Costs of Living in Abu Dhabi in 2025: A Detailed Breakdown

As the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a key financial and cultural center in the Gulf region. With its peaceful lifestyle and family-friendly environment, Abu Dhabi is an ideal place to live in the Emirates, away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. Yet, the costs of living can make or break your decision to move to Abu Dhabi in 2025. 

To help you grasp the average costs of living in Abu Dhabi, whether it's for families, couples or singles, we came up with a detailed breakdown of different kinds of expenses. We’ll start from housing and utilities, and go all the way down to groceries, transportation and leisure activities. So, if you are curious about the cost of living in Abu Dhabi, read our detailed guide for more information.

Estimated monthly costs in Abu Dhabi based on the expense type

Analyzing the Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

Housing costs make up the most expensive category of expenses in the city of Abu Dhabi, whether you are considering buying a property or renting it. The luxurious and modern real estate comes with a big price tag and the prices continue to fluctuate in 2025 based on location, property type and the overall real estate market trends.

In addition to housing, other significant expenses are utilities, groceries, healthcare and insurance, education, transportation, leisure and entertainment and others. Let’s cover these costs in more detail below.

Housing Costs

The property market in Abu Dhabi offers plenty of different options when it comes to housing. If you want to rent, you can save some money by considering the location and type of property you choose. In case you want to buy a property, you should consider the cost of fees that are involved in the process. The decision to buy or rent ultimately comes down to your long-term plans, financial situation and lifestyle preferences. 

The Costs of Buying a Property

To start off your property-buying journey in Abu Dhabi, check whether you have all the documents for the purchase. These include the sale transaction fee, will and mortgage registration, property valuation certificate issuance, site plan issuance, replacement of title deed and government land lease registration. 

After you gather all the documents, you can start making a budget for the purchase. Here are all the fees you should consider when buying property in Abu Dhabi:

• Sale transaction fee: 1% - 4% of the transaction value, divided equally between the buyer and seller.

• Mortgage registration: 1 per thousand of the mortgage value, capped at AED 1 million per transaction.

• Mortgage transfer fee: AED 200.

• Will registration: AED 3,000.

• Property valuation certificate issuance: AED 100.

• Site plan issuance: AED 200.

• Government land lease registration: AED 1,000.

• Replacement of title deed: AED 500.

If this is your first time buying property in Abu Dhabi, you need to carefully review all the costs that go into the process. The fees will vary depending on the value of the property you buy, the type of transaction, and your specific requirements (mortgage options or property size). 

Be sure to set aside funds for both mandatory fees and any additional costs that may arise during the process. If you prefer having assistance during the whole process, Kredium has the best real estate agents to help you with buy the right property in Abu Dhabi.

The Costs of Renting a Property

If you decide to rent a property in Abu Dhabi, consider the type of property and its location since it can make a big difference in your monthly rent. Choose properties on the mainland outskirts if you want to pay less, try to negotiate rent or share accommodation. You can also choose older buildings or properties with included amenities can help reduce expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the average rental costs in different areas:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment in Khalifa City: AED 3,583 per month

• 1-Bedroom Apartment in Al Reem Islands: AED 5,500 per month

• 3-Bedroom Villa in Al Raha Gardens: AED 13,166 per month

• 3-Bedroom Villa in Al Reef: AED 8,916 per month

Understanding this range in price can help you find the right place and property type to suit your lifestyle.

The Costs of Utilities

You can expect to pay around AED 608.44 monthly for utility expenses in Abu Dhabi. However, keep in mind that this estimation is for an apartment of 85-square-metres. Other utilities you should consider are electricity, heating and cooling, water, and garbage. 

Also, count in monthly bills for mobile plans, which are approximately AED 209.43 for regular and AED 125 for a basic postpaid plan. Internet averages about AED 385.58 while a basic internet and tv package is about AED 429. Let’s see a table with all the utilities and their average monthly cost.

