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A few days ago, when I was thinking about living in Dubai, I suddenly wondered: What if other cities, like Ras Al Khaimah, are cheaper than Dubai? It was at that exact moment that I started searching about living in Dubai vs. living in Ras Al Khaimah, and the results surprised me: Ras Al Khaimah is cheaper than Dubai on many sides! That is why I am now writing my research down so you do not have to do them all again. In this article, you will see the full comparison of Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai, in terms of food, rent, grocery, and other prices.
This comprehensive guide will help potential Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah residents understand the two cities’ financial dynamics, covering everything from housing and utilities to transportation and everyday costs.
Stay with DoJoin to find out more about the living expenses and also the average salary in both cities.
Is Ras Al Khaimah Cheaper Than Dubai?
When comparing Ras al-Khaimah and Dubai in terms of cost of living, it becomes clear that two very different cities have quite different budgetary needs to sustain a comparable level of life.
According to the cost of living plus rent index, the cost of living in Ras Al Khaimah is almost %31 to %45 more than the cost of living in Dubai.
The total monthly cost of living a comfortable life in Dubai:
- For a single person: AED 9.500 – AED 18.000
- For a family of four: AED 18.000 to AED 35.000
The total monthly cost of living a comfortable life in Ras Al Khaimah:
- For a single person: AED 5.500 – AED 10.000
- For a family of four: AED 10.000 – AED 18.000
As you see, the numbers for Ras Al Khaimah are almost half of them for Dubai. Below we have provided you with more detailed charts in which we have mentioned and compared all of the living costs for living in Ras Al Khaimah vs living in Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah Vs. Dubai: Which is the Cheapest Emirate in UAE?
When comparing Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai in terms of living costs, Ras Al Khaimah emerges as the more affordable emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Let’s compare these two emirates in terms of rent utility and other factors.
Ras Al Khaimah Vs. Dubai: Consumer Prices
One important metric for gauging living expenses is consumer prices, which provide a clear benefit in Ras Al Khaimah. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Ras Al Khaimah is a great choice since its prices are about 20.0% cheaper than Dubai’s, not including rent.
Ras Al Khaimah is financially more appealing when you take into account rent, which results in an overall consumer price index that is 33.5% cheaper than Dubai. The result is a marked decrease in the cost of living as inhabitants enjoy huge savings on their daily costs. You should also have a clear picture of the electricity and water bills in Ras Al Khaimah vs in Dubai:
- Electricity in RAK vs. in Dubai: 1 unit of electricity cost in Ras Al Khaimah is around 7.5 fils per kilowatt-hour (kWh); however, 1 unit of electricity cost in Dubai is around 28 fils per kWh.
- Water bill in RAK vs. in Dubai: An average rate of 1.7 fils per Imperial Gallon (IG) in RAK, and an average rate of 3.5 fils per IG in Dubai.
Dubai Vs. Ras Al Khaimah: Rent Prices
A large chunk of most people’s monthly budget goes toward rent, and rent in Ras Al Khaimah is much cheaper than in other cities. Residents in Ras Al Khaimah, especially expats and those on a tight budget, may take advantage of rents that are 49.5% cheaper than Dubai’s, making the city a great bargain.
This large disparity in rental prices may have a significant effect on household spending, allowing them more leeway to meet other necessities.
Ras Al Khaimah Vs. Dubai: Restaurant Prices
Both locals and tourists can have their food in Ras Al Khaimah’s restaurant, where their costs are 20.5% cheaper than in Dubai. Saving a ton of money on food improves people’s standard of living in Ras Al Khaimah, whether they choose low-cost or medium-priced restaurants.
Dubai Vs. Ras Al Khaimah: Grocery Costs
Generally, grocery prices in Ras Al Khaimah are 11.5% cheaper than in Dubai, including a wide range of necessities. People may better control their household budgets thanks to the low food costs, leading to a more frugal way of living.
Ras Al Khaimah Vs. Dubai: Local Purchasing Power
Although Ras Al Khaimah’s local purchasing power is 0.1% less than Dubai’s, this little discrepancy is made up by significant cost reductions in other areas. Despite a little decline in local buying power, people in Ras Al Khaimah can make the most of their wages due to the generally affordable consumer products and services that assist in maintaining a balanced cost of living.
