Sharjah and Ajman are excellent options for anyone seeking a low-cost of living. If you can’t decide between the two emirates, our cost of living in Ajman vs Sharjah details can help you decide. Whether you are moving to the UAE or a long-term resident looking for a change of scenery, knowing the projected basic living costs in each emirates is crucial information. Let us investigate.
Cost of Living in Ajman vs Sharjah
For an array of reasons, you could desire to reside in one of the two emirates. The smallest emirate is suitable for people who want to live in Ajman and work in Dubai while saving money on housing and other expenses. Sharjah, the cultural hub of the UAE, attracts plenty of expat families due to its great educational facilities, closeness to Dubai, and appropriate real estate.
Knowing precisely Sharjah vs Ajman living costs is critical no matter where you decide to go. Let’s take a deeper look at the Ajman compared to Sharjah living costs for singles, couples, and families.
Housing
Is the cost of living in Sharjah higher than in Ajman? This is a critical question for anyone deciding between the two emirates. While many variables influence living expenditures, your housing rent makes for the lion’s share. So, comparing the costs of renting in both Emirates could help you in calculating the Sharjah versus Ajman cost of living.
Sharjah and Ajman residents can pick from a variety of rental homes, including housing, villas, and townhouses. Let’s start with the cost of living in Sharjah for a bachelor or single person against Ajman.
A single renter renting a studio in Sharjah may expect to spend an annual rent of AED 8k to AED 17k. In Ajman, the exact same thing will cost between AED 8k and AED 18k.
A couple rental a 1-bed property in Ajman could anticipate to pay between AED 12k and AED 32k. Rent for a 1-bedroom flat in Sharjah can vary from AED 12k to AED 31k per year, depending on the area’s attractiveness.
Both Ajman and Sharjah have an excellent rental property inventory, and it is possible to find both luxury and budget-friendly homes in both emirates.
Those looking for for flats can pick Muwaileh, Al Nahda, and Al Majaz, according to Bayut’s Annual Sharjah Market Report 2022. Those hoping to rent or purchase a villa in Sharjah can look at Barashi, Al Jazzat, and Sharqan.
Groceries
Monthly grocery shopping is a vital expense to think about when comparing the cost of living in Sharjah and Ajman. Your monthly purchasing prices will vary depending on the stores you select and your own tastes, no matter where you live.
Popular supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu have several branches in both emirates and offer cheap groceries.
Tenants, on the other hand, may face more living costs if they like to buy at high-end stores like Spinneys.
Check out the comparison of living in Ajman and Sharjah based on the costs of key things to get an idea of how much groceries may cost in both places.
Utilities
Aside from home rent, people must include in energy and water connection costs when evaluating their Ajman against Sharjah living costs. The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) is in charge of both electricity and water distribution in Ajman, while the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) is in charge of the same in Sharjah.
There isn’t much of a difference in energy costs between Ajman and Sharjah. A person renting a studio unit in Sharjah, for example, may anticipate to pay between AED 400 and AED 600 in utility costs, but the same in Ajman could cost between AED 300 and AED 500.
Education
Tuition fees are an important consideration for families with school-aged children, and they’re also a vital part of living expenses in both emirates. As a result, while evaluating the cost of living in both emirates, it is critical to consider average school costs.
For expat families in Sharjah and Ajman, private schools are the favoured option. Residents select IB, British, American, and Indian curriculum. Both emirates provide an array of private education choices for families with varying budgets.
The chart below compares monthly tuition prices for learners in the sixth grade at popular schools in Ajman and Sharjah. As can be seen, schools in Sharjah are slightly more expensive than those in Ajman. However, cost systems in both locations cater for a variety of budgets.
Healthcare
Another element impacting the cost of living in Ajman against Sharjah is health insurance. If your employer does not provide this benefit, you must get it for yourself and your dependents. The quantity of coverage and benefits provided by medical insurance in the UAE varies.
Standard health insurance the coverage in both emirates costs from AED 560 to AED 650, based on eligibility. A larger plan for a single person may cost between AED 4,000 and AED 7,000, depending on their particular needs. Check out the best health insurance providers in Sharjah to learn more about the different medical insurance substitutes in the third biggest emirate.
Transport
Travel costs are a further variable to consider when considering the cost of living in Sharjah vs Ajman. Ajman and Sharjah citizens, like the rest of the UAE, own their own cars. The good news is that the UAE petrol price is applicable to both emirates.
A lot of residents also use public transit to get around. Sharjah’s transportation system is an integrated one that mostly includes Mowasalat buses and taxis. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) is in charge of it. Furthermore, the cost of buses in Sharjah is often higher than in Ajman, with a monthly bus pass costing roughly AED 225.
Entertainment
Residents will be pleased to learn that both emirates offer a diverse range of entertainment options. There is much to see and do, from sandy beaches to enjoyable amusement parks and restaurants.
For instance, those seeking for things to do in Sharjah may explore the city’s various historical monuments, go on kayaking expeditions, or take the family to a water park. There are also many activities to do in Ajman for those who want to live there, including museum trips to water sports.
The cost of popular entertainment in both locations is nearly same.
A cinema ticket, for example, will cost between AED 30 and AED 45 in both emirates, depending on the type of film. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Ajman will cost AED 100, while the same in Sharjah will cost AED 85. AED 1 to AED 15 per person for public park visits, a popular and affordable pastime in both emirates. When evaluating the cost of living in Sharjah vs Ajman, one needs to factor in the expense of entertainment.
Cost of Living in Ajman vs Sharjah – which is More Affordable?
Your cost of living will be based on your needs, personal preferences, and choices for living. Given its closeness to Dubai and desire to families, the cost of schooling and home rent in Sharjah is predictably higher. However, cost-conscious people and their households may also live a luxurious life in Ajman. There are only slight variations in the cost of living between Sharjah and Ajman.
