Capital city, United Arab Emirates
Cost of living in Abu Dhabi
How much a month costs in Abu Dhabi
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $2,720–4,360 (Dh10,000–16,000).
Prices in Abu Dhabi
Typical 2026 ranges in AED, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | AED | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | Dh5,000–9,000 | $1,360–2,450 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | Dh3,200–5,500 | $871–1,500 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | Dh80–180 | $22–49 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | Dh350–900 | $95–245 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | Dh15–35 | $4.1–9.5 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | Dh80–170 | $22–46 |
| Cappuccino | Dh18–32 | $4.9–8.7 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | Dh40–70 | $10.9–19.1 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | Dh2–4 | $0.5–1.1 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | Dh18–35 | $4.9–9.5 |
| Work and life | ||
| Coworking day pass | Dh80–170 | $22–46 |
| Gym membership (month) | Dh250–550 | $68–150 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | Dh100–200 | $27–54 |
Value for money: 10/100
A value score of 10/100 means Abu Dhabi gives more quality of life per dollar than 9% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 69/100. It's the 6th most affordable of 7 places we cover in United Arab Emirates.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across United Arab Emirates
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
Cheaper alternatives to Abu Dhabi
Similar safety, lower cost, in Middle East.
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Abu Dhabi?
About $1,090–1,770 on a lean budget, $2,720–4,360 for a comfortable month and $6,540–11,440 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Abu Dhabi?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs Dh5,000–9,000 ($1,360–2,450) a month in the center and Dh3,200–5,500 ($871–1,500) outside it.
How much does food cost in Abu Dhabi?
A local meal is Dh15–35 ($4.1–9.5); a mid-range restaurant is Dh80–170 ($22–46) per person.
Is United Arab Emirates expensive?
Prices in United Arab Emirates are about 63% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Abu Dhabi
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.