Cost of living in Fujairah vs Dubai in 2025

The cost of living in Fujairah vs Dubai depicts a stark contrast. You can notice this price disparity, especially when comparing the essentials. 

Fujairah is popular for its serene setting and cheaper daily expenses. In contrast, Dubai delivers premium luxury, which comes at a price. Each of these Emirates presents an array of opportunities. These become the basis of selection for expats and families looking to relocate. 

Knowing these differences is paramount in making an investment or relocation decision. This guide will pit Fujairah and Dubai on all major cost categories to give you a more practical picture. 

• Key differences: Fujairah vs Dubai 
• Housing and rental costs 
• Utilities and household expenses 
• Food and groceries 
• Transportation 
• Healthcare 
• Education 
• Lifestyle and entertainment 
• Average monthly cost of living in Fujairah vs Dubai comparison (2025) 
• Key takeaways
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

Key differences: Fujairah vs Dubai 

Fujairah is less expensive than Dubai.  

Rent and utilities cost less in Fujairah compared to many larger Emirates. Eating out is also cheaper here. Life here is quieter, yet you can enjoy a more value-driven lifestyle. 

In contrast, Dubai is famous for its premium living. From luxury rentals to world-class dining, the expenses you will bear in Dubai will be considerably higher. The city is best suited for you if you want that cosmopolitan charm. However, this will come at a heavier financial strain. 

When comparing the cost of living in Fujairah vs Dubai, the former lets you stretch your income further. Dubai, on the other hand, demands a higher cash outlay. However, it compensates equally well with: 

• Superior entertainment 
• Global connectivity 
• Cultural options

Housing and rental costs 

Housing in Dubai is almost 140% more expensive than in Fujairah. 

Residential localities with a tranquil neighbourhood and proximity to schools and essential services appeal most to families. 

Rental price comparisons (2025) 

Compared to Dubai, housing in Fujairah is much cheaper. There are a variety of apartments and villas that cater to every budget.  

The monthly rent for a 900 sq. ft. furnished apartment in a premium Dubai location is 15,025 AED. In Fujairah, your monthly rental for a similar apartment will be 4,165 AED. However, for a similarly furnished space in a normal area, you will pay 9,534 AED in Dubai and 3,396 AED in Fujairah. 

For a smaller furnished studio apartment of 480 sq. ft., the rent in Dubai in a premium neighbourhood is 8.412 AED per month. However, this monthly rental cost is 2,964 AED in Fujairah. But, if you rent a similar furnished studio in a normal area, you will end up paying 5,513 AED in Dubai and 2,133 AED in Fujairah.  

The rental market in Dubai is on a completely different scale compared to Fujairah. Herein, the rental costs are dramatically higher across all categories. Even those outside the central zones will be steep compared to Fujairah. 

As you can assess, the rent you pay for a 480 sq. ft. apartment in a regular Dubai locality is usually more than the price you pay in the most premium neighbourhood for a 900 sq. ft. area in Fujairah.  

Explore the Available Apartments for Rent in Dubai

Utilities and household expenses

In Fujairah, utility expenses do not typically burn a hole in your wallet. An 85 square metre Fujairah apartment brings in a monthly utility expense of around 516 AED. This includes the cost for: 

• Electricity 
• Heating 
• Cooling 
• Water 
• Garbage clearance 

However, in Dubai, your monthly basic utility expense for a similar-sized apartment will work out to around 764 AED. 

Mobile phone monthly plans cost around 151 AED in Fujairah. However, in Dubai, a similar plan works out more expensive, and you incur a monthly expense of 229 AED.  

As for an internet connection, the prices are almost the same. For a 60 MBPS or higher plan with unlimited data, you will pay 359 AED in Fujairah and 361 AED in Dubai. 

Upon comparing the utility costs in the two Emirates, you can safely conclude that Fujairah has considerably lower recurring household expenses. 

Food and groceries 

Everyday grocery prices in Fujairah are slightly lower than in Dubai. You will find local and imported products across both Emirates. A variety of groceries is available for your daily purchase.  

Let us take a closer look at how essentials are priced in both regions. A litre of milk costs 6.91 AED in Dubai as opposed to 6.29 AED in Fujairah. A 1.5 litre water bottle sells for 1.88 AED in Fujairah and 2.51 AED in Dubai.  

A loaf of white bread (500 grams) is available for 5.18 AED in Dubai and 5 AED in Fujairah. One kg of apples costs 8.19 AED in Fujairah and 8.51 AED in Dubai. Onions are priced at 4.23 AED in Dubai and 3.96 AED in Fujairah per kilo.  

Eating-out options are significantly cheaper in Fujairah. A casual meal in an inexpensive restaurant can cost you about 30 AED here. However, you will pay around 40 AED in Dubai for a similar eating joint.  

A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant in Fujairah costs 150 AED. In Dubai, you will need to shell out roughly 285 AED for a similar setting. Fast-food combo meals cost 25 AED in Fujairah and 35 AED in Dubai. 