Cost of Living Comparison: Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai (January 2025)
Let’s get to more details and know more about price specifications in both emirates:
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Salaries and Financing
What is a good salary in Ras Al Khaimah? Here is the average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax):
- Dubai: AED 16,000
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 12,000
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Utility Costs
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment:
- Dubai: AED 836.99
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 507.57
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL):
- Dubai: AED 359.38
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 300.00
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Clothing Costs
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar):
- Dubai: AED 200.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 180.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …):
- Dubai: AED 150.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 120.00
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Restaurant Prices
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant:
- Dubai: AED 45.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 45.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course:
- Dubai: AED 270.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 180.00
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Grocery Prices
Milk (Regular, 1 Liter):
- Dubai: AED 6.34
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 5.84
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g):
- Dubai: AED 4.85
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 4.07
Eggs (Regular, 12):
- Dubai: AED 11.79
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 9.16
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Transportation Costs
One-way Ticket (Local Transport):
- Dubai: AED 7.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 11.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff):
- Dubai: AED 12.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 5.50
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Recreation Costs
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult:
- Dubai: AED 300.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 250.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat:
- Dubai: AED 45.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 40.00
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Childcare Costs
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child:
- Dubai: AED 2,500.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 2,000.0
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Rent and Real Estate Prices
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre:
- Dubai: AED 8,135.80
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 2,804.91
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre:
- Dubai: AED 5,500.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 2,000.00
Ras al-Khaimah vs. Dubai Apartment Purchase Prices
Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment in the City Centre:
- Dubai: AED 14,000.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 7,000.00
Price per Square Meter to Buyan Apartment Outside of the Centre:
- Dubai: AED 10,000.00
- Ras Al Khaimah: AED 5,000.00
Is Ras Al Khaimah Cheaper Than Dubai for Tourists
You might be surprised if we tell you that RAK is cheaper than Dubai for tourists. In fact, RAK is a better option for those who are limited in their budget and do not care much about luxury. Also, RAK provides a quieter environment where you and your family can have a nice time.
Here is a more detailed cost comparison between Dubai and RAK for tourists:
Accommodation
- Dubai: hotels start at AED 300-600 per night
- RAK: hotels begin at AED 150-400 per night
Transportation
- Dubai: Metro fares range from AED 3-7 per trip, and taxis have a starting fare of AED 12
- RAK: No metro, taxi fares start at AED 5.50, and rental cars are AED 80-200 per day.
Food & Dining
- Dubai: Casual dining: AED 40-80 per meal
- RAK: Casual dining: AED 30-60 per meal
Similar Activities’ Costs Between Dubai and RAK
There are several similar activities between Dubai and RAK, but their experience and prices might vary. Below, we have listed three similar activities between these two cities, followed by each one’s pricing, so you have a big picture of the difference between the cost of activities in these two popular cities:
| Activity | Ras Al Khaimah | Dubai |
| Desert Safari | AED 150 – AED 250 | AED 250 – AED 400 |
| Beach Access | Free or AED 50 – AED 100 | AED 100 – AED 300 |
| Water Sports | AED 100 – AED 200 | AED 100 – AED 300 |
| Theme Parks | AED 200 – AED 250 | AED 250 – AED 350 |
| Golfing | AED 200 – AED 400 | AED 400 – AED 600 |
| Ziplining | AED 300 – AED 400 | AED 600 – AED 700 |
Minimum Salary to Live in Dubai vs Ras Al Khaimah
- Minimum Salary to Survive in Dubai: The monthly net wage for a single person should ideally be between 3,000 and 10,000 AED, taking into account living expenditures, transportation costs, and other daily needs.
- Minimum Salary to Survive in Ras Al Khaimah: A person may pay their necessary living expenditures with monthly net earnings of at least 2,500 to 7,000 AED.
Explore Dubai and RAK with DoJoin
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Conclusion
In this article, we provide you with the most important data and information you need to decide if Ras Al Khaimah is better for living, or Dubai. We realized that RAK is a more affordable option for those who have a limited budget. On the other hand, Dubai offers more luxurious accommodations, tourist locations, and dining options.
If you prefer a luxurious life, Dubai is better. However, RAK is a better choice if you are not free to spend money, and you do not care about so-luxurious options for living.
FAQs
Is Ras Al Khaimah a good place to live?
Yes, Ras Al Khaimah is a good place to live for those who do not care much about luxury, and prefer a more peaceful life with a lower budget.
Are Utility Costs Significantly Different Between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai?
Yes, utility costs, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, are notably lower in Ras Al Khaimah, with a difference of 40.3%.
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