Cost of living in United Arab Emirates compared to Spain
Currency:
Food | + 9% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in United Arab Emirates is 9% more expensive than in Spain | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Spain | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | Dirham 53 (€14) | €18 | - 23% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | Dirham 33 (€9) | €11 | - 17% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | Dirham 20 (€5.14) | €3.91 | + 31% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | Dirham 6 (€1.62) | €1.05 | + 54% | |
12 eggs, large | Dirham 14 (€3.61) | €2.96 | + 22% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | Dirham 5.55 (€1.46) | €2.03 | - 28% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | Dirham 32 (€8) | €7 | + 21% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | Dirham 8 (€2.21) | €2.05 | + 8% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | Dirham 4.37 (€1.15) | €1.56 | - 26% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | Dirham 14 (€3.57) | €1.12 | + 217% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | Dirham 64 (€17) | €7 | + 129% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | Dirham 8 (€2.14) | €2.10 | + 1% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | Dirham 4.72 (€1.24) | €1.04 | + 19% | |
Housing | + 74% | |||
Housing in United Arab Emirates is 74% more expensive than in Spain | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Spain | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | Dirham 9,425 (€2,474) | €1,492 | + 66% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | Dirham 6,144 (€1,613) | €1,006 | + 60% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | Dirham 762 (€200) | €108 | + 85% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | Dirham 7,132 (€1,872) | €984 | + 90% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | Dirham 4,740 (€1,244) | €710 | + 75% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | Dirham 556 (€146) | €78 | + 87% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | Dirham 244 (€64) | €27 | + 135% | |
40” flat screen tv | Dirham 798 (€210) | €324 | - 35% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | Dirham 374 (€98) | €102 | - 4% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | Dirham 42 (€11) | €7 | + 54% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | Dirham 35 (€9) | €12 | - 25% | |
Clothes | + 12% | |||
Clothes in United Arab Emirates is 12% more expensive than in Spain | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Spain | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | Dirham 189 (€50) | €83 | - 40% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | Dirham 227 (€59) | €35 | + 70% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | Dirham 425 (€111) | €87 | + 28% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | Dirham 381 (€100) | €95 | + 6% | |
Transportation | + 25% | |||
Transportation in United Arab Emirates is 25% more expensive than in Spain | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Spain | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | Dirham 96,207 (€25,252) | €26,611 | - 5% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | Dirham 2.87 (€0.75) | €1.54 | - 51% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | Dirham 207 (€54) | €30 | + 83% | |
Personal Care | + 102% | |||
Personal Care in United Arab Emirates is 102% more expensive than in Spain | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Spain | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | Dirham 22 (€5.74) | €9 | - 33% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | Dirham 125 (€33) | €8 | + 327% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | Dirham 547 (€144) | €55 | + 160% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | Dirham 28 (€7) | €4.41 | + 64% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | Dirham 20 (€5.19) | €2.70 | + 92% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | Dirham 21 (€5.48) | €3.09 | + 77% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | Dirham 11 (€2.94) | €1.85 | + 59% | |
Tube of toothpaste | Dirham 13 (€3.35) | €2.16 | + 55% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | Dirham 42 (€11) | €16 | - 33% | |
Entertainment | + 37% | |||
Entertainment in United Arab Emirates is 37% more expensive than in Spain | ||||
United Arab Emirates | Spain | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | Dirham 166 (€44) | €37 | + 18% | |
2 tickets to the movies | Dirham 77 (€20) | €17 | + 21% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | Dirham 845 (€222) | €49 | + 351% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | Dirham 320 (€84) | €51 | + 65% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | Dirham 81 (€21) | €11 | + 101% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | Dirham 29 (€8) | €2.93 | + 157% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | Dirham 35 (€9) | €4.98 | + 83% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | Dirham 1,688 (€443) | €532 | - 17% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | Dirham 0.70 (€0.18) | €0.22 | - 14% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | Dirham 342 (€90) | €51 | + 74% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | Dirham 18 (€4.84) | €5.43 | - 11% | |
TOTAL | + 40% |

These prices were last updated on February 09, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.26247
EUR
/
AED
Cost of living in United Arab Emirates is 40% more expensive than in Spain
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