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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Ajman helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Ajman is around AED 3,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around AED 5,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around AED 2,500 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around AED 4,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Ajman varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from AED 500,000 to AED 1,000,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from AED 800,000 to AED 1,500,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from AED 400,000 to AED 800,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from AED 600,000 to AED 1,200,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Ajman is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs AED 2. Taxi fares start at AED 10 and increase depending on the distance traveled. The cost of owning a car in Ajman is relatively high due to registration fees, insurance, and fuel costs.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Ajman is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around AED 2, a liter of milk costs around AED 4, and a kilogram of chicken costs around AED 15. Prices may vary depending on the store and the quality of the product.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Ajman varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around AED 20, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around AED 50. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost up to AED 200.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Ajman is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around AED 0.30 per kilowatt-hour. The average cost of water is around AED 0.20 per cubic meter. The average cost of internet is around AED 100 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Ajman varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 per year. Elementary school tuition ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per year. Middle school tuition ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 per year. High school tuition ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 30,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ajman

"The cost of living in Ajman, is generally lower compared to other emirates in the UAE such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Housing is relatively affordable, with a variety of options available from apartments to villas. The cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and internet is also reasonable. Groceries in Ajman are priced moderately, and there are several supermarkets and local markets where residents can shop for fresh produce and other goods. Eating out in Ajman can range from inexpensive meals at local eateries to more expensive dining at high-end restaurants. Transportation costs in Ajman are also lower compared to other emirates. Petrol is relatively cheap, and public transportation, including taxis and buses, is readily available and affordable. Healthcare in Ajman is of high quality, with the cost depending on whether one has insurance or not. Private healthcare can be expensive, but there are also several government hospitals and clinics that offer services at lower rates. Education costs vary widely depending on the type of school. International schools tend to be more expensive, while local government schools are more affordable. Overall, while the cost of living in Ajman is lower than in other parts of the UAE, it is still relatively high compared to many other countries around the world," said one expat living in Ajman.

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

"I've been living in Ajman for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in areas like Al Jurf, Al Rashidiya, or Al Nuaimiya. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly compared to more expensive areas like Al Rawda or Al Mowaihat.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs. So, I suggest using public transportation like buses or taxis, which are relatively affordable in Ajman. Alternatively, you can consider carpooling with colleagues or friends to save on transportation costs.Eating out can also be expensive, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, I recommend cooking at home and buying groceries from local markets or supermarkets like Carrefour or Lulu Hypermarket. If you do want to eat out, there are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafeterias in Ajman that offer delicious meals at reasonable prices.For entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive activities like going to the cinema or visiting high-end shopping malls. Instead, you can explore the beautiful beaches in Ajman, visit local parks, or take advantage of the many free or low-cost events and activities happening around the city.In terms of healthcare, it's essential to have health insurance to cover any medical expenses. Some employers provide health insurance as part of their benefits package, but if yours doesn't, you'll need to factor in the cost of purchasing a plan.Overall, living in Ajman on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to maintain a comfortable lifestyle," commented an expat living in Ajman.

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

"I've been living in Ajman for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose and the size of your apartment.For example, some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Ajman, like Al Rashidiya and Al Rawda, might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a certain standard of living. These areas have more luxurious apartments and villas, but the rent can be quite high. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable neighborhoods like Al Jurf, Al Nuaimiya, or Al Hamidiya. These areas still have decent apartments and are close to supermarkets, restaurants, and other amenities, but the rent is more reasonable.In terms of apartment size, you might have to settle for a smaller place than you're used to. A one-bedroom or even a studio apartment might be more affordable than a two-bedroom, especially if you're trying to save money. However, the apartments in Ajman are generally well-maintained and have modern facilities, so you won't be sacrificing too much in terms of quality.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Ajman can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs. If you're trying to live on a budget, I'd recommend using public transportation or taxis instead. The public bus system in Ajman is quite reliable and affordable, and taxis are also reasonably priced.Finally, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive leisure activities, like dining out at high-end restaurants or going to luxury spas. However, there are still plenty of affordable options for entertainment and dining in Ajman, so you won't be bored or hungry.Overall, living in Ajman on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your living situation and lifestyle. But in my experience, it's been worth it to enjoy the beautiful beaches, friendly community, and rich culture of the UAE," said one expat living in Ajman.

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

"I've been living in Ajman 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 afford a luxurious villa in the most upscale neighborhoods, but you can still find a nice apartment in a decent area.One of the more affordable neighborhoods I'd recommend is Al Jurf. It's a bit further from the city center, but it's still a nice area with plenty of amenities nearby. You can find a good-sized apartment there for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Another option is Al Rashidiya, which is closer to the city center and has a good mix of apartments and villas. Rent prices there can range from $1,500 to $2,500 a month, depending on the size and location of the property.On the other hand, I'd probably avoid neighborhoods like Al Zorah and Al Mowaihat if you're trying to stick to a $5,000 a month budget. These areas are known for their luxurious villas and high-end amenities, so rent prices can be quite steep.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are generally affordable in Ajman. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries and about $100 to $200 on utilities, depending on your usage. Eating out can be quite affordable too, with plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and cafes to choose from.Transportation costs can vary depending on your needs. If you have a car, you'll need to factor in fuel costs, which are relatively low in the UAE, as well as any maintenance and insurance expenses. If you rely on public transportation, a monthly pass for the local bus service costs around $50.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Ajman on a $5,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to make a few sacrifices and choose a more affordable neighborhood," commented an expat living in Ajman.

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.


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