How Much Does It Cost to Live In Sharjah?
Besides very well known Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah is also of one the top cities in the UAE famous for its culture and job opportunities.
As in any other city, the cost of living in Sharjah would greatly depend on where you decide to reside and what your lifestyle is.
What people usually emphasize as the greatest benefit here are the more affordable property prices than in other major cities.
United Arab Emirates : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in United Arab Emirates
RESTAURANTS
Although Dubai is the more popular option when the best five star restaurants are in question over the past few years, Sharjah has further developed into a great hub for people seeking high class service.
However, people living on the budget will have to be satisfied with low cost restaurants with meals priced at $4 per person.
MARKETS
Even though there are thousands of restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world in Sharjah, people tend to prepare their meals at home.
Food is not too expensive, and will be the second greatest expense, but being of the utmost importance, it might take pretty much money if you do not shop wisely.
TRANSPORTATION
If you decide to drive here, prepare to encounter heavy traffic, especially during the peak hours because you will need a lot of patience.
It is advisable to make use of public transport system, which is efficient and affordable, being that the monthly pass is $65.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
The affordable rent in Sharjah has resulted in residents of numerous cities coming there to settle, but they need to count on the utilities prices which are not included in the rent.
The Internet access is pretty expensive, while all the other bills do not exceed $200, even though the increase during summer months.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Besides the lavish nightlife that Sharjah has to offer, there are numerous advantages for sports people who would rather spend their leisure time doing healthy activities.
In general, when compared with the average salaries, it can be said that the prices are nor so high and entertainment can be afforded.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Only 3% of the monthly salary is spent on clothing here.
The salaries are pretty high, compared to some other countries, and the designer clothing prices are in line with them.
However, people do not devote so much attention to this and do not consider them important in their monthly spendings.
RENT PER MONTH
Considering the fact that the apartment prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are twice and even three times higher than in Sharjah, people who want to move to the United Arab Emirates should without a doubt choose renting an apartment here and save a lot on housing costs.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Sharjah
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $4.08 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $8.85 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.31 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.54 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.01 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.29 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $1.91 |
| Monthly Pass | $65.34 |
| Gasoline | $0.66 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $169.58 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.11 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $90.98 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $66.49 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $25.86 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $10.89 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $57.40 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $48.74 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $76.98 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $748.67 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $566.53 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1385.24 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Sharjah?
The greatest expense in Sharjah would be the rent, even though it is much lower than in other major cities in the country.
There are even some people who work in Dubai, but reside in Sharjah due to the high housing costs.
If you are more of a saver than a spender, you should consider renting an apartment out of the city center.
Transportation and restaurants would take the equal amount of money, as well as utilities and entertainment.
The negligible amount of money is spent on apparel.
Average Costs Breakdown
Sharjah: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Sharjah is the place where you can get attractive salary which involves a comfortable lifestyle.
This attracts working professionals from all over the world to search for their luck here.
However, it is not so easy to get a job with a higher salary here and what you need to do in advance is to make plans of your future spendings and determine approximately how high salary should be to cover all of them.
Your living conditions will depend on whether you prefer saving your money rather than spending it easily.
Cost of Living by City in Sharjah
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 61.94 |
| Dubai | 53.32 |
