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Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Dubai is 6% cheaper than Abu Dhabi
| Lifestyle | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,700/mo | $1,600/mo | -6% |
| Moderate | $2,400/mo | $2,250/mo | -6% |
| Comfortable | $3,600/mo | $3,400/mo | -6% |
Estimates for a single person. Based on World Bank PPP data and national statistics.
| Category | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bed, center) | $2,300/mo | $1,500/mo | -35% |
| Groceries & Food | $480/mo | $450/mo | -6% |
| Dining Out | $200/mo | $180/mo | -10% |
| Transport | $80/mo | $75/mo | -6% |
| Utilities & Internet | $240/mo | $225/mo | -6% |
| Healthcare | $192/mo | $180/mo | -6% |
| Leisure & Personal | $168/mo | $158/mo | -6% |
Sources: FCSC (UAE), World Bank / FCSC (UAE), World Bank. Updated Jan 2026.
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loaf of bread (500g) | $1 | $1 | -7% |
| Milk (1 liter) | $2 | $2 | -6% |
| Eggs (12) | $3 | $3 | -7% |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | $8 | $7 | -7% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawarma (street) | $3 | $3 | -7% |
| Fast food combo meal | $8 | $7 | -7% |
| Cappuccino | $5 | $5 | -6% |
| Beer (0.5L, restaurant) | $11 | $11 | -4% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (Marina/Downtown) | $1,800 | $1,500 | -17% |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside | $1,100 | $1,000 | -9% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, center | $3,200 | $2,800 | -13% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, outside | $2,000 | $1,800 | -10% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass (NOL) | $82 | $75 | -9% |
| Taxi start | $3 | $1 | -76% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, water, garbage (85m²) | $175 | $160 | -9% |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | $82 | $75 | -9% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership (monthly) | $65 | $60 | -8% |
| Cinema ticket | $11 | $10 | -9% |
| Item | 🇦🇪 Dubai | 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haircut (men) | $13 | $11 | -15% |
Explore more: Dubai city guide | Abu Dhabi city guide | United Arab Emirates