Average estimated monthly utility costs in Abu Dhabi

Prices for Groceries

A category of expenses that can influence your daily living costs is groceries. To be able to plan and budget your meals, you need to know the approximate price of groceries in Abu Dhabi. Several supermarket chains have established their presence in Abu Dhabi, including Carrefour, Spinneys, and more. Here’s a list of the supermarkets in the city:

• Carrefour

• LuLu Hypermarkets

• Spinneys

• Waitrose

• VIVA Supermarkets

• Souq Planet

• Choithrams

Let’s take a look at the average price of different grocery items in Abu Dhabi:

Average price of groceries in Abu Dhabi as of February 2025

Healthcare and Insurance Costs

Health insurance price range in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system is known as one of the most advanced in the world. Yet, the cost is a bit high so a medical expense for illnesses, accidents or surgeries can be quite considerable. Good news is that there are different medical insurances that can cover the costs. When it comes to the types of medical insurance in Abu Dhabi, they are the following:

• Individual health insurance

• Family health insurance

• Senior health insurance

• Group/employee health insurance

Each of these insurances has specific conditions and coverages, and you can choose the one that suits your needs. On the other hand, the UAE government is making efforts to ease the financial burden on its citizens so that healthcare doesn’t consume a lot of money from their income.

Education Costs for Families

A table with selected Abu Dhabi school tuition fees

There are 185 registered private schools in Abu Dhabi and around 2,000 students as of 2025. Abu Dhabi has high-standards when it comes to its schools and international universities. Tuition fees can be quite different and they vary depending on the type of educational program or the level of schools and universities. 

It can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dirhams each year, so you can expect the price of around $11,780 for a full program at the University of Abu Dhabi.

Moreover, school fees can start from AED 2200 to AED 96,333 per year. Additional fees like admission, transportation, school uniforms, books and others are not included in this price. Also, location, curriculum, facilities and academic track record can affect how much the school fees can vary.

Transportation Costs

A table with transportation-related expenses in Abu Dhabi

You can choose from many different options when it comes to transportation in Abu Dhabi. There are taxis, buses, private cars and ride-sharing services. Public transportation is affordable, yet many residents like to use private cars that come with extra expenses for fuel and maintenance. 

For travel within the city, a one-way ticket should cost you about AED 2. This price is for buses and other vehicles for public transportation. Other options include weekly passes that cost around AED 30 as well as monthly passes for AED 80. Overall, taxis are the most common transportation option in Abu Dhabi. Taxi fares vary based on metered rates so you can expect to pay more for longer rides which is especially true during peak hours.

The Cost of Leisure and Entertainment

A table with entertainment and leisure expenses in Abu Dhabi

There are plenty of different ways to recreate and entertain in Abu Dhabi, including visiting luxury shopping centers, restaurants and recreational centers. However, pay attention to the cost when it comes to recreational activities as they can be high. Several hundred dirhams for a dinner at a famous restaurant is a usual price, so make sure you carefully plan your outings and budget accordingly.

You can also spend some time visiting world-class museums or enjoying a water park. For example, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has stunning architecture and pricey art collections with works from Van Gogh and Picasso alike. The budget to build this museum was over 1.5 billion euros and it is now recognized as a link between civilizations.

An important landmark with amazing architecture in Abu Dhabi is the Sheik Zayed Mosque. This is probably Abu Dhabi’s most important tourist attraction and the visit is free of charge for the public. Other attractions like Yas World and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offer a lot of entertainment with parks that feature slides and water games. Visiting these places could be a great way to spend the day and soak some sun and water.

Other Costs

If you're a pet owner in Abu Dhabi, here’s something important to know: as of February 3, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) introduced a new pet registration system. This system, available through the TAMM portal, is designed to help regulate pet ownership, make sure pets meet veterinary health standards, and keep accurate records of pets in the Emirate.

The registration applies to:

• Abu Dhabi residents who own pets

• Abu Dhabi-based businesses that have pets (like animal shelters or cat cafes)

Other costs you can expect are related to your mobile phone monthly plans which are around AED 200 for 10GB+ of data. Also, if you're a fitness enthusiast, you can find an affordable gym from AED 480 per month. Account for personal care costs from visiting salons, getting drugstore products and medicine etc. Lastly, when it comes to taxation, you do not need to pay taxes on personal income, however, businesses need a corporate tax registration number to register for VAT.

A table with typical personal care prices in Abu Dhabi

Families, Couples and Single People: Average Costs per Month

Different lifestyles will have different needs, so a family of four in Abu Dhabi would also need to account for education fees for their children while a single person in Abu Dhabi can expect much lower everyday and monthly expenses. Families will also have to factor in costs for larger housing, groceries, and healthcare, which can add up quickly.

On the other hand, couples may find a more balanced cost of living depending on their lifestyle choices, but they will still need to plan for activities, dining out, and shared expenses. Let’s cover each lifestyle in more detail to understand the specific costs and how they can impact your budget.

