Last update: Oct 2026 United Arab Emirates 1.4M

Cost of Living in Sharjah

For one person, living costs in Sharjah are estimated at $1,838 a month, including rent and utilities – 19% below the national average. Rent and utilities take more than half of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Sharjah

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Sharjah actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,838 monthly including rent, or $733 excluding housing.

$1,838 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,578 with rent, or $1,208 without housing.

$2,578 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,318 including rent, or $1,683 for daily expenses alone.

$3,318 /mo

Sharjah sits 18–36% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 73% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.96 AED 21.90
$2.71 AED 9.94
$13.55 AED 49.75
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.28 AED 122
$24.96 AED 91.7
$83.2 AED 305
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.96 AED 29.22
$7.96 AED 29.22
$10.08 AED 37.02
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$9.68 AED 35.54
$8.30 AED 30.47
$11.06 AED 40.62
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.54 AED 35.05
-
Cappuccino
$3.17 AED 11.64
$1.39 AED 5.11
$6.97 AED 25.58
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.78 AED 2.87
$0.70 AED 2.56
$1.40 AED 5.13
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.29 AED 1.06
$0.26 AED 0.96
$0.52 AED 1.91
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.53 AED 5.63
$1.08 AED 3.96
$1.89 AED 6.93
White Bread (500g)
$1.14 AED 4.18
$0.80 AED 2.93
$1.59 AED 5.82
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.83 AED 6.71
$1.11 AED 4.08
$2.78 AED 10.19
Eggs
$3.33 AED 12.22
$2.09 AED 7.67
$6.04 AED 22.18
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.93 AED 32.80
$6.67 AED 24.49
$16.66 AED 61.2
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.82 AED 25.03
$3.37 AED 12.36
$9.81 AED 36.03
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.29 AED 41.46
$5.74 AED 21.08
$13.66 AED 50.2
Apples (1kg)
$2.17 AED 7.99
$1.06 AED 3.90
$3.19 AED 11.71
Banana (1kg)
$1.68 AED 6.15
$1.33 AED 4.89
$2.14 AED 7.84
Oranges (1kg)
$1.35 AED 4.98
$0.55 AED 2.01
$2.48 AED 9.10
Tomato (1kg)
$1.24 AED 4.56
$0.53 AED 1.95
$2.15 AED 7.88
Potato (1kg)
$1.03 AED 3.80
$0.80 AED 2.94
$1.59 AED 5.84
Onion (1kg)
$1.08 AED 3.96
$0.41 AED 1.49
$1.61 AED 5.92
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.49 AED 5.47
$0.56 AED 2.04
$2.24 AED 8.23
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.60 AED 2.21
$0.56 AED 2.06
$0.85 AED 3.13
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$15.47 AED 56.8
$6.22 AED 22.83
$16.23 AED 59.6
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.41 AED 8.85
$1.32 AED 4.85
$2.42 AED 8.89
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.67 AED 9.80
$1.10 AED 4.04
$2.89 AED 10.61
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.38 AED 23.42
$5.98 AED 21.96
$6.50 AED 23.86
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.23 AED 8.18
$1.39 AED 5.10
$2.23 AED 8.18
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$27.05 AED 99.3
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.66 AED 13.45
$3.26 AED 11.95
$4.06 AED 14.92
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.55 AED 2.03
$0.50 AED 1.84
$0.84 AED 3.08
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.78 AED 43.26
$4.82 AED 17.69
$18.74 AED 68.8
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.93 AED 3.40
$0.66 AED 2.41
$1.00 AED 3.68
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$46.1K AED 169.4K
$45.3K AED 166.4K
$46.1K AED 169.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.7K AED 79.9K
$20.6K AED 75.8K
$21.9K AED 80.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$211 AED 774
$194 AED 713
$238 AED 873
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$49.45 AED 182
$13.81 AED 50.7
$60.9 AED 224
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$98.0 AED 360
$81.9 AED 301
$109 AED 401
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$53.9 AED 198
$41.07 AED 151
$82.2 AED 302
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$22.30 AED 81.9
$21.45 AED 78.8
$22.30 AED 81.9
Cinema Ticket
$13.86 AED 50.9
$13.86 AED 50.9
$19.41 AED 71.3
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$329 AED 1,210
$241 AED 885
$413 AED 1,516
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,480 AED 31.1K
$3,800 AED 14.0K
$19.8K AED 72.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$59.1 AED 217
$24.78 AED 91.0
$72.0 AED 264
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$77.7 AED 285
$63.6 AED 234
$95.4 AED 350
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$110 AED 404
$54.8 AED 201
$135 AED 495
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$96.4 AED 354
$60.7 AED 223
$114 AED 418
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$826 AED 3,033
$717 AED 2,632
$1,102 AED 4,049
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$894 AED 3,285
$546 AED 2,007
$2,557 AED 9,391
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,832 AED 6,730
$1,498 AED 5,503
$2,452 AED 9,004
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,423 AED 5,228
$1,098 AED 4,031
$1,943 AED 7,135
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$8,099 AED 29.7K
$8,099 AED 29.7K
$10.2K AED 37.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,768 AED 10.2K
$2,768 AED 10.2K
$8,344 AED 30.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,187 AED 8,031
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.5
4
5

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

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Sharjah $1,838
Accommodation & Living
$894
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$358
Groceries & Markets
$193
Clothing & Footwear
$154
Eating Out
$114
Sport & Entertainment
$82
Getting Around
$42

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $826 for a central one-bedroom, or $894 outside the center. At 38% of the average salary ($2,187), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,187, while typical expenses reach $1,838. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $2,757.

Expect to spend about $193 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 $27.05 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $33.00.

Cost Highlights

Sharjah has the 9th most expensive internet in Asia

Overall monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
13:21 1:21 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,400,000
💱 Currency
UAE Dirham AED د.إ
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to AED – UAE Dirham Converter

UAE Dirham exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 3.67 AED (1 AED = 0.272 USD). 1 EUR = 4.13 AED (1 AED = 0.242 EUR).

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Sharjah Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 38% 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 $1,838 monthly with rent, or $733 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 $2,187 take-home, most residents in Sharjah can cover the $1,838 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,757 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 $826; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $894. Overall, the market runs from $894 to $826 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Sharjah?
A monthly transit pass in Sharjah runs about $27.05, 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 $193 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 $3,000 cover living expenses in Sharjah?
Living on $3,000 in Sharjah means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,838. 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 $1,838 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 $1,838, so putting money aside takes more than $2,757 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 $1,838 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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