| Updated On - Sep 18, 2024
UAE is currently one of the top student destinations, for affordable learning opportunities in world-class institutions. Indian students can estimate to spend between AED 5,500-7,300 (INR 1.25-1.66 lakhs) per month on average, in rent, food, and utilities. You should also consider an annual health insurance cost of AED 1,900 (INR 43,376). Indian students can estimate to spend around AED 1,100 (INR 25,112) per month in personal expenses. Details of the cost of living in UAE is provided below:
Cost of Living in UAE by City
The living expenses in Dubai is the highest among the cities in UAE. Check out the average cost of living in UAE by city:
| City | Estimated Monthly Rent (Single Person) | Utilities Cost (Basic + Internet & Mobile) |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 3,700 | AED 1,100 (Basic) |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 3,300 | AED 1,100+ (Basic + Internet & Mobile) |
| Sharjah | AED 2,800 | AED 980 (AED 630 Basic + AED 350 Internet/Mobile) |
Note: This is an estimation of the living expenses for Indian students. The actual cost of living depends on a few factors like rent, utilities, and personal expenses.
On Campus Housing Cost in UAE
The average living expenses for international students in some popular university campuses in UAE are as follows:
| Universities | On Campus Housing Cost (in AED) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| BITS Pilani Dubai | 15,000 per semester | 3.42 lakhs |
| Amity University Dubai | 20,000 per year | 4.56 lakhs |
| Manipal University Dubai | 25,500-35,000 per year | 5.82 to 7.99 lakhs |
| Gulf Medical University | 18,900-28,350 per year | 4.31-6.47 lakhs |
| Abu Dhabi University | 1,700-14,250 per year | 38,800-3.25 lakhs |
| United Arab Emirates University | 21,600 per year | 4.93 lakhs |
| Khalifa University | 20,000 per semester | 4.56 lakhs |
Off Campus Housing and Utilities Costs in UAE
Indian students choosing to live off campus can estimate living expenses based on the location. For example, if you choose to live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the living expense is comparatively higher than other cities. Sharjah offers residence opportunities at a comparatively lower cost. Following are the location-specific off campus residence expenses in UAE for Indian students:
| Item | Price (in AED) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent for 85 m² furnished apartment (Dubai/ Abu Dhabi) | 7,863 | 1.79 lakhs |
| Rent for 85 m² furnished apartment (Sharjah) | 5,679 | 1.29 lakhs |
| Utilities for 85 m² apartment (2 people) | 716 | 16,346 |
| Rent for 45 m² furnished studio (Dubai/ Abu Dhabi) | 5,946 | 1.35 lakhs |
| Rent for 45 m² furnished studio (Sharjah) | 3,861 | 88,146 |
| Utilities for 45 m² studio (1 person) | 523 | 11,940 |
| Internet (8 Mbps, 1 month) | 210 | 4,794 |
| 40" flat-screen TV | 782 | 17,853 |
| Microwave (800/900 watt, branded) | 308 | 7,031 |
| Laundry detergent (3L) | 38 | 868 |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | 41 | 936 |
Boarding Expenses in UAE for International Students
The average monthly food expenses in UAE can reach up to AED 4,900, depending on your lifestyle. Indian students should prepare to spend between AED 1,500-3,000 per month in food. Check out the average food expenses in UAE:
| Item | Price (in AED) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic lunchtime menu (in business district) | 47 | 1,073 |
| Combo meal (fast food, e.g., Big Mac meal) | 34 | 776 |
| 500g boneless chicken breast | 19 | 434 |
| 1L whole fat milk | 6 | 136 |
| 12 eggs, large | 13 | 297 |
| 1kg tomatoes | 6 | 137 |
| 500g local cheese | 26 | 594 |
| 1kg apples | 9 | 206 |
| 1kg potatoes | 3.99 | 92 |
| 0.5L domestic beer (supermarket) | 10 | 230 |
| 1 bottle red wine (good quality) | 62 | 1,415 |
| 2L Coca-Cola | 8 | 183 |
| Bread (for 2 people, 1 day) | 5.25 | 120 |
Clothing Expenses in UAE for International Students
Indian students can reduce clothing expenses in UAE by selecting from numerous affordable stores available. The cost of some everyday-use items in UAE are tabulated below:
| Item | Price (in AED) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) | 203 | 4,637 |
| 1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) | 205 | 4,680 |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, etc.) | 465 | 10,615 |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 592 | 13,515 |
Transportation Costs in UAE for International Students
Although fuel price is quite low in UAE, the cost of new vehicles is very expensive. This is why, Indian students generally choose public transport as an efficient and affordable mode in UAE. Check out the gas price and public transport cost in UAE:
| Item | Price (in AED) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 liter of gas | 3.03 | 69 |
| Monthly public transport ticket | 187 | 4,269 |
Personal Expenses in UAE for International Students
While planning your budget, include personal care items like medications, toiletries, and doctor visits. The average personal expenses in UAE are as follows:
| Item | Price (in AED) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cold medicine (6 days) | 22 | 502 |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 74 | 1,690 |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 356 | 8,127 |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, etc.) | 26 | 594 |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml) | 17 | 389 |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400ml) | 22 | 502 |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | 11 | 251 |
| Tube of toothpaste | 19 | 434 |
| Men’s haircut (expat area) | 50 | 1,142 |
Cost of Entertainment in UAE
UAE has a lot of recreational activities, from dining out to movies, theater shows and beyond. However, Indian students on a tight budget should plan their entertainment expenses accordingly. Below are the expenses of some leisure and recreation activities and items in UAE:
| Item | Price (in AED) | Equivalent Cost for Indians (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic dinner for two (pub) | 185 | 4,228 |
| 2 movie tickets | 90 | 2,054 |
| 2 theater tickets (best available seats) | 454 | 10,365 |
| Dinner for two (Italian restaurant, expat area) | 371 | 8,470 |
| Cocktail (downtown club) | 83 | 1,895 |
| Cappuccino (expat area) | 25 | 571 |
| Beer (500ml, pub) | 38 | 868 |
| iPad Wi-Fi (128GB) | 2,148 | 49,038 |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff | 0.73 | 16.67 |
| Gym membership (business district, 1 month) | 278 | 6,346 |
| 1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes | 18 | 411 |
The cost of living in the UAE varies by city. You should check whether the expenses are covered in your estimated budget, before selecting the universities in UAE. Moreover, the country offers a range of living standards to students, based on their budget and lifestyle, at a much cheaper rate than the USA, UK and few others.
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