Cost of Living in Sharjah 2026: Complete Expat Budget Breakdown

Sharjah Cost of Living Overview

Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the UAE, is one of the most popular choices for budget-conscious expats working in Dubai. Sharing a border with Dubai and connected by several major highways, Sharjah offers rents that are 20-40% lower than its glamorous neighbor while providing access to the same job market. Known as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO, Sharjah has a distinct identity — more conservative, family-oriented, and culturally rich — that appeals to professionals seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing career opportunities.

Based on 2026 data, a single professional can live comfortably in Sharjah on AED 7,000-11,000 per month (approximately USD 1,900-3,000), while a family of four should budget AED 15,000-24,000 per month (USD 4,080-6,530) excluding school fees. These figures assume a moderate lifestyle, with many residents commuting to Dubai for work while keeping housing costs significantly lower than any Dubai neighborhood.

Sharjah's cost of living index sits at approximately 50 compared to New York City's baseline of 100, making it one of the most affordable cities in the UAE. The emirate prohibits alcohol, which eliminates a significant category of spending and also means there is no nightlife scene. For families and professionals who prefer a quieter, more conservative environment, this is a lifestyle advantage rather than a limitation.

Housing: The Biggest Expense

Housing is Sharjah's greatest cost advantage. Rents are dramatically lower than Dubai, making it possible to live in a spacious apartment or even a villa for what you would pay for a studio in Dubai Marina. The city has seen steady development in areas like Al Nahda, Al Majaz, and University City, offering modern apartments at competitive prices.

Apartment Rental Prices (Monthly)

• Studio apartment (Al Nahda): AED 1,500-2,500 — The most popular area for Dubai commuters, directly adjacent to the Dubai border. Modern towers, supermarkets, and restaurants within walking distance.
• 1-bedroom apartment (Al Majaz): AED 2,200-3,500 — Sharjah's waterfront district along Khalid Lagoon. Beautiful park, fountains, and a family-friendly promenade. Close to Sharjah's cultural attractions.
• 1-bedroom apartment (Al Khan): AED 2,500-4,000 — Beachfront area near the Sharjah Aquarium and Al Noor Island. Some of the nicest apartments in Sharjah with sea views.
• 2-bedroom apartment (Al Taawun): AED 2,800-4,500 — Near the Dubai border with easy highway access. A mix of older and newer buildings with competitive pricing.
• 2-bedroom apartment (Muwaileh/University City): AED 2,500-4,000 — Growing suburban area near the University of Sharjah. Newer buildings and a youthful, developing neighborhood with good value.
• 3-bedroom apartment (Abu Shagara/Al Qasimia): AED 2,800-4,500 — Established central neighborhoods with older but spacious apartments. Very affordable and close to Sharjah's commercial core.

Villa Rental Prices (Monthly)

• 3-bedroom villa (Al Ramaqia/Al Falaj): AED 5,500-8,500 — Established residential neighborhoods with standalone and compound-style villas. Spacious lots, quiet streets, and easy access to schools.
• 3-bedroom villa (Al Azra/Al Gharayen): AED 5,000-7,500 — Suburban residential areas offering good value. Large villas with gardens, popular with families who want outdoor space.
• 4-bedroom villa (Sharjah Sustainable City): AED 8,000-12,000 — Sharjah's newest master-planned community with solar-powered homes, a farm, and green spaces. Premium pricing for the emirate but excellent sustainability credentials.
• 3-bedroom townhouse (Al Zahia/Nasma Residences): AED 4,500-7,000 — Modern gated communities with pools, parks, and community centers. The best value for family villa-style living in the UAE.

Rental Market Essentials

Sharjah's rental market is similar to Dubai's but with some key differences:

• Ejari equivalent: Sharjah uses its own tenancy registration system through the Sharjah Municipality. Registration is mandatory for visa and utility purposes.
• Payment structure: Rent is typically paid in 1-4 post-dated cheques per year. Monthly payments are becoming more common, especially in newer buildings.
• Security deposit: Usually 5% of annual rent for unfurnished apartments. Refundable at lease end.
• SEWA deposit: AED 1,000 for apartments and AED 2,000 for villas, plus AED 100 activation fee for electricity and water through the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority.
• No alcohol: Sharjah is a dry emirate — there are no bars, clubs, or liquor stores. Alcohol cannot be consumed in public or purchased anywhere in the emirate. This is a significant lifestyle factor to consider before signing a lease.
• Rent cap: Sharjah does not have a formal rent cap system like Abu Dhabi, but the competitive market and ample supply keep increases moderate at 3-8% annually.

Groceries and Dining

Grocery Costs

Sharjah offers some of the cheapest grocery shopping in the UAE, with numerous budget-friendly options:

• Budget supermarkets (Nesto, Al Maya, Viva, Union Co-op): AED 600-900/month for a single person. Excellent pricing on rice, bread, fresh produce, and South Asian staples. Union Co-op is particularly good value.
• Mid-range supermarkets (Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour): AED 900-1,400/month. Wide selection including international products and fresh counters.
• Premium supermarkets (Spinneys): AED 1,400-1,900/month. Imported and specialty products available but with limited locations.

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 18-30
• Eggs (dozen): AED 7-13
• Apples (1 kg): AED 7-13
• Water (1.5L bottle): AED 1-2.5

Dining Out

Sharjah's dining scene is focused on casual and family-friendly restaurants, with no alcohol-serving establishments:

• Fast food meal: AED 20-35
• Casual restaurant (per person): AED 25-55
• Mid-range restaurant (2 people, 3 courses): AED 120-250
• Cafe coffee: AED 12-20
• Local shawarma/falafel: AED 5-12
• Food delivery (average order): AED 25-50 plus AED 3-8 delivery fee

Budget tip: Sharjah's Industrial Area and the streets around the Central Souq offer incredible value dining — full Indian, Pakistani, or Filipino meals for AED 10-18. The Al Jubail Fish Market is one of the best in the UAE for fresh, affordable seafood. Families can enjoy a full restaurant meal for AED 60-100 at Sharjah's many family-oriented restaurants along King Faisal Road.

