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Cost of Living in UAE: A 2026 Comparison Between Ajman and Sharjah
The cost of living in the UAE has always been a major concern for expats and families planning to move here. With Dubai often seen as the luxury hub,...
The cost of living in the UAE has always been a major concern for expats and families planning to move here. With Dubai often seen as the luxury hub,...
IM Properties is a leading real estate company in ...
Last Modofied: 10-December-2025
The cost of living in the UAE has always been a major concern for expats and families planning to move here. With Dubai often seen as the luxury hub, many people turn their attention to Ajman and Sharjah for more affordable options.
Both cities are popular among residents who want a balance between lower housing costs, a family-friendly lifestyle, and proximity to Dubai. In 2026, the differences between the cost of living in Ajman and Sharjah are becoming even more important for individuals, families, and professionals deciding where to settle.
This guide gives you a detailed comparison of Ajman vs Sharjah, covering housing, groceries, utilities, transport, education, and lifestyle costs—helping you make the right decision.
The cost of living in Ajman is significantly cheaper than in most UAE cities, especially when it comes to rent. If you're comparing it with nearby emirates, here’s how Ajman rents compare with Dubai and Sharjah across various property types. A one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city can cost between AED 2,000 – 3,000 per month, while the same in Dubai could easily cross AED 6,000. Families prefer Ajman because villas and larger apartments are available at far more reasonable prices.
Groceries in Ajman are slightly cheaper than in Sharjah and much cheaper than in Dubai. A family of four spends around AED 1,500 – 2,000 per month on groceries, while a single person may spend between AED 600 – 800.
Utilities, including water, electricity, and cooling, can range from AED 500 – 800 per month. Smart planning, such as using energy-saving appliances and tips to reduce your electricity bill in Ajman, can help cut these costs further. for a standard apartment. Moreover, many buildings offer free AC, which cuts out the total utilities cost. Internet packages are almost the same across the UAE, averaging AED 350 – 400 per month.
Ajman does not have a metro system like Dubai, but taxis and buses are cheaper. Many residents use affordable public transport options between Ajman and Dubai to cut commuting costs without compromising time. Owning a car is common, thanks to lower parking fees and less traffic congestion. Fuel costs are standardized across the UAE, but Ajman residents enjoy cheaper overall transportation due to shorter commutes. Moreover, on Fridays and after 10 PM, the parking is completely free in Ajman, unlike in Sharjah and Dubai.
The cost of living in Sharjah is slightly higher than Ajman, mainly due to higher rents. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between AED 2,500 – 4,000 per month, and villas for families are more expensive compared to Ajman. However, many residents choose Sharjah because it offers modern housing communities close to Dubai.
Grocery shopping in Sharjah costs almost the same as Ajman, but families tend to spend a little more—around AED 1,600 – 2,200 per month. Restaurants and cafes are also slightly more expensive compared to Ajman.
Utilities in Sharjah range from AED 600 – 900 per month depending on air conditioning use, which is a big part of expenses in summer. Internet costs remain standard at around AED 350 – 400 per month.
Sharjah is closer to Dubai, making it a popular choice for professionals who work there. However, the daily commute can be challenging due to heavy traffic. Transport costs are slightly higher than Ajman, mainly because many residents rely on taxis or drive longer distances.
Sharjah has a wide variety of schools, including international ones. Likewise, Ajman is home to top schools available for families, especially British curriculum institutions ideal for expat children., with fees ranging from AED 15,000 – 40,000 per year. Healthcare is affordable compared to Dubai, with consultation fees between AED 100 – 300 at private clinics.
Here’s a quick look at the cost of living in Ajman compared to Sharjah:
Yes. Ajman is cheaper for housing, groceries, and daily living, making it better for families.
Between AED 3,000 – 4,000 per month, depending on lifestyle.
Sharjah utilities are slightly higher—AED 600–900 per month compared to Ajman’s AED 500–800.
Ajman is better for families on a budget, while Sharjah suits professionals who need to commute to Dubai.
Real estate expert with extensive knowledge of Ajman's property market. Helping clients make informed investment decisions for over 10 years.
In early 2025, Dubai Police exposed a major real estate scam involving fake rental listings, many of which misled potential buyers in nearby emirates...
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Great article! This really helped me understand the current market trends in Ajman. The insights about Downtown Ajman are particularly valuable.
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As someone looking to invest in Ajman real estate, this article provided exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you for sharing!
The property investment tips are spot on. I've been following these strategies and they work really well in the current market.
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Affordable, family-focused
Sharjah | AED 2,500 – 4,000 | AED 700 – 900 | AED 600–900 | Balanced, urban lifestyle |
Dubai | AED 6,000 – 8,000 | AED 900 – 1,200 | AED 700–1,200 | Expensive, luxury-focused |
Abu Dhabi | AED 5,500 – 7,500 | AED 850 – 1,100 | AED 700–1,100 | High-end, family-friendly |
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