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Cost of living in Abu Dhabi
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Abu Dhabi.
One person, a month
AED 3,651
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
AED 12,378
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
AED 7,344
A month
Gross salary, one person
AED 103,000
to cover living costs in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's cost of living at a glance
Abu Dhabi is among the more expensive cities in the UAE and one of the most expensive cities in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Abu Dhabi are AED 3,651, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are AED 12,378 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Abu Dhabi may need a gross salary of at least AED 103,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in AED, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Abu Dhabi compares
One person's monthly costs in Abu Dhabi, excluding rent, are 2.6% higher than in the typical city in the UAE and 10.3% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Abu Dhabi ranks
In the UAE
3rd of 6
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
13th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
88th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 88% of 1,942 cities: a relatively expensive city.
One-bedroom rent, centre
3rd of 6
Cities in the UAE, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Abu Dhabi
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Abu Dhabi | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | AED 7,344 | AED 5,135 +43.0% | AED 2,727 +169.3% |
| Groceries | AED 909 | AED 870 +4.5% | AED 1,032 −11.9% |
| Eating out | AED 647 | AED 535 +20.9% | AED 581 +11.4% |
| Transport | AED 94.98 | AED 200 −52.5% | AED 147 −35.3% |
| Utilities | AED 936 | AED 910 +2.9% | AED 641 +45.9% |
| Leisure | AED 408 | AED 342 +19.3% | AED 228 +79.2% |
| Total excluding rent | AED 3,651 | AED 3,558 +2.6% | AED 3,311 +10.3% |
| Total including rent | AED 10,996 | AED 8,837 +24.4% | AED 6,145 +78.9% |
Typical = the median of 6 cities in the UAE and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Abu Dhabi
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the 3rd most expensive city in the UAE for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in the UAE is Dubai.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AED 7,344 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs AED 4,913 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 49% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | AED 7,344 | AED 6,000– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | AED 4,913 | AED 3,000– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | AED 13,604 | AED 9,000– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | AED 10,332 | AED 7,917– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | AED 17,372 | AED 16,700– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | AED 10,949 | AED 8,440– |
Cost of everyday items in Abu Dhabi
Groceries in Abu Dhabi are around 6% more expensive than the average for the UAE, while eating out is around 21% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs AED 6.76.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs AED 5.62.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs AED 23.51.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | AED 6.76 | AED 5.00– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | AED 5.62 | AED 3.01– |
| Eggs, 12 large | AED 12.56 | AED 5.99– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | AED 38.31 | AED 15.43– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | AED 32.51 | AED 17.01– |
| Beef round, 1kg | AED 40.99 | AED 25.01– |
| Apples, 1kg | AED 8.93 | AED 5.00– |
| Oranges, 1kg | AED 6.91 | AED 3.01– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | AED 4.22 | AED 1.98– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | AED 6.65 | AED 4.00– |
| White rice, 1kg | AED 8.37 | AED 4.52– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | AED 5.18 | AED 2.50– |
| Bananas, 1kg | AED 6.76 | AED 5.00– |
| Onions, 1kg | AED 4.63 | AED 2.50– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | AED 2.09 | AED 1.51– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | AED 49.99 | AED 30.01– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | AED 8.56 | AED 5.00– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | AED 8.67 | AED 5.99– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | AED 23.51 | AED 20.02– |
Eating out in Abu Dhabi
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | AED 30.01 | AED 20.02– |
| Three-course meal for two | AED 250 | AED 150– |
| Fast food combo meal | AED 32.51 | AED 30.01– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | AED 41.47 | AED 25.01– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | AED 40.00 | AED 35.00– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | AED 3.93 | AED 3.01– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | AED 1.47 | AED 0.99– |
| Cappuccino | AED 20.39 | AED 14.99– |
Transport in Abu Dhabi
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | AED 2.50 | AED 1.98– |
| Monthly public transport pass | AED 94.98 | AED 80.00– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | AED 2.90 | AED 2.50– |
| Taxi start | AED 12.01 | AED 5.00– |
| Taxi, per km | AED 1.98 | AED 1.84– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | AED 30.01 | AED 30.01– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | AED 110,001 | AED 100,001– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | AED 80,059 | AED 76,900– |
Utilities in Abu Dhabi
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | AED 585 | AED 350– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | AED 354 | AED 250– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | AED 188 | AED 58.33– |
How is Abu Dhabi for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of AED 273,000 a year in Abu Dhabi, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs AED 2,347 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AED 13,604 a month.
