United Arab Emirates🇦🇪
At a Glance
How United Arab Emirates compares across key indices
Cost of Living
55 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
86/100
Healthcare
71/100
Quality of Life
176/200
Climate
43/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in United Arab Emirates
Cost of Living
55
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
35
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
44
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
59
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Sharjah
Cheapest$1,700/mo
Ras al-Khaimah
$1,792/mo
Abu Dhabi
$2,735/mo
Dubai
$3,468/mo
Ajman
$3,663/mo
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in United Arab Emirates — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
86/100
Crime Index
14/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
27/100
Crime perceived as stable or declining
Walking Safety
6 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 3,577 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates has 5 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,700 in Sharjah to $3,663 in Ajman. Abu Dhabi leads on safety, scoring 89/100. Dubai ranks highest for quality of life at 178/200.
Sharjah
$1,700/mo
Abu Dhabi
89/100
Dubai
178/200
Abu Dhabi
72/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharjah | $1,700 | 85/100 | 157/200 | 60/100 | 48 |
| Ras al-Khaimah | $1,792 | 85/100 | — | — | — |
| Abu Dhabi | $2,735 | 89/100 | 173/200 | 72/100 | 46 |
| Dubai | $3,468 | 84/100 | 178/200 | 70/100 | 49 |
| Ajman | $3,663 | 87/100 | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for United Arab Emirates
Healthcare Index
71/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 583 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Environment
ModerateAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in United Arab Emirates
Pollution Index
50/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 712 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in United Arab Emirates
Average One-Way Commute
36minutes
Average
Traffic Index
168
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
256
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
8.0kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 545 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in United Arab Emirates, answered with data
What is the cost of living in United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has a cost of living index of 55 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,700 in Sharjah and reach $3,663 in Ajman.
What is the cheapest city in United Arab Emirates for expats?
Sharjah is the most affordable city in United Arab Emirates with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,700 for a single person including rent. Ras al-Khaimah is the next most affordable at $1,792/mo.
Is United Arab Emirates safe for expats?
United Arab Emirates has a safety index of 86/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Abu Dhabi scores highest on safety at 89/100.
What is the best city in United Arab Emirates for expats and digital nomads?
Dubai ranks highest for quality of life in United Arab Emirates, scoring 178/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $3,468/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Sharjah offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,700/mo.
How good is healthcare in United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates scores 71/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is United Arab Emirates cheaper than the United States?
Yes. United Arab Emirates's cost of living is roughly 45% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 65% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for United Arab Emirates
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
Freedom Abroad helps you figure out the part nobody talks about: how to actually build a life in another country. Films, tools, and data. No fluff.
Learn about our mission