Average Costs for Families

The average monthly cost for a family living in Abu Dhabi is about AED 12,301. This is 45.8% cheaper than living in New York, not including rent. We covered the specific fees for schools above in the Education Costs for Families section, and other than that, families can also expect monthly costs that are around AED 12,000 to AED 20,000, depending on housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation. 

Rent for a 2-3 bedroom apartment or villa is typically between AED 5,000 to AED 12,000 per month, and utilities can range from AED 600 to AED 1,200. Families can also expect to spend on healthcare, dining out, and activities, which can add another AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 to their monthly budget.

Average Costs for Couples

In 2025, a couple living in Abu Dhabi can expect to spend between AED 18,000 and AED 25,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from AED 6,000 to AED 12,000 while utilities like electricity, water, and internet will cost around AED 648 per month.

Depending on the spending habits and preferences, groceries typically cost about AED 1,500, while dining out can add another AED 1,000 to AED 2,000. Overall, a couple’s monthly expenses are likely to be between AED 18,000 and AED 25,000.

Average Costs for a Single Person

A single person can expect to have monthly expenses ranging anywhere between AED 3,500 and AED 4,000 without rent included. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 8,000. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet cost around AED 1,000 to AED 1,500, while groceries can range from AED 1,500 to AED 2,500. 

Dining out adds another AED 1,000 to AED 2,000, and transportation costs are around AED 1,000 to AED 2,500. Overall, expenses will vary depending on lifestyle but generally fall within this range.

Typical Jobs and Salaries in Abu Dhabi: What to Expect

The thriving economy in Abu Dhabi can offer you job opportunities of different kinds. Finding a job in Abu Dhabi as a foreigner can be competitive, but it’s not too difficult. The job market gives you plenty of opportunities, especially in finance, tourism, and technology. Your success will depend on your qualifications, experience, and networking. 

Many expats secure jobs before arriving by using job sites like LinkedIn, GulfTalent, and Bayt. A work visa, usually sponsored by an employer, is required. While getting the visa can be tricky, the UAE is focused on attracting global talent, making it possible for foreigners to find good job opportunities.

The Most Common Jobs in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi gives you a range of job opportunities across various industries. Some of the key sectors include:

• Oil and Gas

• Finance and Banking

• Healthcare

• Tourism and Hospitality

• Construction and Engineering

• Education

• Creative Industry

What to Expect in Terms of Salaries

In 2024, the average salary in the UAE was AED 13,450 (US$3,663), according to CEOWorld Magazine. This is the highest average salary in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Mercer also predicts a 4% increase in salaries for 2025. Abu Dhabi can give you an attractive salary package, however, not all companies provide the same benefits. To be able to live comfortably, you should look into job offers that have:

• Tax-free salary

• Housing allowance

• Annual flight tickets home

• Full health insurance

• Education allowance for children

• End-of-service benefits

Although salaries in Abu Dhabi are high, the cost of living can also be high. It’s important to carefully negotiate your job contract to make sure your salary matches your lifestyle needs.

How Costly is Abu Dhabi Compared to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah?

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are three of the most popular cities in the UAE for those who want to invest in real estate. It can help you to get a better perspective on the cost of living in Abu Dhabi when compared to other emirates like Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. In general, Abu Dhabi is slightly cheaper than Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah is typically more affordable than both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

If you want a peaceful family-friendly life with a relaxed atmosphere, Abu Dhabi is the way to go. Let’s explore the comparison with these two cities in more detail to understand the differences a bit better.

Abu Dhabi vs Dubai

Abu Dhabi is approximately 140 to 160 kilometers (about 87 to 99 miles) away from Dubai. If you are looking to buy a property for investment purposes, to live in or to rent it in a place with plenty of shopping centers and attractions, Dubai could be the perfect place. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, is a great option for people that want a prospective location to live in, invest or rent a property with a bit more accessible pricing. Here's a quick comparison:

• Cost of Living: Abu Dhabi is 9.2% cheaper than Dubai

• Rent Prices: Rent in Abu Dhabi is 30.6% lower than in Dubai

• Public Transportation: Dubai’s monthly Nol card - from AED 140 to AED 700, Abu Dhabi’s monthly Hafilat pass is AED 95

• Car Ownership Expenses: Lower in Abu Dhabi compared to Dubai

You should choose Dubai if you do not mind that it is a bit pricier and if you prefer a fast-paced lifestyle with vibrant nightlife. On the other hand, you should opt for Abu Dhabi if you value a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle with a chance to save a bit on everyday expenses.

