Being one of the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ras Al Khaimah uniquely joins urban living with natural splendor. With stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and rich cultural heritage, Ras Al-Khaimah has now started to emerge as one of the increasing number of top-of-the-line destinations for living for single persons, married couples, and families.
Cost of Living in Ras Al Khaimah: A Breakdown
Ras Al Khaimah nurtures an affordable lifestyle, whether the resident is a young professional, a couple, or a family. Thus knowing the cost of living in Ras Al Khaimah is of significant importance to anyone considering moving or investing. In this article, we will break down normal monthly expenses for various types of residents, thereby creating a comparison of the savings you can have on rent by living in Ras Al-Khaimah instead of Dubai.
For instance, One RAK Central by Pantheon Developers is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s landmark residential developments and one of the best places to live in Ras Al Khaimah. The development comprises studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, making it an ideal option for anyone who wishes to live in modern accommodation while paying less than the Dubai price tag.
Here is the table summarizing the average living cost in Ras al Khaimah for singles, couples, and families:
| Expense Category | Cost for Singles (AED) | Cost for Couples (AED) | Cost for Families (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | AED 2,000 – 5,000 | AED 3,300 – 4,900 | AED 6,200 – 9,800 |
| Utilities | AED 300 – 900 | AED 400 – 1,200 | AED 600 – 1,500 |
| Food (Groceries) | AED 1,000 – 3,000 | AED 1,500 – 4,000 | AED 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Mobile & Internet | AED 200 – 600 | AED 300 – 800 | AED 400 – 1,000 |
| Transportation | AED 100 – 1,000 | AED 200 – 1,500 | AED 500 – 1,500 |
| Education (if applicable) | N/A | N/A | AED 5,000 – 120,000 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | AED 2,100 – 3,200 | AED 3,300 – 4,900 | AED 6,200 – 9,800 |
Cost of Living for Singles
Ras al Khaimah is significantly cheaper than Dubai for singles who would like to live there. General monthly expenses vary between AED 2,100 and AED 3,200 for a single individual living in Ras al Khaimah. These include rent, utilities, food, mobile and internet services, and other necessities.
Rentals in Ras al Khaimah are much cheaper than in Dubai. Studio apartments generally range from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 per month, whereas a similar studio apartment in Dubai costs anywhere from AED 3,500 to AED 15,000 per month.
With Ras al Khaimah costing about 20 percent less in all facets than Dubai, it serves as a great option for working professionals wishing to save a bit without sacrificing any comfort or convenience.
Cost of Living for Couples
Ras Al Khaimah is indeed an excellent place to stay for couples, offering reduced rentals and living costs. Couples may expect to spend AED 3,300 to AED 4,900 monthly on rent, utilities, food, and day-to-day living expenses. This contrasts sharply with Dubai, where the rents of one-bedroom apartments shoot up to AED 5,000 per month.
Couples seeking a luxurious lifestyle at a lower cost will still once again find Ras Al Khaimah a good option, as villas in Dubai that can fetch up to AED 200,000 a year would be available here for AED 36,000 and below. Also, utility prices, transport, and grocery costs are comparatively lower, enabling couples to afford easier lives.
Cost of Living for Families
Families of any size will benefit from the cheap lifestyle in Ras Al Khaimah. An average family of four would pay between AED 6,200 and AED 9,800 a month on rent, utilities, food, and school fees. On the contrary, families living in a three-bedroom apartment in Dubai could easily spend over AED 15,000 each month, making Ras Al Khaimah a less expensive option for families hoping to settle in the UAE.
Schooling is cheaper in Ras Al-Khaimah as the school fees range from AED 5,000 to AED 120,000 annually, depending on the school. One can call this difference a great savings opportunity for a family. Groceries and transport are also less expensive, further cementing Ras Al-Khaimah’s position as a family-friendly place.
Is Ras Al-Khaimah Cheaper Than Dubai?
