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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Arabian Ranches 2024
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Cost of Living in Arabian Ranches

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

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

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: AED 60,000 - AED 80,000 per year
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: AED 45,000 - AED 60,000 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 130,000 per year
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in the city center: AED 8,000 - AED 12,000
  • Price per square meter outside the city center: AED 6,000 - AED 8,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: AED 5 - AED 10
  • Monthly public transport pass: AED 200 - AED 350
  • Taxi starting tariff: AED 12
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: AED 2
  • Gasoline (1 liter): AED 2.20
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): AED 5.50
  • Bread (500g): AED 4.50
  • Rice (1 kg): AED 10
  • Eggs (12): AED 10
  • Chicken breasts (1 kg): AED 25
  • Beef round (1 kg): AED 40
  • Apples (1 kg): AED 10
  • Oranges (1 kg): AED 8
  • Tomato (1 kg): AED 6
  • Potato (1 kg): AED 4
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): AED 2
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: AED 30 - AED 60
  • Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: AED 150 - AED 300
  • 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 5
  • 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 personal preferences. It is always advisable to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Arabian Ranches

"The cost of living in Arabian Ranches, is considered to be relatively high compared to other areas in the country. This is due to the fact that it is a luxurious residential area that offers a wide range of amenities and facilities. The cost of housing is one of the main factors that contribute to the high cost of living in this area. Renting a villa or an apartment in Arabian Ranches can be quite expensive, especially for larger properties with more amenities.In addition to housing, other factors that contribute to the cost of living in Arabian Ranches include utilities, groceries, transportation, and leisure activities. The cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and internet is also relatively high in this area. Groceries can be more expensive in Arabian Ranches compared to other areas in the UAE, especially for imported goods.Transportation costs can also add up, especially if one relies on taxis or private cars for commuting. However, there are also public transportation options available, which can be a more affordable option. Leisure activities, such as dining out, going to the cinema, or participating in sports activities, can also be quite costly in Arabian Ranches.Despite the high cost of living, many residents find that the quality of life in Arabian Ranches is worth the expense. The area offers a safe and secure environment, high-quality education options, excellent healthcare facilities, and a wide range of leisure and entertainment options," said one expat living in Arabian Ranches.

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

"I've been living in the UAE for a few years now, and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month in Arabian Ranches might be a bit challenging, especially if you're used to modern amenities. Arabian Ranches is a high-end residential area, and the cost of living there can be quite expensive. However, it's not impossible to make it work if you're willing to make some sacrifices.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. Renting a villa or a townhouse in Arabian Ranches can be quite pricey, so you might want to consider sharing a place with roommates to split the costs. Alternatively, you could look for more affordable neighborhoods nearby, such as Al Quoz, which is a more budget-friendly option and still relatively close to Arabian Ranches.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs. Instead, you could rely on public transportation, such as buses and the metro, which are more affordable options. However, keep in mind that public transportation in Dubai is not as extensive as in other major cities, so you might need to plan your trips carefully.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Dubai, especially in high-end areas like Arabian Ranches. To save money, you could cook your meals at home and limit eating out to special occasions. Shopping for groceries at local markets and discount supermarkets can also help you save on food expenses.Another way to save money is by cutting back on entertainment and leisure activities. Dubai has a lot of free or low-cost attractions, such as beaches, parks, and cultural events, which you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Additionally, you could look for discounts and deals on various activities and attractions through websites and apps.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Arabian Ranches might require some sacrifices and adjustments, but it's not impossible if you're willing to be flexible and resourceful. By finding affordable accommodation, relying on public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work and still enjoy your time in the UAE," commented an expat living in Arabian Ranches.

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

"I've been living in the UAE for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Arabian Ranches, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Arabian Ranches is a beautiful and well-maintained community, but it can be quite expensive. You might want to consider looking for a smaller villa or townhouse within the community, or even sharing a place with a roommate to cut down on costs. Alternatively, you could look for more affordable neighborhoods nearby, such as Motor City or Jumeirah Village Circle.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car in the UAE can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs. If you can, try to use public transportation or carpool with coworkers to save money. If you do decide to buy a car, look for a fuel-efficient model and shop around for the best insurance rates.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you'll need to be selective. There are plenty of high-end restaurants and bars in the UAE, but they can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, try to find more affordable options, such as local cafes and eateries. You can also take advantage of happy hour deals and discounts at various establishments. Additionally, there are many free or low-cost activities to enjoy in the UAE, such as visiting parks, beaches, and cultural sites.Finally, be mindful of your utility bills, as they can add up quickly in the UAE, especially during the hot summer months when air conditioning is a must. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and consider investing in energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Arabian Ranches is possible, but you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding an affordable place to live, being mindful of transportation costs, dining out selectively, and conserving energy, you can make it work," said one expat living in Arabian Ranches.

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

"I've been living in the UAE for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Arabian Ranches. 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 or townhouse in a more affordable area.One of the more affordable neighborhoods in Arabian Ranches is Al Reem, where you can find townhouses for rent within your budget. Another option is to look for apartments in nearby communities like Motor City or Sports City, which are also more budget-friendly.On the other hand, some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Arabian Ranches, like Polo Homes or Mirador, might be out of your budget. These areas have larger villas and more luxurious amenities, so you might want to avoid them if you're trying to stick to your $5,000 a month budget.In terms of other expenses, you'll need to factor in utilities, groceries, transportation, and other day-to-day costs. While some of these expenses can be higher in the UAE compared to other countries, you can still find ways to save money. For example, you can shop at local markets for groceries instead of always going to high-end supermarkets, and you can use public transportation or carpool instead of relying on taxis or renting a car.Overall, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Arabian Ranches on a $5,000 a month budget, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices," commented an expat living in Arabian Ranches.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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