🇦🇪 Cost of living · UAE
Abu Dhabi Cost of Living
Monthly cost of living breakdown for Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cost Level: High
Housing
1BR Apartment — City Center AED 3,700–6,600/mo (centre); AED 2,800–4,800/mo (outer)
USD Reference Approx. USD 1,010–1,800/mo (1BR centre) · at 2026-08-04 FX rates
Food & Dining
Budget Restaurant / Local Eatery AED 25–50 (casual); AED 120–250 (restaurant for 2)
Monthly Groceries AED 800–1,500/mo (groceries)
Transport
Monthly Transport Cost Monthly pass ~AED 80
Buses + heavy driving (cheap taxis/ride-hailing); no metro. Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH). Spaciously planned with a walkable Corniche.
Monthly Budget Summary
Budget Lifestyle (single)
USD 2,000–3,000
Comfortable Lifestyle (single)
USD 3,000–5,000
Family Budget (2–3 people)
USD 6,000–10,000
Important Note
Data above is approximate and indicative. Actual costs vary by location, personal lifestyle, and exchange rate fluctuations. Verify with local sources after arrival.
Source: RichBay editorial estimate (indicative, not guaranteed)
Estimate baseline: 2026-06-21
How we estimate
- Coverage: the city and its immediate surrounding area.
- Housing: public statistics and current listing ranges (1-bedroom, city-centre baseline).
- Food & transport: supermarket / restaurant reference baskets and official operator fares.
- Currency conversion uses a reference rate; any USD figures are computed at the rate shown.
- Confidence: Medium — an editorial estimate, not a crowdsourced index.
- Cost level is relative to Richbay’s global city set, not an absolute index.
Want a full move plan?
Generate your personalized relocation roadmap with the AI life-planner at richbay.com — timeline, budget, must-do steps.