🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates · #291 of 538 cities · 2026

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

Close to the United Arab Emirates average

Ranked #291 of 538 cities · More expensive than 45.9% of cities worldwide

Compared to United Arab Emirates average

Rent Prices

Rent Prices in Abu Dhabi

Apartment City Centre Outside Centre You Save
1-Bedroom AED 4,793/mo ≈ $1,305 AED 3,595/mo ≈ $979 25%
3-Bedroom AED 8,344/mo ≈ $2,272 AED 6,258/mo ≈ $1,704 25%
Estimated from rent index. Actual prices vary. · 2026

Cost Indices

Cost of Living
-0.4% Average
Rent
+8.0% Average
Groceries
+1.5% Average
Restaurants
+6.4% Average
Purchasing Power
-5.2% Average

Living in Abu Dhabi: What to Expect

Abu Dhabi is average by global standards (ranked #291 of 538 cities). It is 0.4% cheaper than the United Arab Emirates average, based on 5 cities.

Groceries are average, while dining out is average. Groceries offers the best value, while Rent is the priciest.

Local purchasing power is limited — residents can afford fewer goods and services than in most cities.

Workers in United Arab Emirates earning AED 212,227 gross take home AED 17,686/month after tax (0% effective rate). See full United Arab Emirates tax calculator →

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