Abu Dhabi vs Ras Al Khaimah

​Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) offers a relaxed lifestyle with beautiful beaches and mountains, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The cost of living is lower than in Abu Dhabi, with housing prices significantly more affordable. In fact, RAK ranked sixth globally in expat satisfaction, praised for its affordability and ease of settling in. Let’s compare the price ranges for housing in Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi:

• Studio apartments: AED 3,500 to AED 5,500 per month

• One-bedroom apartments: AED 5,500 to AED 8,500 per month

• Three-bedroom apartments: AED 12,000 to AED 18,000 per month

Ras Al Khaimah:

• Studio apartments: AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 per month
  One-bedroom apartments: AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per month

• Villas: AED 10,000 to AED 17,500 per month

Overall, Ras Al Khaimah offers more affordable rental options compared to Abu Dhabi, making it a budget-friendly choice if you are looking for lower living costs.

Budget Tips for Managing The Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

Due to the UAE’s new pricing policy for nine essential consumer goods (cooking oil, eggs, dairy, rice, and bread) which took effect on January 2nd in 2025, price hikes for these items will be regulated with a mandatory six-month gap between any consecutive increases. This policy should help keep the market stable, protect consumers from numerous price fluctuations and keep fair competition among retailers in the UAE. Therefore, you should be able to better plan your budget and stay on track with your everyday expenses.

1. Find Accommodation in Affordable Areas

A good idea when it comes to saving on housing is to choose among properties in areas where they are generally cheaper. You are able to pay much less on monthly rent based on location and here are some affordable areas for rent to consider: 

• Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City)

• Khalifa City A. ​

• Al Ghadeer

If you want to buy a property, then you should look into the following areas:

• Al Reef

• Khalifa City

• Mussafah

Another way to save is to consider whether you are able to share accommodation in Abu Dhabi for the most significant savings.

2. Adopt Energy-Saving Habits

By adopting energy-saving habits and being mindful of your usage, you can significantly lower your utility bills in Abu Dhabi. The high summer temperatures often lead to higher electricity costs, particularly due to air conditioning, which makes up around 70% of the emirate's energy consumption.

To reduce these costs, it's recommended to set your air conditioning thermostat between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 78°F). Lowering the temperature by just one degree can raise energy usage by 3-5%. Regularly maintaining your AC units also ensures they run efficiently, helping to keep utility bills in check during the hot months.

3. Buy Groceries from Affordable Supermarkets

To save on groceries in Abu Dhabi in 2025, you can shop in supermarkets that often have sales, especially on Wednesdays, like Carrefour, LuLu, Spinneys, and Waitrose. Planning your meals around different promotions in supermarkets and joining loyalty programs for exclusive discounts can really help you save money. 

Shopping at off-peak hours can also help you find better deals, as stores may offer discounts during these times. Lastly, compare prices across different stores and you’ll notice fluctuations in prices. By using these strategies, you can significantly cut down on your grocery bills in Abu Dhabi.

4. Try Employee-Provided Healthcare Insurance

Take advantage of employee-provided healthcare insurance since it often covers employees as well as their families at a much lower cost. You should also check whether you qualify for government health programs like “Thiqa” if you are a UAE national or eligible resident. You want to compare health insurance plans regularly to see if you are receiving the best coverage for your needs and you can also choose basic coverage with optional add-ons.

Even more so, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising and eating a balanced diet to help reduce healthcare costs and prevent frequent doctor visits. Lastly, you should review what is written in your insurance policy to understand what exactly is covered and avoid unexpected costs.

5. Take Advantage of Scholarships and Financial Help

Sometimes, employers would grant education allowances and reimbursements for the schooling of your children. A lot of schools also provide scholarships or financial help for the schooling. When it comes to the difference between private and public schools, the main one is that public schools are free for Emirati children while fees may apply for expatriate students. You should explore scholarships from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) or local institutions like Abu Dhabi University and NYU Abu Dhabi. 

One more way you can budget the costs of education is if you set up an education savings account where you can manage future tuition expenses. 

Moving to Abu Dhabi and The Associated Costs

The process of relocating to Abu Dhabi varies depending on factors like housing, transportation and your personal preferences. From visa and immigration fees to the logistics of shipping personal belongings, you should consider several important expenses. 

