Cost of Living in Ajman 2026: Complete Expat Budget Breakdown

Ajman Cost of Living Overview

Ajman is the smallest emirate in the UAE by area, but it offers the most affordable cost of living in the country. Located between Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain along the Arabian Gulf coast, Ajman has positioned itself as the budget alternative for professionals working across the northern emirates and Dubai. With rents that are 40-60% below Dubai and 15-25% below Sharjah, Ajman attracts expats who want to maximize savings while maintaining access to the UAE's broader job market.

Based on 2026 data, a single professional can live comfortably in Ajman on AED 5,500-9,000 per month (approximately USD 1,500-2,450), while a family of four should budget AED 12,000-20,000 per month (USD 3,270-5,450) excluding school fees. These are the lowest figures for any major urban area in the UAE, making Ajman particularly attractive for early-career professionals, teachers, and families focused on building savings.

Ajman's cost of living index sits at approximately 42 compared to New York City's baseline of 100, the lowest of any emirate with significant urban infrastructure. The city has invested heavily in its Corniche, commercial areas, and road network over the past decade, offering a comfortable if modest lifestyle. The main trade-off is the commute — reaching central Dubai takes 45-80 minutes depending on traffic, which limits Ajman's appeal for those whose workplaces are deep inside Dubai.

Housing: The Biggest Expense

Housing in Ajman is extraordinarily affordable by UAE standards. The emirate has seen significant new development, particularly along the Corniche and in areas like Ajman Downtown (formerly Emirates City), creating a surplus of modern apartments that keeps rents low. This is Ajman's primary attraction — the ability to rent a spacious, modern apartment or villa for a fraction of Dubai or Sharjah prices.

Apartment Rental Prices (Monthly)

• Studio apartment (Al Rashidiyah/Al Nuaimia): AED 1,000-1,800 — Central areas near the main commercial district. Basic but functional apartments at rock-bottom prices.
• 1-bedroom apartment (Ajman Corniche): AED 1,800-3,000 — Beachfront towers along Ajman's scenic Corniche. Sea-view apartments at prices that would buy nothing in Dubai Marina.
• 1-bedroom apartment (Al Rawda/Al Mowaihat): AED 1,500-2,500 — Growing residential areas with newer buildings, near schools and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road for Dubai-bound commuters.
• 2-bedroom apartment (Ajman Downtown/Emirates City): AED 2,000-3,500 — Large-scale residential development with modern towers, gyms, and pools. Excellent value for spacious, newer apartments.
• 2-bedroom apartment (Al Bustan): AED 2,200-3,500 — Established residential area near the commercial center. Good balance of location and affordability.
• 3-bedroom apartment (Al Rashidiyah): AED 2,500-4,000 — Spacious family apartments in central Ajman at prices comparable to a studio in Dubai.

Villa Rental Prices (Monthly)

• 3-bedroom villa (Al Rawda): AED 4,000-6,500 — Standalone villas in a popular residential area. Spacious with gardens, near schools and the highway.
• 3-bedroom villa (Al Zahra/Al Hamidiyah): AED 3,500-5,500 — Affordable family villas in suburban areas. Some of the cheapest villa rentals in the UAE.
• 4-bedroom villa (Al Mowaihat): AED 5,000-8,000 — Newer residential area with modern villas and good road connectivity.
• 3-bedroom townhouse (Al Ameera Village/Al Zahya): AED 3,500-5,500 — Community-style developments with shared facilities at very competitive prices.

Rental Market Essentials

Ajman's rental market is tenant-friendly due to oversupply in some segments:

• Registration: Tenancy contracts must be registered with the Ajman Real Estate Regulatory Agency (ARRA). Required for visa and utility connections.
• Payment structure: Rent is paid in 1-4 post-dated cheques annually. Monthly payments are increasingly accepted, and the negotiating environment strongly favors tenants due to supply surplus.
• Security deposit: Typically 5% of annual rent. Refundable at lease end.
• FEWA: Utilities in Ajman are provided by the Federal Electricity and Water Authority. Deposit of AED 1,000-2,000 plus activation fee.
• Negotiation power: Ajman's rental market has higher vacancy rates than Dubai or Sharjah. Tenants can typically negotiate 10-20% below listed prices, and landlords may offer additional incentives like free parking, included maintenance, or reduced cheque requirements.

Groceries and Dining

Grocery Costs

Ajman has solid grocery infrastructure with budget-friendly options dominating:

• Budget supermarkets (Nesto, Al Maya, Union Co-op, Safeer): AED 550-850/month for a single person. Safeer is a regional chain with excellent value and multiple Ajman locations.
• Mid-range supermarkets (Lulu, Carrefour): AED 850-1,300/month. Lulu Hypermarket in Ajman City Centre is the main mid-range option.
• Premium options: Limited in Ajman itself. Most residents drive to Sharjah (10-15 minutes) for Spinneys or premium groceries.