Transportation

Sharjah is connected to Dubai by multiple highways, making cross-emirate commuting feasible but traffic-heavy:

Public Transport

• Sharjah-Dubai commuter buses: Several routes connect Sharjah to Dubai Metro stations and key business areas. AED 7-10 per ride using NOL card. Air-conditioned and reliable during peak hours.
• Local Sharjah buses (Mowasalat): Cover major areas within Sharjah. AED 5-7 per ride. Limited frequency on some routes.
• Dubai Metro access: Many Sharjah residents drive or take a bus to the nearest Dubai Metro station (Rashidiya or Etisalat/Union) and use the metro for the rest of their Dubai commute.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

• Taxi (10 km ride within Sharjah): AED 15-25. Sharjah taxis use meters and are affordable.
• Careem/Uber (Sharjah to Dubai): AED 50-90 depending on destination and traffic. Surge pricing during peak hours can push costs higher.
• Sharjah Airport transfer: AED 30-50 from central Sharjah.

Private Vehicle

• Fuel (per liter): AED 2.70-3.20 (UAE-wide pricing).
• Car payment (mid-range sedan): AED 1,200-2,500/month for financing.
• Insurance: AED 2,000-4,500/year.
• No Salik within Sharjah: Sharjah has no toll gates. However, commuters driving to Dubai will cross Salik toll gates at AED 4 each. Budget AED 150-300/month for Dubai-bound commuters.
• Parking: Paid parking in commercial areas at AED 1-3/hour. Residential areas are mostly free. Far cheaper than Dubai parking.
• Traffic warning: The Sharjah-Dubai commute is notorious for heavy traffic during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM). What would be a 20-minute drive off-peak can take 60-90 minutes. This is the single biggest lifestyle trade-off of living in Sharjah while working in Dubai.

Utilities

Utility costs in Sharjah are managed through SEWA (Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority):

• Electricity + Water (apartment): AED 350-900/month depending on size and AC usage. SEWA rates are slightly lower than Dubai's DEWA for equivalent consumption.
• Electricity + Water (villa): AED 900-2,200/month.
• Internet (Etisalat/du): AED 350-500/month for 100-500 Mbps packages. Same providers and pricing as the rest of the UAE.
• Mobile phone plan: AED 100-250/month.

SEWA bills are consolidated and payable through the SEWA app or website. The SEWA deposit is lower than DEWA, and overall utility costs average 10-15% less than Dubai due to generally smaller apartment sizes and lower base consumption.

Healthcare

Sharjah has good healthcare facilities, with additional access to Dubai's extensive hospital network:

• Health insurance: Mandatory for all UAE residents. Employer-provided coverage is standard.
• GP consultation (private): AED 150-350 per visit (insurance co-pay AED 20-50).
• Specialist consultation: AED 300-700 per visit.
• Dental checkup: AED 150-300.
• Emergency room visit: AED 200-1,200+ depending on treatment.

Major facilities include Al Qasimi Hospital (government), University Hospital Sharjah, Zulekha Hospital, and Thumbay Hospital. Many Sharjah residents also access Dubai's hospitals, which are within a 20-40 minute drive. The proximity to Dubai's world-class medical facilities is a significant healthcare advantage of living in Sharjah.

Education

Sharjah has a strong education sector with generally lower fees than Dubai:

• International schools (per year): AED 15,000-45,000 depending on curriculum. British, American, and IB options available. Fees are 20-40% lower than equivalent Dubai schools.
• Indian curriculum schools (per year): AED 5,000-15,000. Well-established schools with strong academic records.
• Nursery/preschool (per month): AED 1,200-3,500. More affordable than Dubai nurseries.

Sharjah is home to the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, both of which run affiliated schools. SPEA (Sharjah Private Education Authority) regulates school fees and quality. The emirate's focus on education and culture means schools benefit from strong community support and numerous cultural enrichment opportunities through Sharjah's museums, libraries, and cultural events.

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 Sharjah

• Live near the Dubai border: Al Nahda, Al Taawun, and Al Khan are the closest areas to Dubai. Living here can cut 15-30 minutes off your daily commute compared to central or western Sharjah, saving fuel and reducing Salik toll crossings.
• Use the commuter bus: Sharjah-Dubai bus routes cost AED 7-10 per trip and drop you at Dubai Metro stations. A monthly combination of bus + metro can save AED 600-1,200/month versus driving, while avoiding traffic stress.
• Shop at Souq Al Jubail: Sharjah's main fish and vegetable market offers the freshest produce and seafood at 20-40% below supermarket prices. Open daily from early morning, it is a Sharjah institution.
• Take advantage of Sharjah's free cultural attractions: The Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, and Al Noor Island offer free or low-cost entry. The Khalid Lagoon waterfront park and corniche are free and perfect for family outings.
• Consider leaving early or late: Flexible work hours that let you commute outside peak traffic (before 6:30 AM or after 10 AM) can transform the Sharjah-Dubai drive from 90 minutes to 25 minutes, saving fuel and stress.
• Embrace the dry lifestyle savings: No alcohol means no bar tabs, no nightclub covers, and no expensive brunches. Many Sharjah residents redirect what would be AED 1,000-3,000/month in Dubai nightlife spending into savings, investments, or family activities.