Is Life in Sharjah Still More Affordable in 2025? A Resident’s Breakdown

Over the years, Sharjah has earned a reputation for being the “budget-friendly” neighbour to Dubai — but in 2025, does that still hold true?

As someone who has lived here for a while, I decided to break down the costs and realities of living in Sharjah this year — rent, transport, groceries, lifestyle — the real deal, not just what’s on paper.

Accommodation: Still a Major Advantage

This is where Sharjah still wins — rent is significantly cheaper than Dubai.

In most areas, you can find:

• Studios between AED 12,000 to 20,000 per year
• 1 BHK apartments from AED 16,000 to 28,000
• 2 BHK units starting at AED 24,000

Shared options like bed spaces range from AED 350 to 600 per month — depending on cleanliness, privacy, and location.

Popular areas like Al Nahda, Al Taawun, and Al Majaz offer more convenience, while places like Muweilah and Industrial Area are more affordable and spacious.

Compared to Dubai, where even basic 1-bedroom flats cost AED 35,000 or more, Sharjah still gives you more space for much less.

Food & Groceries: Cheaper If You Know Where to Shop

Groceries across the UAE are similar in price, but Sharjah offers more budget-friendly shopping options.

You can save by buying from local markets or smaller grocery stores instead of big-name supermarkets.

• A monthly grocery bill for one person ranges from AED 600 to 900.
• Couples and families might spend AED 1,200 to 2,000 depending on preferences.
• Local cafeterias offer tasty meals for just AED 10–15.
• Indian, Pakistani, and Arabic restaurants are usually more affordable here than in Dubai.

If you cook at home and shop smart, Sharjah lets you stretch your dirhams a lot further.

Transport: More Affordable, but Be Ready for Traffic

Sharjah doesn’t have a metro, so most people rely on buses, taxis, or their own cars.

• Petrol remains cheap across the UAE — budget around AED 200–400/month depending on your drive.
• Intercity buses from Sharjah to Dubai cost AED 9–15 per trip.
• Taxis are cheaper than Dubai, but the fares still add up over time.

The biggest issue? Traffic, especially if you’re commuting to Dubai during rush hours. A 15km trip can take over an hour on a bad day. If your job is flexible or remote, this becomes much less of a problem.

Utilities, Internet & Mobile

SEWA bills (electricity, water, gas) for a 1 BHK apartment usually range from AED 250 to 400 per month depending on usage and whether the AC is central.

Internet plans start around AED 300/month.

Mobile plans can be as low as AED 50/month if you're on prepaid (like Etisalat's daily 1GB plans).

These rates are fairly standard across the UAE, but again, shared accommodation in Sharjah helps you split these costs more easily.

Lifestyle & Entertainment: Simpler, But Still Enjoyable

Sharjah is a quieter emirate — it’s known for its cultural attractions, not its nightlife.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing:

• Public beaches are clean and free.
• Family parks and corniches are perfect for weekends.
• Museums and festivals (like the Sharjah Light Festival) add colour to the city.
• Shopping malls are smaller but still have the basics — cinema, food courts, and more.

If you're not big on clubbing or high-end shopping, Sharjah offers plenty of free or low-cost ways to enjoy your time.

So, Is Life in Sharjah Still Affordable in 2025?

Yes — Sharjah remains one of the most affordable places to live in the UAE, especially for those who:

• Want to save on rent
• Are happy with a quieter lifestyle
• Don’t mind a commute (or have a remote job)
• Are looking for better value overall

With smart budgeting, you can live comfortably in Sharjah for a fraction of what you'd spend in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Final Thoughts

If you’re new to the UAE or thinking of relocating from Dubai to cut costs, Sharjah is still worth considering. It may not have the glitz of other emirates, but it definitely offers better value for money, especially for families, students, and expats trying to stretch their salaries.