 34% of the average salary ($2,234), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,234, while typical expenses reach $1,547. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $2,321.

Expect to spend about $188 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $33.00 for two – broadly in line with the Asian average.

Public transport is priced at around $40.17 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia

Fast food meal is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Cappuccino is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia

Sharjah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Sharjah - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Sharjah overall, and who tends to get the best value for money for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Sharjah generally offers a friendlier price-to-value balance than its Gulf neighbors, especially for housing and daily essentials – an appealing point for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. In Cost of Living in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, you’ll notice more affordable options in housing and everyday goods when compared with Dubai, along with a cosmopolitan yet relaxed vibe. Neighborhoods range from waterfront and historic cores to quieter residential areas, with coworking spaces that fit various budgets. Seasonal demand and proximity to the Dubai corridor shape choices rather than prices alone. Tip: Compare neighborhoods, stay flexible, and look for long-stay options that include utilities or community perks.
What does a typical day look like for a traveler or remote worker in Sharjah, from housing search to groceries and getting around?
From a housing hunt to daily errands, you’ll feel the rhythm shift with the season and work needs. Start by filtering apartment options near practical hubs or by the coast; in Sharjah, you’ll find a spectrum from affordable towers to compound-style homes. Grocery runs happen at local markets and regional supermarkets; dining ranges from casual cafes to diverse eating spots. Understanding Sharjah, United Arab Emirates living cost helps you budget for groceries and transport. For getting around, you’ll likely rely on a car or taxis, with a growing set of bus routes and ride-hail options. Co-working spaces and quiet lounges offer reliable workdays with short commutes. Tip: Build a weekly route to limit transit time and maximize stretch breaks.
Which neighborhoods fit different lifestyles in Sharjah, and what budgeting approach helps you save while enjoying culture and outdoor life?
Sharjah offers a range of neighborhoods that fit different rhythms, from waterfront strolls in Al Majaz to calmer residential pockets near educational campuses. Use a simple budgeting framework like categorize-then-trim: housing and utilities first, groceries and dining second, and transport and leisure last. In hot seasons you’ll trade outdoor activities for malls and cafes, while cooler months invite weekend explorations of museums and markets – great for culture without breaking the bank. For value, look for longer leases that include utilities, or coworking passes that halve your workspace costs. Neighborhood fit improves with a short visit: walk the streets, check safety, and consider commute times to your preferred work or study spots. Tip: try a 60-day trial stay to test neighborhoods.
Is rent in Sharjah too high relative to local incomes?
With 34% of the average paycheck going to rent, Sharjah is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Sharjah?
All in, Sharjah runs about $1,547 monthly with rent, or $692 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
How does the average salary in Sharjah compare to the cost of living?
At $2,234 take-home, most residents in Sharjah can cover the $1,547 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,321 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Sharjah per month?
Where you live in Sharjah makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $755; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $596. Overall, the market runs from $596 to $755 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Sharjah?
A monthly transit pass in Sharjah runs about $40.17, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Sharjah?
At about $188 monthly, food costs in Sharjah sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Sharjah?
Living on $2,000 in Sharjah means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,547. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What makes Sharjah attractive for retirement?
Retirement in Sharjah is comfortable for most – total costs run about $1,547 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
How much can you save per month in Sharjah?
Monthly expenses in Sharjah run around $1,547, so putting money aside takes more than $2,321 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Can budget travelers get by in Sharjah?
Budget travel in Sharjah works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,547 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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