Complete Guide on the Cost of Living in Sharjah

Amongst other popular emirates of UAE, Sharjah is one of the top cities popular for its culture and opportunities. Like in other places, the cost of living in Sharjah depends on various factors, such as housing costs, utilities, transportation, food and groceries, education, healthcare, entertainment, and lifestyle choices. The most attractive fact about this place is the affordability of housing and investment opportunities that attract big and small-scale investors to Sharjah. This complete guide on the cost of living in Sharjah is essential for anyone looking for a change in scenario. It features the average monthly cost of living, housing and accommodation, groceries, luxuries and education.

Monthly Living Expenses In Sharjah

If you’re relocating or have been a resident of the UAE for a while and are looking for a change in scenario, having complete knowledge about the cost of living in Sharjah is essential. Sharjah is a popular destination for many expat families with excellent housing and investment opportunities, educational institutions and healthcare. Let us find out in detail about the living expenses in Sharjah.  

• Housing and Accommodation  

The cultural capital of UAE, Sharjah, is comparatively affordable to own a home in. Several factors affect Sharjah’s cost of living per month. At the same time, several options are available for rental properties, apartments, villas, penthouses and floors. The table below depicts approximate housing prices (in US dollars) for different types of properties available in Sharjah –

• • Groceries In Sharjah 

Grocery shopping is an essential expense that requires a certain amount to be paid. Your choice of supermarkets and stores can also affect the cost of living in Sharjah. An approximate pricing of grocery items that you can find in Sharjah is mentioned in the table below-

• • Other Utilities 

Other than paying rent, additional costs need your attention, just like the electricity bill, telephone or any other services that you require in your day-to-day life. For example, in Sharjah, you can be expected to pay around AED 400 to 600 in utility bills. In contrast, if you reside in a luxurious or even a 3-BHK apartment, the bills can cost around AED 1,100 to 4,000. Utilities are something which increases with technological and societal advancements. 

• Cost of Travel in Sharjah

Travelling and accommodation are considered one of the most crucial parts of the cost of living in Sharjah. There might be residents who own a private vehicle, but on the other hand, some residents consider and depend on public transportation for commuting. The transportation system in Sharjah consists of buses, metro and cabs managed by the Roads and Transport Authority. The monthly cost of living in Sharjah can be increased depending on the commute cost, which is considered higher in this emirate. The public can purchase a bus pass that costs around AED 225 to make their daily commute easy and convenient.

• Education in Sharjah

Receiving a quality education is crucial, and living expenses in Sharjah include this essential fee. With a huge population of expat families, private schools are preferred, including IB, British, Indian and American curriculum schools. Schools are generally expensive, with approximately  AED 1,000 fees for up to 6th-grade students. This fee is considered to be charged by schools with an Indian curriculum. British curriculum schools charge around AED 1,500 to 3,000, and American schools charge around AED 600 to 1,800. These prices are subject to change as per the grade and market changes. 

• Cost of Health Insurance in Sharjah

Health care and health insurance are important factors in the cost of living in Sharjah. Health insurance in UAE varies on the level and type of company. An average plan might cost around AED 560 to 650 with certain eligibility requirements. Other health insurance is available based on a person’s personal needs, costing around AED 4,000 or more. 

• Cost of Entertainment in Sharjah

Entertainment is considered an important part of our daily lives. Sharjah boasts numerous leisure and tourist destinations that are immensely captivating. Ranging from beaches to malls, there are several places to explore. Plan a visit to the famous waterfront sites of UAE, historical and worship places or museums. If you wish to watch a movie, the tickets can range from around AED 30 to 50. Eating in a restaurant can be calculated around AED 85 or more, depending on the location and type of restaurant. Visiting public entertainment spots like parks is affordable, costing only AED 1 to 15 per head. 

• Cost of Househelp in Sharjah

The average living cost in Sharjah is relatively low, but some costs, like paying helpers and servants, can be expensive. Some people wish to have house help 24/7, and must also offer them health insurance, which adds to Sharjah’s overall cost of living. If you hire through a registered agency for part-time help, the cost can be approximately AED 30 to 50 per hour. 

Cost of Living in Sharjah vs Dubai

Dubai is one of the most important emirates of the UAE. This globally popular city is considered to have a lavish way of living. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are hotspots for entertainment, shopping, tourism or their lifestyle in itself, which is world famous. The cost of living in Dubai is comparatively higher than the cost of living in Sharjah; this city consists of more expats and working-class individuals who boast an affordable way of living. 

Cost of Living in Sharjah with Rent

There are several options for renting in Sharjah, depending on your budget and requirements. An average flat or house in a basic area can cost around AED 3,600. 

Cost of Living in Sharjah Without Rent

Residents, NRI, and foreigners can purchase any property type in UAE, including Sharjah. The real estate prices in Sharjah fluctuate depending on the market conditions and property type. The following depicts an approximate property price given in the table below –

 Cost of Living in Sharjah with Family

The average cost of living in Sharjah with family depends on many factors, including daily travel costs, education, food, healthcare and utilities. If we calculate the cost of living in Sharjah for four people, it figures to AED 325,000 per month. 

Cost of Living in Sharjah for a Couple

The average cost of living in Sharjah for a couple for a 1-BHK apartment is calculated to be approximately AED 12,000 to AED 31,000 annually. 

Cost of Living in Sharjah for a Bachelor

It is quite easier for a single person to find accommodation in any city; it is comparatively much cheaper. According to the latest data, the cost of living in Sharjah for a bachelor is around AED 1,000 to 3,000. 

Wrapping Up

Sharjah is a great place to start if you want affordable living. Several work and educational opportunities in this developing emirate can aid your decision-making. The cost of living in Sharjah is based on many factors and can be subject to change in the future.

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