Cost of living in United Arab Emirates compared to Netherlands
Currency:
Food | - 16% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in United Arab Emirates is 16% cheaper than in Netherlands | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Netherlands | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | Dirham 52 (€13) | €18 | - 25% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | Dirham 33 (€8) | €11 | - 25% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | Dirham 18 (€4.78) | €5.92 | - 19% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | Dirham 6 (€1.58) | €1.38 | + 14% | |
12 eggs, large | Dirham 14 (€3.55) | €4.49 | - 21% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | Dirham 5.70 (€1.48) | €2.81 | - 47% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | Dirham 23 (€5.96) | €7 | - 13% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | Dirham 9 (€2.21) | €2.88 | - 23% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | Dirham 4.43 (€1.15) | €1.98 | - 42% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | Dirham 11 (€2.95) | €2.09 | + 41% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | Dirham 62 (€16) | €10 | + 68% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | Dirham 8 (€2.14) | €3.18 | - 33% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | Dirham 4.74 (€1.23) | €1.29 | - 5% | |
Housing | + 11% | |||
Housing in United Arab Emirates is 11% more expensive than in Netherlands | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Netherlands | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | Dirham 9,677 (€2,508) | €2,118 | + 18% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | Dirham 6,649 (€1,723) | €1,684 | + 2% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | Dirham 767 (€199) | €222 | - 10% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | Dirham 6,916 (€1,793) | €1,455 | + 23% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | Dirham 4,302 (€1,115) | €1,154 | - 3% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | Dirham 506 (€131) | €175 | - 25% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | Dirham 240 (€62) | €39 | + 61% | |
40” flat screen tv | Dirham 777 (€201) | €382 | - 47% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | Dirham 312 (€81) | €168 | - 52% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | Dirham 32 (€8) | €10 | - 19% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | Dirham 32 (€8) | €18 | - 55% | |
Clothes | - 21% | |||
Clothes in United Arab Emirates is 21% cheaper than in Netherlands | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Netherlands | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | Dirham 173 (€45) | €102 | - 56% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | Dirham 173 (€45) | €34 | + 34% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | Dirham 393 (€102) | €107 | - 5% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | Dirham 363 (€94) | €152 | - 38% | |
Transportation | - 52% | |||
Transportation in United Arab Emirates is 52% cheaper than in Netherlands | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Netherlands | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | Dirham 78,562 (€20,362) | €34,961 | - 42% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | Dirham 2.90 (€0.75) | €2.03 | - 63% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | Dirham 155 (€40) | €91 | - 55% | |
Personal Care | + 34% | |||
Personal Care in United Arab Emirates is 34% more expensive than in Netherlands | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Netherlands | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | Dirham 22 (€5.74) | €2.55 | + 125% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | Dirham 83 (€21) | €14 | + 58% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | Dirham 383 (€99) | €53 | + 87% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | Dirham 24 (€6) | €5.67 | + 10% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | Dirham 21 (€5.43) | €4.23 | + 28% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | Dirham 20 (€5.19) | €4.31 | + 20% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | Dirham 10 (€2.52) | €1.98 | + 27% | |
Tube of toothpaste | Dirham 11 (€2.89) | €2.67 | + 8% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | Dirham 39 (€10) | €30 | - 66% | |
Entertainment | + 3% | |||
Entertainment in United Arab Emirates is about the same as in Netherlands | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Netherlands | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | Dirham 151 (€39) | €55 | - 29% | |
2 tickets to the movies | Dirham 85 (€22) | €30 | - 27% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | Dirham 600 (€156) | €243 | - 36% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | Dirham 315 (€82) | €68 | + 20% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | Dirham 78 (€20) | €14 | + 45% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | Dirham 31 (€8) | €4.23 | + 93% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | Dirham 39 (€10) | €6 | + 66% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | Dirham 1,708 (€443) | €480 | - 8% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | Dirham 0.60 (€0.16) | - | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | Dirham 330 (€86) | €47 | + 82% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | Dirham 18 (€4.73) | €12 | - 61% | |
TOTAL | - 15% |

These prices were last updated on February 17, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.25919
EUR
/
AED
Cost of living in United Arab Emirates is 15% cheaper than in Netherlands
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