Cost of Living in Umm Al Quwain - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $778 (excluding rent), and $1,624 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,768 (excluding rent), and $2,951 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.14 AED 22.54

$2.79 AED 10.24

$25.12 AED 92.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.75 AED 102

$23.59 AED 86.6

$166 AED 611

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.93 AED 29.12

$6.61 AED 24.27

$11.89 AED 43.66

Cappuccino

$3.8 AED 13.96

$1.94 AED 7.13

$5.54 AED 20.34

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

$0.87 AED 3.21

$0.7 AED 2.57

$1.4 AED 5.13

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 AED 1.36

$0.78 AED 2.86

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$10.7 AED 39.29

$6.69 AED 24.57

$16.05 AED 59

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$10.82 AED 39.74

$16.24 AED 59.6

Milk (1 liter)

$1.9 AED 6.99

$1.33 AED 4.87

$3.26 AED 11.97

White Bread (500g)

$1.21 AED 4.45

$0.55 AED 2

$3.58 AED 13.13

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.43 AED 5.26

$0.83 AED 3.04

$4.12 AED 15.12

Eggs

$1.89 AED 6.94

$1.11 AED 4.09

$6.68 AED 24.53

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.06 AED 33.27

$4.11 AED 15.1

$27.44 AED 101

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.61 AED 24.28

$2.75 AED 10.1

$15.14 AED 55.6

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.49 AED 27.5

$6.3 AED 23.14

$19.19 AED 70.5

Apples (1kg)

$1.67 AED 6.13

$1.08 AED 3.98

$3.25 AED 11.93

Banana (1kg)

$1.29 AED 4.74

$1.11 AED 4.07

$2.77 AED 10.16

Oranges (1kg)

$1.43 AED 5.25

$0.54 AED 2

$4.11 AED 15.1

Tomato (1kg)

$1.09 AED 3.98

$0.55 AED 2.01

$2.91 AED 10.69

Potato (1kg)

$0.93 AED 3.41

$0.53 AED 1.94

$1.6 AED 5.86

Onion (1kg)

$0.98 AED 3.59

$0.53 AED 1.94

$1.87 AED 6.86

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.81 AED 2.98

$0.28 AED 1.03

$2.83 AED 10.41

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.56 AED 2.06

$0.39 AED 1.43

$1.04 AED 3.81

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.21 AED 22.8

$5.41 AED 19.85

$8.11 AED 29.76

Wine (Bottle)

$11.03 AED 40.51

$8.28 AED 30.39

$33.11 AED 122

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.54 AED 5.67

$1.34 AED 4.91

$4.06 AED 14.91

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.75 AED 10.1

$1.38 AED 5.05

$6.89 AED 25.29

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.65 AED 6.07

$1.1 AED 4.06

$2.76 AED 10.13

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$52 AED 191

$21.6 AED 79.3

$52 AED 191

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.23 AED 11.88

$1.35 AED 4.94

$4.04 AED 14.82

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.79 AED 2.9

$0.46 AED 1.7

$1.31 AED 4.81

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.1 AED 29.76

$6.75 AED 24.8

$13.51 AED 49.61

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.74 AED 2.7

$0.65 AED 2.38

$0.92 AED 3.38

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

$32.3K AED 118.4K

$25.5K AED 93.8K

$44.8K AED 164.7K

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

$22.9K AED 84.1K

$20.5K AED 75.2K

$25.9K AED 95.2K

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

$139 AED 511

$94.9 AED 348

$288 AED 1,058

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

$62.4 AED 229

$27.51 AED 101

$110 AED 404

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$99.9 AED 367

$67.1 AED 247

$215 AED 789

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$120 AED 439

$44.98 AED 165

$194 AED 714

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$40.23 AED 148

$15.26 AED 56

$55.5 AED 204

Cinema Ticket

$13.67 AED 50.2

$6.84 AED 25.1

$20.5 AED 75.3

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

$594 AED 2,182

$137 AED 503

$1,371 AED 5,035

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,630 AED 20.7K

$3,217 AED 11.8K

$20.1K AED 73.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57.8 AED 212

$13.45 AED 49.38

$161 AED 592

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$61.1 AED 224

$20.36 AED 74.8

$109 AED 399

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.6 AED 307

$32.14 AED 118

$187 AED 688

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$93.7 AED 344

$54 AED 198

$204 AED 748

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$672 AED 2,466

$604 AED 2,219

$1,119 AED 4,110

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$554 AED 2,034

$1,523 AED 5,594

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,018 AED 3,740

$4,115 AED 15.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$830 AED 3,046

$3,042 AED 11.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,025 AED 14.8K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.53

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

Last update: December 2, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🕌 Middle east

Cost of Living in Umm Al Quwain - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain offers a calmer pace, simpler daily needs, and generally lower outgoings for housing and meals, making it attractive for first-time expats, travelers on a budget, or digital nomads seeking steadier cash flow. Cost of Living in Umm Al Quwain can feel friendlier when you prioritize long-term rentals, modest apartments, and neighborhood markets over high-end dining or luxury amenities. The coastal setting and smaller scale keep commutes short, while off-peak seasons bring quieter streets. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to test neighborhoods and your work setup before committing long-term.

Housing searches usually start with local listings or a real estate agent, then a short-term stay helps you feel out each neighborhood's vibe. For groceries and meals, you’ll find markets and casual eateries that let you cook at home or enjoy inexpensive options a short drive from the coast. Transport tends to be car-friendly, with parking common and rideshares a practical backup. Co-working spaces and quiet cafes provide work-ready spots if you don’t want to work from home. Umm Al Quwain living cost considerations come into play as you map monthly needs. Tip: Test several neighborhoods on weekends before choosing a base.

Quality of life here hinges on planning: use a simple monthly budget for rent, utilities, groceries, and transport, with extra for seasonal cooling. Consider neighborhoods by how close they are to beaches, parks, or quiet residential streets, and test commute times during peak hours. Practical savings come from cooking at home, shopping local markets, and choosing energy-efficient accommodations. Seasonal shifts – cooler winters mean lower AC use and more outdoor activity – can influence your routines and costs. Tip: Let your first month guide your longer-term choice, then renegotiate lease terms if needed.