Cost of Living in Al Barsha

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Al Barsha, understanding the the cost of living in Al Barsha helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost Category Estimated Cost
Apartment Rentals For a one-bedroom apartment in Al Barsha, the average monthly rent ranges from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000 per year. For a three-bedroom apartment, the rent can go up to AED 100,000 to AED 150,000 per year.
Apartment Purchases The cost of buying an apartment in Al Barsha varies greatly depending on the size and location of the property. On average, a one-bedroom apartment can cost between AED 600,000 to AED 1,000,000. A three-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from AED 1,500,000 to AED 2,500,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Al Barsha is quite affordable with the cost of a monthly NOL card (for unlimited travel on Dubai's public transport) being around AED 350. Taxis start at AED 12 and increase by AED 1.82 per km. If you own a car, petrol costs around AED 2.24 per litre.
Groceries The cost of groceries can vary, but on average, a person can expect to spend around AED 200 to AED 400 per week on groceries. This includes basic items like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and household supplies.
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Al Barsha can cost around AED 30 to AED 50. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around AED 150 to AED 250. Fast food combo meals are usually around AED 25 to AED 35.
Utilities Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage can cost around AED 500 to AED 800 per month. Internet can cost around AED 300 to AED 500 per month.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition varies greatly depending on the school. On average, annual tuition for preschool can range from AED 20,000 to AED 30,000. For elementary school, it can range from AED 30,000 to AED 50,000. Middle school and high school tuition can range from AED 40,000 to AED 70,000.
Please note that these are average costs and actual costs may vary depending on various factors. It's always a good idea to do thorough research and possibly consult with a local real estate agent or financial advisor to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Al Barsha

"The cost of living in Al Barsha, is considered to be relatively high compared to other regions. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is slightly less. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage are also an additional cost, which can be quite high due to the extreme temperatures in the region. Groceries in Al Barsha can be expensive, with items such as bread, milk, and eggs costing more than in other countries. Eating out at restaurants can also be costly, especially at mid-range to high-end establishments. Transportation costs in Al Barsha are also a factor to consider. While public transportation is available and relatively affordable, many residents choose to own a car, which includes costs for gasoline, maintenance, and parking. healthcare in Al Barsha is of high quality, but it can also be expensive. Many residents opt for private health insurance to help cover these costs. Overall, while salaries in Al Barsha can be high, the cost of living is also high, and it's important to budget accordingly," said one expat living in Al Barsha.

Can I live in Al Barsha on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Al Barsha for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some sacrifices and smart budgeting. The cost of living in Al Barsha is relatively high compared to other parts of the UAE. Rent is one of the biggest expenses. For a one-bedroom apartment in Al Barsha, you're looking at around $1,000 to $1,200 per month. That doesn't leave much for other expenses like food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. If you're willing to share an apartment or live in a studio, you could cut your rent down to around $700 to $800 per month. Food can also be quite expensive, especially if you're eating out a lot. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around $8 to $10, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant will set you back around $40. Groceries are a bit cheaper, but still more expensive than what you might be used to. A liter of milk, for example, costs around $1.60, a loaf of bread is around $1.20, and a dozen eggs is around $2.80. Transportation is another big expense. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around $70, and a liter of gasoline is around $0.60. If you're planning on driving, keep in mind that car insurance and maintenance can also add up. As for entertainment, a movie ticket costs around $10, and a gym membership is around $70 per month. If you're looking to save money, you might want to consider living in a more affordable neighborhood like Deira or Karama. These areas are a bit older and not as flashy as Al Barsha, but they're still safe and have plenty of amenities. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more luxurious lifestyle, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Palm Jumeirah or Dubai Marina. These areas are very upscale and have a lot of high-end restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. However, the cost of living in these areas is significantly higher than in Al Barsha. In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Al Barsha is doable, but it will require some sacrifices. You'll need to be smart about your spending and be willing to live in a smaller apartment or in a less expensive neighborhood," commented an expat living in Al Barsha.

Can I live in Al Barsha on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Al Barsha for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Al Barsha is relatively high compared to other parts of the UAE. Rent is one of the biggest expenses. For a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area, you're looking at around $1,500 per month. If you're willing to share an apartment or live in a less popular area, you could potentially cut that cost in half. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet can add up to around $200 per month. Groceries can be quite expensive too, especially if you're buying imported goods. I'd say you'd need around $400 per month for food if you're cooking at home most of the time. Eating out can be quite expensive, so that's one of the sacrifices you might have to make. Transportation is another cost to consider. If you're using public transportation, it's relatively affordable. However, if you're planning on buying a car, you need to factor in the cost of the car, petrol, and maintenance. Healthcare is another big expense. While the UAE has a good healthcare system, it can be quite expensive if you don't have insurance. So, you'll need to budget for that as well. As for neighborhoods, Al Barsha itself is quite expensive. If you're looking for more affordable options, you might want to consider areas like Al Quoz, Al Qusais, or Deira. These areas are a bit further out, but the cost of living is significantly lower. On the other hand, areas like Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina are quite expensive and I would not recommend them if you're trying to stick to a $3,000 per month budget. In terms of lifestyle, you might have to make some sacrifices. Dining out, going to bars, and participating in recreational activities can be quite expensive in the UAE. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the many parks and public spaces. Overall, living on $3,000 per month in Al Barsha is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. It's all about finding the right balance between your income and your expenses," said one expat living in Al Barsha.

Can I live in Al Barsha on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Al Barsha for a few years now and I can tell you that living comfortably on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and planning. The cost of living in Al Barsha is relatively high compared to other parts of the UAE, but it's still manageable. Rent is probably going to be your biggest expense. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in Al Barsha for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month. If you're willing to live in a studio or share an apartment, you can cut that cost down significantly. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet will probably run you around $200 a month. Groceries can be quite expensive, especially if you're buying imported goods. I usually spend around $400 a month on groceries. Eating out can also be pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. I usually budget around $300 a month for dining out. Transportation is relatively cheap. You can get around by taxi or public transportation for around $100 a month. If you have a car, petrol is quite cheap, but you'll have to factor in the cost of insurance and maintenance. I'd say you should budget around $200 a month for transportation. That leaves you with around $1,800 to $2,300 a month for other expenses like entertainment, shopping, and savings. It's definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending. As for neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking at Al Barsha South or Al Barsha 3. They're a bit more affordable than Al Barsha 1 or Al Barsha 2. I'd avoid areas like Palm Jumeirah or Dubai Marina. They're very expensive and probably out of your budget," commented an expat living in Al Barsha.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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