Yes, Ras al-Khaimah is relatively inexpensive compared to Dubai, and for the most part. Rent in Ras Al Khaimah is cheaper than in Dubai by 45.5%. Eating out is less expensive by 24.6%, while groceries are slightly more expensive, by approximately 4.8%. Much cheaper are utilities, making it a livable place for budget seekers. Also, transportation within Ras Al-Khaimah costs relatively less, either if you are driving your car or using public transport.
Types of Expenses to Bear While Living in Ras Al Khaimah
Living in Ras Al-Khaimah requires a great deal of forethought and budgeting, but with a lower cost prevailing over most of the categories, it will still count as one of the most pocket-friendly places in the UAE. Below is a tally of the various types of expenses that run across your mind.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | AED 1,000 – 17,500 (depending on type) | |
| Grocery & Food | AED 1,000 – 3,000 (for two people) | |
| Utilities | AED 725 – 2,150 | |
| Transportation | AED 100 – 3,000 | |
| Healthcare | AED 700 – 10,000 (depending on insurance) | |
| Education | AED 5,000 – 80,000 (per year) | |
| Entertainment | AED 25 – 200 (varies by activity) | |
- Housing
For a studio apartment, rent will range from AED 2,000 to AED 17,500 for a villa. Shared accommodations can be found at AED 1,000-3,000.
- Groceries and food
Monthly groceries might cost AED 1,000-3,000. Eating out is cheaper than in Dubai.
- Utilities
Utility costs depend upon usage and size of accommodation, with electricity’ AED 300-900; water, gas, & internet AED 200-1,250.
- Transportation
Transport expenditures in Ras Al Khaimah are cheaper. Public transport costs AED 100-1,000, with affordable cab alternatives like Uber and Careem.
- Healthcare
The healthcare system is inexpensive, with insurance premiums ranging anywhere between AED 700 and 10,000, which gives good care in both public and private facilities.
- Education
Public school fees cost between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000, while private and international schools range from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 per annum.
- Entertainment
During the entertainment, costs range from AED 25-200 for activities like the Jais Sky Tour, movie tickets, and water parks.
Conclusion
Ras Al Khaimah is a good place for singles, couples, and families to set up in the UAE without exceeding their budget. Affordable housing, low utility bills, and a cost of living that is cheaper than in Dubai make Ras Al Khaimah an easy and enjoyable place to exist. Whether you are taking up a new job, moving with family, or just want an alternative to expensively live in Dubai, this affordable living and quality life in Ras Al-Khaimah will take you there. We hope now you get why do people like living in Ras Al Khaimah.
FAQs
Can you buy property in Ras Al Khaimah?
Property buying is possible in Ras Al Khaimah. The options are diverse between residents, and non-residents, both having freehold and leasehold properties.
Is it expensive to live in Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah is generally of lower living standards as compared with other emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The average rent is 72.6 percent less in Ras Al Khaimah than in New York. The living costs of a single human run to about $1,603 monthly, including rent.
What is a good salary in Ras Al Khaimah?
A good salary in Ras Al Khaimah depends on the particular industry and type of work. A common average monthly salary is approximately 13,700 AED, with salaries generally between 2,490 AED and 65,400 AED.
Is it worth living in Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah is worth living in for many economical family-tasks, wonderful green views, and decent nature. Alternatively, if one compares it to busy Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the life pace is quite relaxed.
Is Ras Al Khaimah tax-free?
Ras Al Khaimah is an emirate considered tax-free for most businesses and individuals. There are no direct taxes on profits, sales, or wealth. However, a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to goods and services.
What are the most popular areas to rent properties in Ras Al Khaimah?
The most popular places to rent houses in Ras Al Khaimah are Al Hamra Village, Al Marjan Island, Al Nakheel, Al Seer, and Mina Al Arab. The range is from budget flats to high-end villas.
What is the cost of living in Dubai?
The cost of living in Dubai is much higher compared to Ras Al Khaimah. Monthly costs per family of four are estimated at around 19,079 AED, while the cost per month for a single person is estimated at 11,924 AED. Rent in Dubai is about 46.1% less than that of New York, on an average.
