Which City Is Best to Live in the UAE? Plan before you move

Population: 3.94 million people living in Dubai is the most densely populated city in the UAE, with its residents from almost every corner of the world

Cost of living: Dubai is the most densely populated city in the UAE, with its residents from almost every corner of the world. Living costs here are significantly higher, where rent, transport, dining and more add up together. For deep detail, check the table below showing all the expenses as a single person or family: -

Lifestyle: If you want variety, entertainment, luxury malls, international dining, and a fast international pace, Dubai delivers. Expat life here is active and full of options.

Pros & Cons of living in Dubai

Pros: Top jobs, global connectivity, world-class amenities and high opportunities

Cons: High rent, crowded traffic, cost pressure in day-to-day life because things are expensive here.

Future Outlook: Dubai keeps expanding where addition of new communities, smart city plans with the use of AI technology, more metro lines for a better transit system and more will improve the overall reputation of this place.

Price appreciation in 5 years: It has seen 124% property appreciation

Population: It has a density of 1.5 million and is the federal capital of the largest emirate by area. Abu Dhabi is more spread out and less dense.

Cost of living: Here, the cost of living is lower than in Dubai for many things, considering the rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and more, and for this, just check the table below: -

Lifestyle: More relaxed than Dubai, but still modern. Strong governance, cultural institutions, safer neighbourhoods and good schools to meet quality and sustainable living. 

Pros & Cons of living in Abu Dhabi

Pros: It is a balanced place with cultural and modernisation in one frame, and then its green spaces provide a healthy and active living system with good ancillaries for quality living.

Cons: You won’t be able to get that kind of nightlife options because of the lack of options, and also, commuting distances can be longer in the suburbs, so you need to balance things before. 

Future Outlook: Abu Dhabi is pushing sustainable urban growth, renewable energy, and planned districts meant to blend work + life more evenly.

Price appreciation in 5 years: It has seen 202% property appreciation

Population: The total population of Sharjah is approximately 1.6 million, offering a high quality of life supported with all range of amenities and facilities. 

Cost of living: Many families choose Sharjah over Dubai for the cost savings. As the overall pricing of living is significantly lower for the same lifestyle upgrades, see the table below for deep understanding.

Lifestyle: Sharjah carries more Emirati and cultural influence, where different museums and heritage sites provide a high festive atmosphere to experience this side as well. So this place is highly recommended for those who seek for culture + affordability together to meet different combinations of living. 

Pros & Cons of living in Sharjah

Pros: With much lower rent here, the overall cost of living becomes attractive, and also the quieter neighbourhoods give a tranquil ambience where nights are just to sleep, so a healthy lifestyle, and easy access to places such as Dubai takes 25 min, Abu Dhabi around 1 hour 45 min and more places are well approachable. 

Cons: As mentioned above, the location is more historic, so luxurious options are limited, stricter social norms in certain areas would need attentiveness. 

Future Outlook: Sharjah is investing in infrastructure and expansion, especially because many expats working in Dubai choose to live here because of its affordable cost of living, which is around AED 1000 cheaper than in Dubai.

Price appreciation in 5 years: It has seen 90% property appreciation

Population: Smallest of the main emirates with around 490,000, population.

Cost of living: Here (especially housing) is cheaper than other Emirates properties, which makes the overall cost cheaper, and for a better understanding, you can just see the table below, mentioning the overall expenses in Ajman: -

Lifestyle: Of course, life here is steady because of the ambience where limitations lack the entertainment, but yes, if you want to tranquil living experience, then it is a sound place for families, retirees, or investors seeking for secure property investment despite the fact that it will offer slow ROI. 

Pros & Cons of living in Ajman

Pros: Surely Ajman is an affordable place where buying a home will not stress out the home seeker, and also it provides simple and comfortable living standards. 

Cons: Limited high-end amenities will bring less entertainment and joy, so for this, you might have to rely on neighbouring emirates for some services, so ensure you have a car or be ready for such like lifestyle inside it. 

Future Outlook: As Dubai expands, Ajman is getting more attention because it is just 35 minutes away, keeping the place directly connected to the prime areas of the UAE. And that is the reason. Many developers are coming up with a wide range of projects in this area after exploring its potential.  

