Cost of Living in Al Raha Beach

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in the city center: AED 60,000 - AED 85,000 per year 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: AED 45,000 - AED 65,000 per year 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: AED 120,000 - AED 180,000 per year 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: AED 90,000 - AED 140,000 per year
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in the city center: AED 10,000 - AED 15,000 Price per square meter outside the city center: AED 7,000 - AED 10,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: AED 2 - AED 4 Monthly public transport pass: AED 80 - AED 150 Taxi starting tariff: AED 12 Taxi 1 km tariff: AED 2 Gasoline (1 liter): AED 2.22
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): AED 5.50 Bread (500g): AED 4.50 Rice (1 kg): AED 10 Eggs (12): AED 8.50 Chicken breasts (1 kg): AED 26 Beef round (1 kg): AED 40 Apples (1 kg): AED 8 Oranges (1 kg): AED 6 Tomato (1 kg): AED 5 Potato (1 kg): AED 4 Water (1.5-liter bottle): AED 2
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: AED 30 - AED 50 Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: AED 150 - AED 250 McMeal at McDonald's: AED 25 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): AED 40 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): AED 45 Cappuccino: AED 18 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): AED 4 Water (0.33-liter bottle): AED 2
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: AED 500 - AED 1,000 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): AED 0.30 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): AED 300 - AED 400 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: AED 25,000 - AED 45,000 per year Elementary school tuition: AED 30,000 - AED 60,000 per year Middle school tuition: AED 35,000 - AED 70,000 per year High school tuition: AED 40,000 - AED 80,000 per year

Please note that the costs mentioned above are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always advisable to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Al Raha Beach

"The cost of living in Al Raha Beach, is considered to be high compared to other areas. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also relatively high. Groceries and dining out can also be costly, with prices for food and beverages being higher than in other cities. Transportation costs, including fuel and public transport fares, are also significant. Healthcare in Al Raha Beach is of a high standard, but it comes with a high price tag, especially for private healthcare services. Despite the high cost of living, many residents feel that the quality of life, safety, and the amenities available in Al Raha Beach make it worth the expense," said one expat living in Al Raha Beach.

Can I live in Al Raha Beach on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Al Raha Beach for a while 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 a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Al Raha Beach itself is quite expensive, so you might want to consider living in nearby areas like Khalifa City or Al Reef, which are more budget-friendly. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $800 to $1,000 a month.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive here, so you might want to rely on public transportation or carpooling with colleagues. The bus system is quite reliable and affordable, and it can take you to most places in the city. If you need to use a taxi occasionally, try to use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem, as they tend to be cheaper than regular taxis.Eating out can also be expensive, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. There are plenty of supermarkets where you can find affordable groceries, like Carrefour or Lulu Hypermarket. If you do want to eat out occasionally, look for more budget-friendly options like shawarma stands or small local restaurants.When it comes to entertainment, you'll need to be selective about the activities you choose. Going to the movies, for example, can be quite pricey, so you might want to save that for special occasions. Instead, look for free or low-cost activities like visiting public parks, beaches, or attending community events.In terms of utilities, you'll need to be mindful of your usage, especially when it comes to electricity and water. The cost of these utilities can add up quickly, so try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and be conscious of your water usage.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Al Raha Beach is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, cooking at home, and being selective about your entertainment choices, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Al Raha Beach.

Can I live in Al Raha Beach on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Al Raha Beach for a while now, and I can tell you that it's 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. Al Raha Beach itself is quite expensive, so you might want to consider living in nearby areas like Al Reef or Khalifa City A. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer a good quality of life.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to save on rent. A one-bedroom apartment in Al Reef or Khalifa City A can cost around $1,000 to $1,500 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can go for $1,500 to $2,000. Sharing a place with roommates can help you save even more on rent.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in the UAE, so you might want to rely on public transportation or carpooling to save money. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are also available, but they can add up if you use them frequently.Eating out can be pricey, especially in the more upscale restaurants and hotels. To save on food expenses, you can cook at home or eat at more affordable local restaurants and cafeterias. There are also many supermarkets where you can buy groceries at reasonable prices.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be costly, so you'll have to be selective about how you spend your free time. Instead of going to high-end bars and clubs, you can explore the many free or low-cost attractions in the city, like parks, beaches, and cultural events.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Al Raha Beach is possible, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting down on transportation and dining expenses, and being selective about your leisure activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Al Raha Beach.

Can I live in Al Raha Beach on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Al Raha Beach for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you might have to make a few sacrifices. The cost of living in the UAE can be quite high, especially when it comes to housing and entertainment. Firstly, you'll want to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. Al Raha Beach itself can be quite pricey, with luxury apartments and villas that might be out of your budget. However, there are more affordable options nearby, such as Al Reef and Al Ghadeer. These areas offer more reasonably priced apartments and villas, and they're still within a reasonable distance from Al Raha Beach. When it comes to transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in the UAE. Public transportation isn't as developed as in other countries, and taxis can get expensive if you use them frequently. However, if you're smart about your car choice and opt for a fuel-efficient model, you can save on gas and maintenance costs. Eating out can also be quite expensive, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, you might want to cook at home more often or explore more budget-friendly dining options. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in the area, so you won't have to sacrifice too much when it comes to food. Entertainment can be another significant expense, as many activities and attractions in the UAE come with a hefty price tag. To save money, you can look for free or low-cost events and activities, such as outdoor markets, public beaches, and parks. Additionally, you can take advantage of discounts and promotions offered by various establishments, such as happy hours at bars and restaurants or discounted movie tickets on certain days of the week. In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Al Raha Beach is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, cooking at home more often, and seeking out budget-friendly entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Al Raha Beach.