Abu Dhabi scores 89/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | AED 12,378 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | AED 25,982 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | AED 2,347 | AED 1,917– |
| International primary school Annual | AED 49,058 | AED 32,000– |
Leisure and clothing in Abu Dhabi
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | AED 246 | AED 130– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | AED 162 | AED 49.99– |
| Cinema ticket | AED 49.99 | AED 40.00– |
| Jeans | AED 205 | AED 60.02– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | AED 182 | AED 70.01– |
| Nike running shoes | AED 346 | AED 180– |
| Men's leather business shoes | AED 343 | AED 180– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Abu Dhabi?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in the UAE, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Abu Dhabi. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Abu Dhabi, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
AED 102,770
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Abu Dhabi, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- AED 102,770
- Living costs
- AED 102,770
- Tax and contributions
- AED 0
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | AED 102,770 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | AED 0 |
| = | Take-home pay | AED 102,770 |
| − | Rent | AED 58,955 |
| − | Groceries | AED 10,906 |
| − | Eating out | AED 7,764 |
| − | Transport | AED 1,140 |
| − | Utilities | AED 11,232 |
| − | Leisure | AED 4,893 |
| − | Other estimated costs | AED 7,880 |
| = | Left over: savings target | AED 0 |
AED 102,770 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 0.0% effective tax rate and AED 0 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
What it doesn't include
- Employee social contributions
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Abu Dhabi costs an estimated AED 4,913 per month. AED 4,913 per month × 12 months = AED 58,955 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Abu Dhabi spends an estimated AED 909 on groceries per month. AED 909 per month × 12 months = AED 10,906 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Abu Dhabi spends an estimated AED 647 on eating out per month. AED 647 per month × 12 months = AED 7,764 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Abu Dhabi spends an estimated AED 94.98 on transport per month. AED 94.98 per month × 12 months = AED 1,140 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Abu Dhabi spends an estimated AED 936 on utilities per month. AED 936 per month × 12 months = AED 11,232 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Abu Dhabi spends an estimated AED 408 on leisure per month. AED 408 per month × 12 months = AED 4,893 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. AED 657 per month × 12 months = AED 7,880 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Zero personal income tax on employment income. No employee social security for non-GCC/non-UAE nationals. UAE nationals pay 5% employee SS (employer 12.5%, government 2.5%). Abu Dhabi has higher employer rate (15%). Flat unemployment insurance (AED 5-10/month) excluded as it is not income-based. Business income above AED 1M may be subject to 9% corporate tax.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, the UAE's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Abu Dhabi: common questions
Is Abu Dhabi expensive to live in?
Abu Dhabi is among the more expensive cities in the UAE and one of the most expensive cities in Asia.
A single person spends about AED 3,651 a month excluding rent, against AED 3,558 in the typical city in the UAE (the median of 6 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Abu Dhabi costs the same as or more than 88% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it a relatively expensive city.
What salary do you need to live in Abu Dhabi?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least AED 103,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Abu Dhabi, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and the UAE's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Abu Dhabi?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AED 7,344 a month, and AED 4,913 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about AED 13,604 a month in the centre and AED 10,332 outside it.
Abu Dhabi is the 3rd most expensive city in the UAE for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Abu Dhabi?
A family of four spends about AED 12,378 a month on living costs excluding rent, or AED 25,982 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of AED 273,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs AED 2,347 a month per child.
How does Abu Dhabi compare with the UAE's other cities?
Abu Dhabi ranks 3rd of 6 cities in the UAE for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 2.6% more than in the typical city in the UAE.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, UAE 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for the UAE (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 6 cities in the UAE in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Abu Dhabi's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside the UAE and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.