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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Sharjah 2024
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Cost of Living in Sharjah

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Sharjah, understanding the the cost of living in Sharjah helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Sharjah - Cost of Living in Sharjah

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Sharjah is around AED 25,000 per year. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. The cost of renting a studio apartment is around AED 15,000 per year, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to AED 40,000 per year.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Sharjah can range from AED 500,000 to AED 1 million, depending on the size and location of the apartment. The cost of purchasing a studio apartment is around AED 500,000, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to AED 1 million.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Sharjah is relatively low. A single bus ticket costs AED 2, while a monthly bus pass costs AED 100. Taxis are also available and the cost of a taxi ride is around AED 10-15.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Sharjah is relatively low. A basic grocery basket for a family of four can cost around AED 500 per month. This includes staples such as rice, bread, vegetables, and fruits.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Sharjah is relatively low. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around AED 100. Fast food meals are also available and can cost around AED 20-30.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Sharjah is relatively low. The average cost of electricity and water for a family of four is around AED 500 per month. Internet and phone services are also available and can cost around AED 200 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Sharjah varies depending on the school and grade level. Preschool tuition can cost around AED 10,000 per year, while elementary school tuition can cost around AED 15,000 per year. Middle school tuition can cost around AED 20,000 per year, while high school tuition can cost around AED 25,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Sharjah

"The cost of living in Sharjah is generally considered to be lower than in other major cities in the UAE. Rent prices are generally lower than in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and groceries and other everyday items are also relatively inexpensive. Eating out can be quite affordable, and transportation costs are also relatively low. Overall, Sharjah is a great option for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle in the UAE," said one expat living in Sharjah.

Can I live in Sharjah on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Sharjah for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Sharjah include Al Nahda, Al Qasimia, and Al Taawun. These areas have a mix of older and newer buildings, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $500 to $700 a month. I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Majaz and Al Khan, as rents there can be significantly higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so I'd recommend using public transportation like buses and taxis, which are relatively affordable in Sharjah. If you work in Dubai, you'll need to factor in the cost of commuting, which can add up quickly. Carpooling with colleagues or using the intercity bus service can help you save on transportation costs.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour can help you save on groceries. Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. When you do eat out, look for more affordable options like cafeterias and small local restaurants.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be costly, so you'll need to prioritize and find more affordable options. Instead of going to high-end malls and cinemas, consider visiting parks, beaches, and cultural sites, which are often free or have a low entrance fee. You can also take advantage of free events and activities organized by the Sharjah government, like the Sharjah Light Festival and the Sharjah International Book Fair.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Sharjah is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, being budget-conscious with groceries and dining, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Sharjah.

Can I live in Sharjah on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Sharjah for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Al Nahda, Al Qasimia, or Al Taawun. These neighborhoods have more reasonably priced apartments, and you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $800 to $1,200 per month. On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Majaz or Al Khan, as the rents there can be quite high.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so I'd recommend using public transportation like buses and taxis, which are quite affordable and reliable. If you do decide to get a car, make sure to budget for fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you'll need to be selective. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in Sharjah, but you'll need to avoid the more upscale places if you want to stick to your budget. Also, keep an eye out for discounts and promotions at local attractions and events.Groceries can be a significant expense, so I'd recommend shopping at local markets and supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour, or Union Coop. These stores often have great deals on fresh produce and other essentials. You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out all the time.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills, especially during the hot summer months when air conditioning usage can drive up your electricity bill. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use and consider using energy-efficient appliances to help keep your bills in check.Overall, living in Sharjah on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, dining, and entertainment, and keeping an eye on your utility bills, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this vibrant city," said one expat living in Sharjah.

Can I live in Sharjah on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Sharjah for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to live in the most luxurious neighborhoods or have a huge apartment, but you can still find a nice place to live in a decent area.One of the more affordable neighborhoods in Sharjah is Al Nahda, which is close to the Dubai border. It's a popular area for expats because it's relatively cheaper than other parts of the city, and it has a good mix of residential and commercial properties. You can find a decent two-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda for around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation.On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider Al Majaz or Al Qasba. These areas are located along the waterfront and offer a more luxurious lifestyle, with high-end apartments, shopping malls, and restaurants. However, the cost of living in these areas is significantly higher, so you might have to cut back on other expenses to make it work on a $5,000 budget.In terms of transportation, owning a car is quite common in the UAE, and it's relatively affordable compared to other countries. However, if you're looking to save money, you can also rely on public transportation like buses and taxis, which are quite efficient and reasonably priced.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries and utilities are generally more affordable in Sharjah compared to other cities in the UAE, like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, you might have to cut back on dining out or other entertainment options if you want to stick to your budget.Overall, living in Sharjah on a $5,000 budget is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle and the neighborhood you choose to live in," commented an expat living in Sharjah.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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