Did you know that many working professionals in Dubai prefer living in Ajman? Located just north of Dubai, Ajman offers a peaceful, low-cost, and laid-back lifestyle. Living in Ajman and working in Dubai has become increasingly popular, and for good reasons. Residents can earn higher salaries and strike the right balance between personal and professional life.
But is it the right choice for you? Read ahead to learn about the benefits and challenges of working in Dubai while living in Ajman.
- Ajman Vs Dubai
- Why Live in Ajman While Working in Dubai?
- Why Work in Dubai While Living in Ajman?
- Challenges of Living in Ajman and Working in Dubai
- Summing Up
- FAQs
Ajman Vs Dubai
Ajman is located on the northern side of the Emirates, bounded by Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. It is the smallest of the Emirates and offers a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle, complete with all amenities.
Think of Dubai — the towering skyscrapers, vibrant lifestyle, and high cost of living. Ajman is the polar opposite, known for its affordability, low cost of living, and cultural heritage. Located 41 km away from Dubai, residents living in Ajman often search for jobs in Dubai.
Working in Dubai while living in Ajman has become increasingly popular due to better job opportunities and higher savings. This arrangement strikes the right balance between career and personal life. But it also comes with a few challenges, such as longer commute times. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of living in Ajman and working in Dubai:
Why Live in Ajman While Working in Dubai?
Are you struggling with the high cost of living in Dubai? Choose to live in Ajman and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle at lower costs. Here is why you should consider living in Ajman:
1. Transportation and Connectivity to Dubai
First, Ajman has a well-developed public transport network that makes travel convenient and cost-effective. Residents can commute to their work locations in Dubai using the Ajman bus service. The Centrepoint Metro Line operates from Ajman to Dubai and costs AED 15 to AED 19 for a one-way journey.
Besides the Ajman bus, RTA Dubai also operates E400 and E411 buses from Dubai to Ajman and back. The fare for the Dubai to Ajman bus is AED 12, which is highly economical for working professionals.
Residents can also opt for private taxis or vehicles for faster commutes. Both the Emirates are connected via Sheikh Zayed Road, and travelling from Ajman to Dubai can take around 1 hour and 11 minutes.
2. Affordable Housing Options
One of the pros of living in Ajman and working in Dubai is affordable housing without compromising the quality of life. The emirate offers properties to suit every budget, ranging from small studios to spacious villas. Residents can rent or buy property in some of the best places to live in Ajman without breaking the bank.
Here is a brief comparison of apartment rental prices per month in Ajman and Dubai:
Area | Studio | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2-Bedroom Apartment |
Al Jurf, Ajman | AED 16k | AED 26k | AED 36k |
Barsha, Dubai | AED 47 | AED 68k | AED 98 |
3. Larger Homes
Compared to Dubai, families can opt for larger homes at comparatively lower prices in Ajman. For instance, you can rent a 3-bedroom villa for AED 62,000 per month in Al Mowaihat, Ajman. However, a villa in the same configuration will cost around AED 200,000 in Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai. Here is a brief comparison of villa rental prices per month in Ajman and Dubai:
Area | 3-Bedroom Villa | 4-Bedroom Villa |
Al Mowaihat, Ajman | AED 62k | AED 89k |
Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai | AED 200k | AED 250k |
4. Peaceful and Family-Friendly Lifestyle
If you value a relaxed and quaint lifestyle, Ajman is the right place to call your home. Compared to big cities like Dubai, Ajman has a slower pace of life, where residents prefer spending time with family and friends. The emirate offers an escape from the buzzing streets, traffic congestion, and noise pollution.
Ajman is also known for its cultural heritage and community-centric lifestyle, where neighbours celebrate events and festivals together. This strikes the right balance between demanding work life in Dubai and a calming lifestyle in Ajman.
5. Low Cost of Living and High Savings
If you want to earn higher salaries and save big, living in Ajman and working in Dubai will work best for you. The cost of living in Dubai is 22% higher than in Ajman, excluding rental prices. Let’s look at a brief comparison of different costs in Dubai and Ajman:
- Grocery runs cost 32.6% lower in Ajman than in Dubai.
- On average, basic utilities cost around AED 513 in Ajman and AED 797 in Dubai.