Price appreciation in 5 years: It has seen 75% property appreciation

Population: Located on the east coast with mountains and ocean, Fujairah is quieter and cheaper than the coastal emirates, with a population of 250,000.

Cost of living: Cost of living over here in Fujairah is cheaper, starting from its rent, that is AED 3,500 to 7,000 and so on, where groceries, transportation and more are mentioned below to see the overall expense that you have to bear: -

Lifestyle: Beach life during weekends to enjoy with families, a slower pace of living ideal for retirees and break-free connection to nature for a healthy lifestyle.

Pros & Cons

Pros: This place keeps you connected to nature and its beauty, so here, serenity, scenic beauty, and no competition give you a smooth living standard.

Cons: Limited job opportunities could give you stress, so match your profile and job opportunities before you move in, and here limited infrastructure could trouble you.

Future Outlook: As remote work grows, Fujairah’s appeal increases. Better transport links and internet infrastructure will be key. So more developments in both residential and companies will provide high high-quality standard lifestyle.

Price appreciation in 5 years: It has seen 50% property appreciation

Population: The Ras Al Khaimah area comes with 400,000 population where its nature-friendly lifestyle is the key attraction.

Cost of living: The overall cost of living in RAK is cheaper, that is around AED 2,800 for a single person and even if you are coming with your family of 4 members, then it will cost you AED 9,000, rest for more details, check the table: -

Lifestyle: It is more on a peaceful side where your eye will experience mountains, beaches, water-related sports and more to experience its calm side. 

Pros & Cons of living in Ras Al Khaimah 

Pros: To have a waterfront living experience, and also to gain from its potential, where the existing and upcoming home owners will enjoy its value, and a low entry point allows the new investors to dive into its potential.

Cons: It is still developing, so it will take time to turn into a fully operational zone, so you need to hold your horses to meet such a lifestyle. 

Future Outlook: Major projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island are expected to bring tourism, job creation, and property demand, so surely the current buyers will fetch high benefits out of it. 

Price appreciation in 5 years:  It has seen 80% property appreciation

Population: It is one of the least populated, quiet and undeveloped compared to others, holding a population of 70,000, providing a comfortable living standard. 

Cost of living: The overall cost of living in Umm Al Quwain is the cheapest where it is about AED 1,800 for a single person, and rest if you want to know the exact cost of rent, groceries, transport and all, then check the table below to clear the overall cost of living: -

Lifestyle : is simple, nature-first, great for people who want to escape hustle, so don’t have higher hopes because this place lacks infrastructure, developments and vibes. 

Pros & Cons

Pros: Definitely here, the low cost creates great savings, and other than this, its serenity and closeness to nature bring a comfortable living standard. 

Cons: If you are living here in Umm Al Quwain, then fewer urban perks, less infrastructure, fewer high-paying jobs could stress you about of tension, so be attentive before you invest. 

Future Outlook:It may remain niche, but will appeal to those who want eco-living or off-grid life close to UAE’s core. So it has potential, but patience is the key. 

Price appreciation in 5 years:  It has seen 65% property appreciation

• Cost: Dubai is more expensive; Abu Dhabi offers similar perks at lower cost in many areas
• Career: Dubai is a hub for tech, media, trade; Abu Dhabi excels in government, oil/energy, sustainability
• Commuting & Life Quality: Abu Dhabi’s suburbs may offer more space and less congestion
• Culture & Policies: Abu Dhabi has more Emirati-led governance; both are safe and modern

If low cost is your priority, then Ajman (AED 2,200 – 2,800) and Umm Al Quwain (AED 1,800 – 2,500) are top of the list because of their low cost of living. They offer the lowest rent and modest living expenses while still being in the UAE’s orbit.

The “best” city to live in within the UAE depends heavily on your priorities. If you're looking for glamour, connectivity, and high job opportunities, Dubai still leads. But if you want more bang for your dirham—or a quieter, family-focused environment—Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ajman might be better fits. For peace-seekers or nature lovers, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah or Umm Al Quwain offer unique alternatives.

Every city here has its strength: jobs, culture, affordability, or nature. Know what part of life you value most—then choose the emirate that best matches it.