Common item prices:

• Milk (1 liter): AED 5-7
• Bread (loaf): AED 3-8
• Rice (1 kg): AED 4-12
• Chicken breast (1 kg): AED 17-28
• Eggs (dozen): AED 7-12
• Apples (1 kg): AED 6-12
• Water (1.5L bottle): AED 1-2

Dining Out

Ajman's dining scene is modest but affordable:

• Fast food meal: AED 18-32
• Casual restaurant (per person): AED 20-45
• Mid-range restaurant (2 people, 3 courses): AED 100-200
• Cafe coffee: AED 10-18
• Local shawarma/falafel: AED 5-10
• Food delivery (average order): AED 20-40 plus AED 3-7 delivery fee

Budget tip: Ajman's industrial and old town areas offer some of the cheapest meals in the UAE. Full Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino meals cost AED 8-15. The Ajman Fish Market on the Corniche sells fresh catch at very low prices, and nearby restaurants will grill your purchase for a small fee. For more variety, Sharjah's extensive restaurant scene is a 10-15 minute drive away.

Transportation

Ajman is car-dependent with limited public transport:

Public Transport

• Inter-city buses: Routes connect Ajman to Sharjah and Dubai. AED 5-10 per ride. Limited frequency, but useful for budget-conscious commuters heading to Sharjah.
• No internal bus/metro: Ajman does not have its own public transit system. The emirate's compact size means most destinations are within a 15-minute drive.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

• Taxi (within Ajman, 10 km): AED 12-20. Ajman taxis are metered and affordable.
• Careem/Uber (Ajman to Dubai): AED 60-100 depending on destination. Surge pricing possible during peak commute hours.
• Ajman to Sharjah: AED 20-35 by ride-hailing.

Private Vehicle

• Fuel (per liter): AED 2.70-3.20 (UAE-wide).
• Car payment (mid-range sedan): AED 1,200-2,500/month.
• Insurance: AED 1,800-4,000/year.
• No tolls within Ajman: No Salik system in Ajman. Dubai-bound commuters will pay Salik tolls (AED 4/gate) upon entering Dubai.
• Parking: Largely free throughout Ajman, including most commercial areas and the Corniche. One of the last major UAE cities with predominantly free parking.

Utilities

Utilities in Ajman are provided by FEWA (Federal Electricity and Water Authority):

• Electricity + Water (apartment): AED 300-800/month. FEWA rates are comparable to SEWA (Sharjah) and slightly lower than DEWA (Dubai).
• Electricity + Water (villa): AED 800-1,800/month.
• Internet (Etisalat/du): AED 350-500/month for 100+ Mbps. Same UAE-wide pricing and providers.
• Mobile phone plan: AED 100-250/month.

Healthcare

Ajman has adequate healthcare facilities with proximity to Sharjah and Dubai for specialized care:

• Health insurance: Mandatory for all UAE residents. Employer-provided.
• GP consultation (private): AED 120-300 per visit (insurance co-pay AED 20-50).
• Specialist consultation: AED 250-600 per visit.
• Dental checkup: AED 120-280.

Major facilities include Sheikh Khalifa Hospital (government), Thumbay Hospital, and GMC Hospital. For specialized treatment, Sharjah and Dubai hospitals are 20-40 minutes away. Healthcare costs in Ajman are the lowest in the UAE, reflecting the emirate's overall affordability.

Education

Ajman has a growing school sector with the lowest fees in the UAE:

• International schools (per year): AED 10,000-30,000. British and American curricula available at approximately half of Dubai's equivalent fees.
• Indian curriculum schools (per year): AED 4,000-12,000. Excellent value with several well-regarded schools.
• Nursery/preschool (per month): AED 800-2,500.

Ajman's school fees are the most affordable in the UAE. Some families choose to enroll children in higher-rated Sharjah schools (10-15 minute drive) for a broader selection while still living in Ajman for the housing savings.

Detailed Monthly Budget Scenarios

Scenario 1: Single Professional (Moderate Lifestyle)

Scenario 2: Couple (Comfortable Lifestyle)

Scenario 3: Family of Four (Comfortable Lifestyle)

Money-Saving Tips for Ajman

• Leverage Ajman's free parking: Unlike Dubai and Sharjah where parking fees add AED 200-400/month, Ajman's predominantly free parking eliminates this cost entirely.
• Shop at the Ajman Fish Market: Fresh catch daily at wholesale prices on the Corniche. Buy fish and have it grilled at adjacent restaurants for AED 10-15 per person — a complete meal for a fraction of restaurant prices.
• Negotiate rent aggressively: Ajman's oversupply gives tenants significant leverage. Always negotiate 10-20% below the asking price, and ask for additional concessions like free parking, maintenance, or reduced cheque requirements.
• Combine Ajman living with Sharjah shopping: Sharjah's souqs and markets (10-15 minutes away) offer produce, clothing, and household goods at lower prices than Ajman's smaller retail market. Make a weekly Sharjah run for maximum savings.
• Use the Corniche for free entertainment: Ajman's recently renovated Corniche offers free beach access, walking paths, children's play areas, and evening promenades — excellent free family entertainment year-round.
• Consider remote or hybrid work: If your employer offers flexible working, Ajman becomes even more attractive — you save the Dubai commute costs and time while enjoying the emirate's rock-bottom living expenses. The excellent internet infrastructure supports seamless remote working.