Living in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina, Grand mosques & opulent palaces
Photo by Kamil Rogalinski
87
Score

Enjoy high tea at the stunning Emirates Palace, marvel at the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, check out Formula One's Yas Marina Circuit or feel your pulse race at Ferrari World.

From shopping sprees at expansive malls to tasting aromatic Arabic cuisine, Abu Dhabi has plenty to keep you entertained.

The Good

  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Good nightlife
  • โ˜• Coffee
  • โ˜€๏ธ Fantastic weather
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Strong wifi coverage
  • ๐Ÿš€ Fast wifi
  • ๐ŸšŒ Good public transport
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Architecture
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Shopping
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Amazing hotels

The Bad

  • ๐Ÿค‘ Expensive
  • ๐Ÿจ High cost of accomodation
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Pollution
  • ๐Ÿšถ Not walkable
  • โ˜€๏ธ Uncomfortably hot

Living costs

Estimated Monthly Living Cost
Abu Dhabi
Cheapest () Costliest ()
United Arab Emirates
24%
cheaper than United Arab Emirates median
229th
Cheapest out of 291 RoamRank places
  • Abu Dhabi is the cheapest place (out of 3) to live in United Arab Emirates
  • The average salary in Abu Dhabi is
  • It's about 32% more expensive to live in Abu Dhabi than it is Beijing
  • You can expect to spend around $2,584.27 per month living here

Work

Internet
60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data
PAYG Sim Card
30 Day / Unlimited Data
--
Airalo eSim
Global eSims for Instant Connectivity
Buy
Coffee
Regular (8-10oz)
Co-Working Space
Per Month
--

Living

Apartment (1 bed)
Median Rent Per Month
Apartment (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Airbnb (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Utilities
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage Collection Per Month
Water
0.33 liter bottle

Leisure

Meal
Cheap Restaurant
Meal for 2
Mid Range Restaurant
Local Beer
330ml Bottle
Cocktail
Standard Measure
--
Bottle of Wine
Mid range
Gym Membership
Per Month
Cigarettes
20 pack
Cinema
Admission Per Person
  • Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
  • Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 3rd Jun 2026

Safety

Very Safe

Abu Dhabi is known for its low crime rates and strict laws, making it one of the safest cities in the world for residents and visitors.

Transport

Bus

Abu Dhabi has a well-established public bus network that serves the city and surrounding areas. The buses are efficient and affordable, making them a great option for both residents and visitors. The main bus terminal is located at the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, and buses run regularly to popular destinations, including the airport and major attractions.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available throughout Abu Dhabi, and they can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or mobile apps. The taxis in Abu Dhabi are typically metered, and the fares are reasonable. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, which are easy to identify by their distinctive colors and markings.

Ride-Hailing Services

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem operate in Abu Dhabi. These services offer a user-friendly app that allows you to book rides quickly and often at competitive prices compared to traditional taxis, especially for longer distances.

Bicycle

Abu Dhabi is increasingly becoming bike-friendly with dedicated cycling paths, particularly along the Corniche and in several parks. You can rent bicycles from various locations throughout the city, making it an enjoyable option for getting around.

Car Rentals

If you prefer to explore at your own pace, car rental services are also available from numerous providers at the airport and in the city. Renting a car can be a great way to see the outskirts of Abu Dhabi and visit nearby attractions at your convenience.

Walking

In certain areas, such as the Corniche and the city center, walking can be a pleasant way to experience the surroundings. Many pedestrian-friendly zones are designed for strolling, dining, and enjoying the scenic views of the city.

Ride hailing apps

The must have ride hailing apps to ensure you can get from A to B

Internet speed

Good

Like nearby Dubai the internet here is fast and extremely reliable.

Download
149.2Mbps
Upload
23Mbps
Latency
33ms
Select a tile
Click a tile to see median wifi speed data for that area. Speeds are shown in Mbps.
Download speed
Powered by Wifi Speeds

Time difference

Abu Dhabi

When to visit

Current weather
The weather in June is hot with temperatures around 34ยฐ

Average temperatures

24ยฐ
25ยฐ
29ยฐ
34ยฐ
39ยฐ
40ยฐ
41ยฐ
42ยฐ
39ยฐ
35ยฐ
30ยฐ
26ยฐ
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Who it suits

Places near Abu Dhabi

More places in Asia