Moving to Ras Al Khaimah? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Ras Al Khaimah is one of seven emirates within the UAE and sits between the Hajar Mountains in the southeast and the Arabian Gulf to the west. The emirate has miles of beautiful beaches, the Hajar Mountains and desert plains to enjoy.

If you are considering moving to Ras Al Khaimah, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in RAK.

Quick Ras Al Khaimah Facts:

Population: 115,949 (2021).
Official Language: Arabic is the official language of Ras Al Khaimah but English is the most spoken language. There are a host of other languages spoken, including Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Tagalog, Persian and Mandarin.
GDP Per Capita: $28,500 USD
Dates: Ras Al Khaimah has one of the top date farms in the UAE which produces 18 different varieties of date.
Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED, Dh). As of 2024, $1 USD = 3.67 AED, €1 EUR = 4.05 AED, $1 CAD = 2.71 AED, $1 AUD = 2.51 AED, £1 GBP = 4.82 AED.

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Ras Al Khaimah

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the biggest cities you’ll find around the world, and sending it to Ras Al Khaimah:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Beijing	$3,550 - $3,650	$6,450 - $6,650
Berlin	$2,750 - $2,850	$5,100 - $5,300
Chicago	$3,150 - $3,250	$5,800 - $6,000
Chongqing	$3,650 - $3,750	$6,550 - $6,750
Delhi	$3,450 - $3,550	$6,200 - $6,400
Dubai	$1,650 - $1,750	$3,100 - $3,300
Houston	$3,250 - $3,350	$5,900 - $6,100
Los Angeles	$3,200 - $3,300	$5,850 - $6,050
Madrid	$2,850 - $2,950	$5,150 - $5,350
New York City	$3,050 - $3,150	$5,700 - $5,900
Paris	$2,800 - $2,900	$5,100 - $5,300
Phoenix	$3,150 - $3,250	$5,800 - $6,000
Rome	$2,850 - $2,950	$5,150 - $5,350
Shanghai	$3,600 - $3,700	$6,500 - $6,700
Sydney	$3,650 - $3,750	$6,550 - $6,750
Toronto	$3,150 - $3,250	$5,800 - $6,000
Vancouver	$3,200 - $3,300	$5,850 - $6,050
Vienna	$2,800 - $2,900	$5,100 - $5,300

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (October 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from sites such as Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. Ras Al Khaimah Housing Costs

House and apartment prices are very reasonable, especially when you compare them with Dubai. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.

Monthly Rental Prices in Ras Al Khaimah:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: 2,245+ AED
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: 2,785+ AED
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: 13,650+ AED
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: 5,100+ AED

Ras Al Khaimah Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: 10,000+ AED
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: 4,000+ AED

Ras Al Khaimah Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Ras Al Khaimah compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 46.1% more expensive
New York is 63.1% more expensive
Los Angeles is 49.7% more expensive
Toronto is 23.9% more expensive
Vancouver is 29% more expensive
Sydney is 34% more expensive
Melbourne is 7.6% more expensive
Paris is 16.2% more expensive
Dubai is 22.9% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: It is possible to share accommodation in Ras Al Khaimah but it is frowned upon, especially if there are males and females sharing the same flat or house. With a house share you will have your own room, or, for a cheaper option, you can share a room. The bathroom/s will be shared with other people in the house. Have a look at Dubizzle and Locanto and find someone you can get on with to share the costs with you.
Different Areas – Different Prices: There’s a wide variety of accommodation available, from low-rise apartments to old-style villas. Like all cities in the world, some areas are more desirable than others. Al Hamra Village is a popular place with expats. It sits on the beach and has an 18-hole golf course, marina and yacht club, restaurants and shops on the doorstep.

3. Ras Al Khaimah Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Ras Al Khaimah has a good selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and food shops.

Inexpensive Restaurant: 35.00 AED
Takeout Coffee: 18.00 AED – 20.00 AED
Bottle of Coke: 3.00 AED – 4.00 AED
1L of Milk: 6.00 AED – 7.00 AED
Loaf of Bread: 4.50 AED – 5.00 AED
12 Eggs: 8.40 AED – 14.00 AED
1kg Chicken: 25.00 AED – 36.00 AED
1kg Beef: 40.00 AED – 60.00 AED
1kg Apples: 7.50 AED – 10.00 AED
1kg White Rice: 6.50 AED – 12.00 AED

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

New York restaurants are 40.8% more expensive and groceries are 60.1% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.
Los Angeles restaurants are 34.6% more expensive and groceries are 48.1% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.
Toronto restaurants are 20.8% more expensive and groceries are 41.2% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.
Vancouver restaurants are 18.4% more expensive and groceries are 43.9% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.
London restaurants are 26.9% more expensive and groceries are 29.7% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.
Sydney restaurants are 22% more expensive and groceries are 48.7% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.
Melbourne restaurants are 20.8% more expensive and groceries are 49.5% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.
Paris restaurants are 18.2% more expensive and groceries are 47.8% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.
Dubai restaurants are 16.9% more expensive and groceries are 18.5% more expensive than Ras Al Khaimah.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: There’s a good selection of supermarkets and food stores in Ras Al Khaimah. Fathima’s is a supermarket chain which you will find throughout the UAE and is well-stocked and reasonably priced. Families is another well-known supermarket chain, which, like all the others in the UAE, endeavours to stock food for all nationalities. The two major shopping malls in Ras Al Khaimah both have a variety of food stores to choose from.
Find Cheap Eats: Trip Advisor and Trip Advisor (breakfasts) all have their own guides to cheap eats in Ras Al Khaimah, which include everything from Lebanese food to burgers, and everything in between.

