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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Yas Island 2024
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Cost of Living in Yas Island

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in the city center AED 60,000 - AED 80,000 per year
3-bedroom apartment in the city center AED 120,000 - AED 180,000 per year
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in the city center AED 10,000 - AED 14,000
Price per square meter outside the city center AED 7,000 - AED 10,000
Transportation One-way ticket (local transport) AED 2 - AED 4
Monthly pass (regular price) AED 80 - AED 150
Gasoline (1 liter) AED 1.80 - AED 2.20
Groceries Milk (1 liter) AED 5 - AED 7
Bread (500g) AED 3 - AED 6
Rice (1kg) AED 5 - AED 10
Chicken breasts (1kg) AED 20 - AED 35
Restaurants Meal at an inexpensive restaurant AED 25 - AED 50
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant AED 150 - AED 300
Fast food combo meal AED 20 - AED 30
Utilities Basic (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 - AED 0.60
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) AED 250 - AED 400 per month
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten) AED 20,000 - AED 40,000 per year
Elementary School AED 30,000 - AED 60,000 per year
Middle School AED 40,000 - AED 80,000 per year
High School AED 50,000 - AED 100,000 per year
Please note that the costs mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the specific area within Yas Island and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Yas Island

"The cost of living in Yas Island, is considered relatively high compared to other regions. This is due to the luxurious lifestyle and high-end facilities that the island offers. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is slightly less costly. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also high. Internet connection is relatively expensive compared to other countries. When it comes to groceries, prices can vary. Imported goods and dining in restaurants can be quite pricey, while local produce is more affordable. Transportation costs on Yas Island are also significant. While public transportation is available and somewhat affordable, owning a car can be quite expensive due to high fuel costs and maintenance expenses. Despite the high cost of living, salaries and wages in Yas Island are also generally high, which balances out the expenses to some extent. However, it's important to note that the cost of living can vary greatly depending on one's lifestyle and spending habits," said one expat living in Yas Island.

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

"I've been living in Yas Island 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. Yas Island itself is quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking at areas like Al Reef or Khalifa City, which are nearby and 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 I'd suggest using public transportation or carpooling with colleagues. The bus system is pretty reliable, and a monthly pass costs around $50. If you do decide to get a car, make sure to budget for fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.Eating out can also be pricey, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. Groceries are relatively affordable, and you can find most of the ingredients you need at local supermarkets. If you do want to eat out occasionally, there are plenty of budget-friendly options, especially in the more affordable neighborhoods.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending in this area. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like visiting the beach, going for walks in the parks, or attending free events and festivals. However, if you want to go to attractions like Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld, you'll need to budget for those expenses.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like having a spacious apartment, eating out at fancy restaurants, or going on expensive outings. However, if you're willing to live a more modest lifestyle and be mindful of your spending, it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month in the Yas Island area," commented an expat living in Yas Island.

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

"I've been living in Yas Island 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 an affordable place to live. Yas Island is known for its luxurious properties, so you might want to consider living in a more budget-friendly neighborhood like Al Raha Beach or Al Reef. These areas are still close to Yas Island and offer more affordable housing options. When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of insurance and fuel. I'd recommend using public transportation like buses or taxis, which are relatively cheap and efficient. You can also consider carpooling with colleagues or friends to save on transportation costs.Eating out can be quite expensive in Yas Island, especially in high-end restaurants and hotels. To save money, I usually cook at home or eat at more affordable local restaurants. There are also many supermarkets where you can buy groceries at reasonable prices.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be costly, so you might have to cut back on some of your hobbies or interests. For example, if you enjoy playing golf, you might have to limit your rounds at the luxurious Yas Links Golf Club, which can be quite expensive. Instead, you can explore more affordable activities like visiting the beautiful beaches, parks, or going for a walk around the island.In terms of healthcare, the UAE offers excellent medical facilities, but the cost of private healthcare can be high. I'd recommend getting a comprehensive health insurance plan to cover any medical expenses you might incur.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Yas Island is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and finding budget-friendly entertainment options, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful part of the UAE," said one expat living in Yas Island.

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

"I've been living in Yas Island for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Yas Island has a mix of high-end and more budget-friendly neighborhoods. I'd recommend looking into areas like Ansam or Water's Edge, where you can find apartments with reasonable rents. These neighborhoods still offer great amenities, like swimming pools, gyms, and parks, but at a more affordable price. I'd avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like West Yas or Yas Acres, as the rents there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend using public transportation or taxis to get around. Yas Island has a good bus network, and taxis are relatively affordable compared to other cities.Eating out can also be a significant expense, so I'd suggest cooking at home as much as possible. There are several supermarkets on Yas Island, like Carrefour and Spinneys, where you can find a good variety of groceries at reasonable prices. Of course, you can still treat yourself to a meal out occasionally, but try to stick to more budget-friendly restaurants or take advantage of promotions and discounts.Entertainment can also be a big expense, especially if you're into the nightlife scene. I'd recommend looking for free or low-cost activities, like visiting the beautiful beaches on Yas Island, going for walks or bike rides, or taking advantage of the many parks and green spaces. There are also some more affordable entertainment options, like going to the movies or visiting the Yas Mall.In terms of utilities and bills, 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 and water as much as possible.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Yas Island is achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Yas Island.

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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Cigna Global Health

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