Although Dubai offers a wider variety of culinary experiences ranging from luxury restaurants to casual cafes, dining at such outlets comes with a heftier price tag. On average, the cost of food in Dubai is around 16% higher than in Fujairah. 

Transportation

Considering Fujairah has limited public transport, residents here rely more on their private vehicles. On the other hand, Dubai is well-connected thanks to its robust public transport. The metro, trams, and buses help you commute to major areas. 

A one-way ticket on an available local mode of transport is priced higher (14 AED) in Fujairah than in Dubai (6 AED). One litre of gasoline also costs slightly more in Fujairah than in Dubai. It costs 2.78 AED per litre in Fujairah, while Dubai charges 2.74 AED per litre.  

A standard taxi starting tariff is more in Dubai (12 AED) than in Fujairah (10.50 AED). However, the rate per km and per hour waiting charge are the same across both Emirates at 2.50 AED and 30 AED, respectively.  

The cost of buying a new vehicle depends on the model you prefer. A Volkswagen Golf or equivalent car will be cheaper to buy in Dubai than in Fujairah. However, there is not much of a price difference when it comes to purchasing a Toyota sedan variant. While you can source one in Dubai for 82,900 AED, in Fujairah, a similar model sells for 81,900 AED. 

Healthcare 

In both Emirates, healthcare facilities are top-notch. So, residents and expats can avail themselves of quality medical services. There are public and private hospitals and specialised clinics in both Dubai and Fujairah.  

Fujairah health facilities offer high-quality care with professional staff and a patient-friendly environment. Non-residents are recommended to sign up for a valid health insurance to manage the related costs. Health insurance helps lower your out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment.  

The Dubai Health Authority has put in place legislation that mandates expats to procure private health insurance. Such coverage is usually purchased through employers. Local, however, are entitled to be covered under government-funded schemes.  

While Dubai has a more comprehensive range of healthcare facilities, Fujairah’s healthcare system is more regionally-focused. Specialist consultations and treatments usually cost more, but easy access makes it worth the cost in Dubai.  

Education 

Education is more affordable in Fujairah than in Dubai. While private preschools charge 800 AED per month for each child in Fujairah, your monthly expense in Dubai will work out much higher at 3,023 AED per child.  

Even an international primary school levies a yearly fee of 25,500 AED in Fujairah, while in Dubai, your cost will soar to 54,746 AED.   

Fujairah is a desirable option for families seeking quality education for their kids without excessive costs. Both Emirates offer solid academic standards when it comes to education.  

Lifestyle and entertainment 

Dubai is known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and entertainment options. The city has a variety of cultural activities. You will experience the best shopping malls, clubs, and international events while here. Eating, shopping, and recreational activities are aplenty, but they are expensive. All of this reflects premium living. 

Life in Fujairah is slower and more nature-focused as it is dotted with pristine beaches, mountains, and waterfalls. Adventure-seeking residents here enjoy outdoor activities like water sports and hiking.  

Sports and entertainment options, like a monthly gym membership and movie tickets, are cheaper in Fujairah when compared to Dubai. However, Dubai offers more leisure options in terms of shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment venues. 

Fujairah attracts expats who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. Dubai, however, rewards those who seek variety and excitement, but at a cost.  

Average monthly cost of living in Fujairah vs Dubai comparison (2025) 

Key takeaways 

Fujairah is certainly more affordable than Dubai for most families. Rentals, utilities, and daily household expenses are comparatively cheaper in Fujairah. So, you can enjoy a comfortable life without spending too much. 

Public transport in Fujairah is limited when compared to the well-connected modes of transport in Dubai. One-way local transport tickets and gasoline are priced higher in Fujairah than in Dubai. 

Both Emirates offer superior healthcare facilities. While Dubai has a more comprehensive range, Fujairah’s healthcare system is more regionally-focused. 

Education fees show wide differences with private preschools and international primary schools, with higher fees in Dubai than in Fujairah. 

Dining, entertainment, and lifestyle offerings reflect a cosmopolitan vibe in Dubai and are priced higher. Fujairah offers a more relaxing and nature-focused lifestyle.  

Conclusion 

The cost of living in Fujairah vs Dubai clearly depicts the contrast that impacts everyday life and budgeting.  

In Fujairah, you enjoy a more affordable environment with: 

• Manageable utilities 
• Lower rentals 
• Affordable education 

So, it is perfect for professionals and families seeking a reasonably comfortable and quieter lifestyle. 

On the other hand, Dubai offers: 

• Global connectivity 
• Premium healthcare 
• Fine dining 
• World-class entertainment 

However, these conveniences come at a price.  

In the end, choosing between where to settle from among the two Emirates is a personal preference.  

Looking for a property in the Emirates? Consider browsing through Property Finder. It can be your go-to place for properties across all budgets and neighbourhoods. 

FAQs 

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