Ajman and Sharjah are two serene yet lively cities in the United Arab Emirates which are mostly overshadowed by their shiny neighbors such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. So we decided to unpack the deep tapestry of life in these two intriguing Emirates.

This piece is your no-nonsense guide to the cost of living — Ajman vs Sharjah. These Emirates boast a one of its kind appeal, supplying a mix of classical allure and contemporary luxuries.

So buckle up as we start our informative yet revealing comparison of the cost of living in these two cities.

Cost of Living Ajman vs Sharjah

1. Housing Costs

Ajman

Ajman is a smaller and less developed Emirate than Sharjah, so it’s only understandable that it provides cheaper housing options.

• A one-bed flat in the city centre rents for about AED 18,000 to AED 24,000 per year
• A one-bed apartment outside Ajman’s centre is available for an average rent of AED 12,000 to AED 18,000 per year

Sharjah

Sharjah’s housing market is a little pricier yet more diverse.

• An apartment containing one bedroom averages around AED 20,000 to AED 30,000 per year if it is located inside the city centre
• A similar apartment outside the city centre is available for rent from about AED 15,000 to AED 25,000.

2. Food and Grocery Costs

Ajman

In Ajman, food and groceries cost comparatively less than other emirates.

• You might need to pay about AED 25 for dining in a decent eatery
• You may need to splurge approximately AED 150 to AED 200 to do the usual groceries for a week

Sharjah

Sharjah boasts a more vast array of foods but they are a little expensive.

• A usual meal at a frugal restaurant may cost you approximately AED 30
• Weekly grocery may cost you between AED 200 to AED 250

Also Read: Cost of Living Comparison Between Ajman and Dubai

3. Transportation

Ajman

Ajman has limited public transport options and a majority of people travel through cabs or personal cars. Transportation expenses for a month can be approximately AED 300 to AED 500 on an average.

Sharjah

This vibrant city offers an advanced public transit system such as cabs and buses. The monthly transportation will cost you around the same as Ajman, nearly AED 300 to AED 500 to be exact.

4. Education and Schools

Ajman

This beautiful emirate has multiple schools with decent fee structures. Private schools charge somewhere between AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per year on an average.

Sharjah

There are more schools including international educational institutions in Sharjah compared to Ajman. The average annual fees fall between AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 which is relatively more expensive.

5. Entertainment and Leisure

Ajman

Ajman offers pocket-friendly leisure activities. For example, you can go to public beaches without spending a dime and can watch a nice movie for about AED 35.

Sharjah

There is an ample variety of entertainment and leisure in Sharjah but the options can cost you relatively more. Most parks and leisure venues charge you money while movie tickets are approximately worth AED 40.

Also Read: How Much Does It Cost To Build a House In UAE?

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Ajman is typically cheaper compared to Sharjah particularly in regards with education and housing. But Sharjah furnishes a more diverse lifestyle with advanced transportation options and more leisure venues. Eventually, the selection between the two emirates relies on your own priorities and lifestyle needs. Both Ajman and Sharjah boast their distinctive allure and perks making them appealing in their own right.