- Dining out costs AED 21.5 in Ajman, while AED 50 in Dubai.
6. Comparatively Low-Priced Schools
Families with children can consider living in Ajman, as the emirate offers education at affordable prices. Whether looking for a British, American, or Indian curriculum school, the emirate has options for every choice. Here are some of the top-rated schools in Ajman:
- Habitat School Ajman
- City School Ajman
- Global Indian School Ajman
- British International School Ajman
- City American School Ajman
- International Indian School Ajman
7. Rich in Culture and Nature
Ajman is known for its calming beaches, historic sites, and fascinating beauty. You can be closer to natural sights, unwind at the sandy beaches, and enjoy a stroll along the corniche. Some of the most popular beaches and museums in Ajman include:
- Ajman Beach
- Zorah Beach
- Ajman Museum
- Al Manama Museum
- Al Mareer Fort
Why Work in Dubai While Living in Ajman?
Now you know why living in Ajman is beneficial for higher savings and lower cost of living. But still, the question remains: Why work in Dubai while living in Ajman? Let’s answer this question:
1. Better Job Opportunities
Dubai, the economic powerhouse, offers employment opportunities in nearly every sector. Whether you are an engineer, a tech enthusiast, or a healthcare professional, the emirate has globally recognised organisations.
The ongoing innovation and development are creating more jobs, making Dubai a magnet for working professionals. If you are struggling to land a job here, follow this quick guide to find a job in Dubai.
2. High Salaries
Let’s face it—nothing matters more than salary and benefits when finding a job! Companies in Dubai offer attractive wages and additional benefits like allowances and bonuses. Typically, working professionals earn around AED 98k per year in Dubai, while AED 47k per year in Ajman.
3. Professional Growth
Another benefit of working in Dubai and living in Ajman is professional growth and career advancement. Professionals can attend events, network with fellow professionals, and learn new skills.
Challenges of Living in Ajman and Working in Dubai
Before you plan to live in Ajman and work in Dubai, you must consider a few challenges of this arrangement:
1. Commute Time and Cost
Spending hours daily on the commute can be a big challenge, especially if you don’t own a car. While the travel time from Ajman to Dubai is about an hour during off-peak hours, it can exceed two hours during rush hours. Before finding a job in Dubai, calculate your travel time and expenses.
You can also use alternative ways, like public transport and landing a remote or hybrid job in Dubai. To avoid rush hours, plan your journey proactively and leave early for work.
2. Limited Availability of Reputable Schools
While Ajman boasts some reputable schools, finding one in your neighbourhood can be challenging. For this, parents prefer living in areas with schools like Al Jurf, Al Tallah, and Al Hamidiya.
3. Less Lively Lifestyle
Ajman offers a comfortable and laid-back lifestyle, which may not be suitable for those seeking luxury. While Dubai is the talk of the town for its vibrant nightlife, Ajman is more preferred by families seeking relaxation.
Summing Up!
Benefits | Challenges |
Transportation and Connectivity to Dubai | Commute Time and Cost |
Affordable Housing Options | Limited Availability of Reputable Schools |
Larger Homes | Less Lively Lifestyle |
Peaceful and Family-Friendly Lifestyle | |
Low Cost of Living and High Savings | |
Comparatively Low-Priced Schools | |
Rich in Culture and Nature | |
Better Job Opportunities | |
High Salaries | |
Professional Growth |
FAQs
Both the Emirates offer something unique to residents, and the choice solely depends on personal preferences. Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, better job opportunities, and lively environment. On the contrary, Ajman offers a peaceful and low-cost lifestyle.
Yes, you can live in Ajman and work in Dubai and enjoy a low cost of living, higher savings, and better salaries.
Living in Ajman and working in Dubai offers significant financial benefits, including higher savings, lower living costs, and better salaries. While commute times can be a problem, you can minimise the challenge with proper time management. If you are ready to call Ajman your home, browse the apartments for rent in Ajman.
If you want to live closer to Dubai without breaking the bank, choose Sharjah as your hometown. Living in Sharjah while working in Dubai offers many benefits, such as shorter commute times, better job opportunities, and a slow-paced lifestyle.