Other expenses have to do with vehicle and pet relocation, healthcare and school fees for families. When you understand the costs associated with relocating to Abu Dhabi, you can plan a more precise budget and make the process smoother.

Visa and Immigration Fees

Visa and immigration fees are one of the first costs you will encounter when relocating to Abu Dhabi. If you are a remote worker with a valid health insurance and a minimum income of $3,500, you can apply for the UAE’s Virtual Work Residence Visa. You will pay AED 300 for the application fee for this visa and you might also need to set aside finances for other related expenses. For example, fees for medical exams and processing may need to be covered, depending on your specific situation.

Shipping and Moving Costs

International shipping costs depend on where you're moving from and how much belongings you are bringing, with prices starting around $33.99 for personal items. Domestic moves within Abu Dhabi are generally more affordable, so moving costs for a one-bedroom apartment range from AED 950 to AED 1,350, and a two-bedroom apartment from AED 1,400 to AED 1,650. If you're bringing pets or vehicles, there are additional costs, including microchipping, vaccinations, customs duties, and inspection fees. 

To get accurate estimates, you should use shipping calculators from reputable companies or consult with professional movers and relocation experts. Planning ahead and comparing quotes can help you manage your costs effectively.

Vehicle and Pet Relocation Expenses

If you are importing a vehicle from the USA to the UAE, for example, it should cost you about $1,095 USD and it will take around 20 to 35 days. Depending on the exact location of the vehicle, model and make. When the vehicle arrives in the UAE, customs take 5% of the vehicle’s value. Other expenses are related to inspection fees of about AED 450 and costs for registration and insurance based on the type of vehicle and the coverage selected.

To relocate a pet, you can bring them into the UAE by getting an import permit that costs AED 200 per pet(dogs and cats) or AED 400 per horse. The permit will be valid for 30 days and it needs to be covered before your pet arrives. Microchipping is required as well as providing a full vaccination record. You can get help  with documentation, vaccination and travel arrangements from professional pet relocation services when it comes to costs that range from $1,000 and $5,000.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Some other costs to keep in mind upon relocating include the furnishing of your accommodation which varies based on your personal preferences and the size of the property. So, it is a smart idea to set aside a budget for furnishing. Also, travel expenses when you are scouting or visiting family members should also be accounted for. By understanding and planning for these extra costs, you can be sure to have a smoother transition and greater financial stability when moving to Abu Dhabi.

FAQs About The Costs of Living in Abu Dhabi

There is plenty of information on the costs of living in Abu Dhabi to go over. Just in case we missed some important details, here is a section with additional questions and answers.

1. How much money is needed for a week in Abu Dhabi?

A one-week trip to Abu Dhabi typically costs about $1,380 (AED 5,068) for one person and $2,760 (AED 10,136) for two people. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment for the duration of the stay. However, the total cost can vary depending on the choice of accommodation and dining preferences, with luxury options significantly increasing the overall expenses.

2. What is a sufficient monthly income for a family of four in Abu Dhabi?

A monthly income of around AED 20,000 to AED 25,000 is generally considered enough to cover living expenses comfortably. This range allows for rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare, but it may need to be adjusted depending on lifestyle and the specific area of residence. For example, living in more upscale neighborhoods or sending children to private schools may require a higher income.

3. What is the average price of a house in Abu Dhabi?

The average price for a house in Abu Dhabi is AED 1,846/sq ft. This price can vary based on location, size, and amenities, with properties in prime areas like Saadiyat Island or Al Reem Island generally costing more. Also, prices can fluctuate due to market conditions and demand, so it is important to consider these factors when looking to buy property in the city.

Conclusion

To plan a comfortable and affordable life in Abu Dhabi, you need to take into consideration what it takes to do so, precisely in terms of finances and budgeting. The process of relocation involves a lot of planning, so before you make a decision consider the costs related to housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and education. Make sure you know exactly how much you are able to afford and act accordingly.

If you need a kickstart in finding the right property, check out Kredium's properties for sale page to explore a variety of options in Abu Dhabi that fit your budget and lifestyle. Once you get that covered, focus on other aspects of your move like securing your visa, healthcare, and setting up utilities to ensure a smooth transition into your new home. With the right preparation, you can enjoy all that Abu Dhabi has to offer while staying within your budget.

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