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Cost of living in Sharjah
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Sharjah.
One person, a month
AED 3,466
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
AED 11,067
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
AED 2,789
A month
Gross salary, one person
AED 79,000
to cover living costs in Sharjah
Sharjah's cost of living at a glance
Sharjah is one of the least expensive cities in the UAE but one of the most expensive cities in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Sharjah are AED 3,466, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are AED 11,067 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Sharjah may need a gross salary of at least AED 79,000 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 Sharjah compares
One person's monthly costs in Sharjah, excluding rent, are 2.6% lower than in the typical city in the UAE and 4.7% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Sharjah ranks
In the UAE
5th of 6
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
45th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
51st percentile
Costs the same as or more than 51% of 1,942 cities: around the middle of the cost range.
One-bedroom rent, centre
5th of 6
Cities in the UAE, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Sharjah
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Sharjah | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | AED 2,789 | AED 5,135 −45.7% | AED 2,727 +2.3% |
| Groceries | AED 810 | AED 870 −6.9% | AED 1,032 −21.5% |
| Eating out | AED 374 | AED 535 −30.2% | AED 581 −35.7% |
| Transport | AED 150 | AED 200 −25.0% | AED 147 +2.1% |
| Utilities | AED 1,194 | AED 910 +31.2% | AED 641 +86.1% |
| Leisure | AED 306 | AED 342 −10.4% | AED 228 +34.5% |
| Total excluding rent | AED 3,466 | AED 3,558 −2.6% | AED 3,311 +4.7% |
| Total including rent | AED 6,254 | AED 8,837 −29.2% | AED 6,145 +1.8% |
Typical = the median of 6 cities in the UAE and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Sharjah
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Sharjah
Sharjah is the 2nd cheapest city in the UAE for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in the UAE is Ras al-Khaimah.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AED 2,789 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs AED 3,104 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 10% cheaper to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | AED 2,789 | AED 2,500– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | AED 3,104 | AED 2,000– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | AED 6,416 | AED 4,500– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | AED 5,200 | AED 4,000– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | AED 30,000 | AED 30,000– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | AED 10,000 | AED 10,000– |
Cost of everyday items in Sharjah
Groceries in Sharjah are around 6% cheaper than the average for the UAE, while eating out is around 30% cheaper than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs AED 5.69.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs AED 4.19.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs AED 23.91.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | AED 5.69 | AED 4.00– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | AED 4.19 | AED 2.50– |
| Eggs, 12 large | AED 10.32 | AED 6.39– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | AED 36.95 | AED 23.98– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | AED 25.86 | AED 12.01– |
| Beef round, 1kg | AED 41.28 | AED 21.01– |
| Apples, 1kg | AED 8.04 | AED 5.00– |
| Oranges, 1kg | AED 6.06 | AED 1.98– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | AED 3.86 | AED 3.01– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | AED 5.44 | AED 3.01– |
| White rice, 1kg | AED 7.13 | AED 4.00– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | AED 4.96 | AED 1.98– |
| Bananas, 1kg | AED 5.73 | AED 4.00– |
| Onions, 1kg | AED 4.66 | AED 3.01– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | AED 2.28 | AED 1.98– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | AED 57.19 | AED 22.99– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | AED 9.11 | AED 5.00– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | AED 10.36 | AED 7.02– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | AED 23.91 | AED 22.00– |
Eating out in Sharjah
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | AED 20.02 | AED 14.99– |
| Three-course meal for two | AED 120 | AED 89.99– |
| Fast food combo meal | AED 30.01 | AED 30.01– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | AED 35.00 | AED 30.01– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | AED 35.00 | Not available |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | AED 3.20 | AED 2.50– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | AED 1.29 | AED 0.99– |
| Cappuccino | AED 13.55 | AED 5.00– |
Transport in Sharjah
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | AED 7.02 | AED 5.00– |
| Monthly public transport pass | AED 150 | AED 0– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | AED 2.98 | AED 2.50– |
| Taxi start | AED 13.26 | AED 12.01– |
| Taxi, per km | AED 2.24 | AED 1.80– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | AED 18.00 | Not available |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | AED 166,828 | AED 163,938– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | AED 81,039 | AED 76,900– |
Utilities in Sharjah
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | AED 889 | AED 710– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | AED 370 | AED 329– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | AED 214 | AED 100– |
How is Sharjah for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of AED 195,000 a year in Sharjah, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs AED 1,033 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AED 6,416 a month.
Sharjah scores 85/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | AED 11,067 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | AED 17,483 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | AED 1,033 | AED 825– |
| International primary school Annual | AED 31,289 | AED 14,000– |
Leisure and clothing in Sharjah
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | AED 225 | AED 150– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | AED 81.14 | AED 78.01– |
| Cinema ticket | AED 49.99 | AED 44.99– |
| Jeans | AED 231 | AED 89.99– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | AED 285 | AED 233– |
| Nike running shoes | AED 414 | AED 295– |
| Men's leather business shoes | AED 349 | AED 275– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Sharjah?
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 Sharjah. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Sharjah, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
AED 78,839
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Sharjah, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- AED 78,839
- Living costs
- AED 78,839
- Tax and contributions
- AED 0
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | AED 78,839 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | AED 0 |
| = | Take-home pay | AED 78,839 |
| − | Rent | AED 37,253 |
| − | Groceries | AED 9,714 |
| − | Eating out | AED 4,484 |
| − | Transport | AED 1,800 |
| − | Utilities | AED 14,326 |
| − | Leisure | AED 3,674 |
| − | Other estimated costs | AED 7,589 |
| = | Left over: savings target | AED 0 |
AED 78,839 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 Sharjah costs an estimated AED 3,104 per month. AED 3,104 per month × 12 months = AED 37,253 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Sharjah spends an estimated AED 810 on groceries per month. AED 810 per month × 12 months = AED 9,714 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Sharjah spends an estimated AED 374 on eating out per month. AED 374 per month × 12 months = AED 4,484 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Sharjah spends an estimated AED 150 on transport per month. AED 150 per month × 12 months = AED 1,800 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Sharjah spends an estimated AED 1,194 on utilities per month. AED 1,194 per month × 12 months = AED 14,326 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Sharjah spends an estimated AED 306 on leisure per month. AED 306 per month × 12 months = AED 3,674 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. AED 632 per month × 12 months = AED 7,589 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 Sharjah: common questions
Is Sharjah expensive to live in?
Sharjah is one of the least expensive cities in the UAE but one of the most expensive cities in Asia.
A single person spends about AED 3,466 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, Sharjah costs the same as or more than 51% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it around the middle of the cost range.
What salary do you need to live in Sharjah?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least AED 79,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Sharjah, 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 Sharjah?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs AED 2,789 a month, and AED 3,104 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about AED 6,416 a month in the centre and AED 5,200 outside it.
Sharjah is the 2nd cheapest city in the UAE for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Sharjah?
A family of four spends about AED 11,067 a month on living costs excluding rent, or AED 17,483 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 195,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs AED 1,033 a month per child.
How does Sharjah compare with the UAE's other cities?
Sharjah ranks 5th 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% less 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 Sharjah'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.