4. Ras Al Khaimah Alcohol Costs

Note that to purchase alcohol from a store and consume it at home, you need a liquor license. The following is a list of basic prices of beer and wine from the supermarket and restaurants.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: 40.00 AED – 45.00 AED
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: 30.00 AED– 40.00 AED
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: 9.50 AED – 20.00 AED
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: 12.00 AED – 22.00 AED
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: 35.00 AED – 80.00 AED

How To Drink For Less in Ras Al Khaimah:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
There are many bars, restaurants and clubs that have happy hours at certain times of the day. Have a look at the following site to find somewhere that appeals to you – Trip Advisor.

5. Ras Al Khaimah Transportation Fares

There is a very limited public transport system around Ras Al Khaimah. People tend to use taxis and tour buses for longer distances or drive themselves.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult single –10.00 AED
Monthly season ticket – 300.00 AED

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Cycling and walking are not an option for most of the year in Ras Al Khaimah because of the heat. However, the city is a pleasure to walk around during the winter months as long as you choose the streets that have pavements. Cycling is also a viable option.

6. Cost of Internet in Ras Al Khaimah

There are only two major internet providers in Ras Al Khaimah. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Du: 272 AED a month (Download speed up to 500 mbps)
Etisalat: 299 AED a month (Download speed up to 500 mbps)

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

There are really only two seasons in Ras-al-Khaimah, one is hot and the other is hotter. It has a tropical desert climate with its hottest month, August, having an average maximum temperature of 39°C, with temperatures often rising to 45°C. January is the coolest month, with an average maximum temperature of 22°C. January is also the wettest month, with an average of 14.5mm of rain falling. There was great excitement in December 2004 and January 2009 when it snowed in the mountains of Ras-al-Khaimah.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: 180 AED – 350 AED
Summer Dress: 145 AED – 300 AED
Running Shoes (Trainers): 240 AED – 450 AED
Business Shoes: 240 AED – 400 AED
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): 125 AED
Deodorant: 15 AED
Shampoo: 17 AED
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): 12 AED
Gym Membership: 200 AED – 400 AED per month
Movie (cinema) Ticket: 37 AED – 40 AED

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Ras Al Khaimah

Everyone in Ras Al Khaimah drives on the right. Ras Al Khaimah has a reasonable road system and doesn’t suffer from the same peak traffic jams as other cities.

If you’re moving to Ras Al Khaimah from within the UAE, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new Ras Al Khaimah one.

You can drive in Ras Al Khaimah on an International Driving Licence, however, if you have already been issued a work permit, you need to apply for a UAE Licence immediately. It depends on which country you are coming from as to whether you will need to take a test or not.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Ras Al Khaimah:

Volkswagen Golf: 89,500+ AED
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): 3.08 AED
Registration Fee (if any): 450 AED – includes testing, registration and number plates (Registration)

Source: Numbeo, Dubai.ae (Costs are the same in Ras Al Khaimah but RAK’s traffic department website is often down)

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Ras Al Khaimah:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld and Dubizzle.
Taxis are the most common way to travel in the city and are reasonably priced. Uber and Careem are other options.

9. Taxes in Ras Al Khaimah

There is no tax payable in the UAE on your earned income. Just note that if you are receiving a salary in the UAE and you are a tax resident in another country, you may be legally obliged to declare that income and pay tax on it. Rules vary from country to country.

There is no sales tax or value-added tax in the UAE. However, there are indirect taxes such as 10% tax on hotel accommodation and restaurant costs. A tax is also levied on utility bills, which is basically the equivalent of a council tax. On the plus side, there is no tax on capital gains or inheritance and no stamp duty on house purchases.

10. Flight Costs from Ras Al Khaimah

If you do make the move to Ras Al Khaimah, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023. (Note that Dubai International airport is only a 45 minute drive from Ras Al Khaimah).

New York: 3,260 AED
Los Angeles: 2,910 AED
London: 1,410 AED
Toronto: 3,180 AED
Vancouver: 4,408 AED
Sydney: 2,170 AED
Melbourne: 1,786 AED
Cape Town: 2,490 AED
Hong Kong: 1,361 AED

Other Tips on Moving to Ras Al Khaimah:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Ras Al Khaimah but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Ras Al Khaimah Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be rather daunting. Here are a few tips about settling into Ras Al Khaimah.

Meetups: Ras Al Khaimah has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Meetup. Join RAK Music, Tennis and Beach, Tech and many more.
Attend Local Events: There’s always something going on in Ras Al Khaimah, have a look at the following sites to see how you would like to spend your free time – Trip Advisor, Ras Al Khaimah and Viator.

12. Moving to Ras Al Khaimah with a Family

Ras Al Khaimah has a lot to offer families. It is much quieter and more relaxed than Dubai. Many people choose to live here and work in Dubai, so their families can enjoy the lifestyle. Here’s some extra food for thought.

New Parents (or parents to be): Check out the local NMC Healthcare.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Most families choose to live in Al Hamra. It has a variety of housing options and is right on the beachfront. There’s also an 18-hole golf course for everyone to enjoy. The Marina and Yacht Club are close by, with many different types of water sports on offer. There are private clinics and hospitals in the area and excellent schools. It’s close to the largest shopping mall, complete with a cinema complex and restaurants.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Family Travel Scoop has great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.

13. Moving to Ras Al Khaimah for Work

Many people move to Ras Al Khaimah but work in Dubai as rents are so much cheaper in RAK. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

RAK has employment opportunities in hospitality and tourism, health and education, retail, finance and construction. As mentioned previously, many expats who live here work in Dubai. Dubai has grown from a city which relied on its oil revenue to a city where this oil and gas revenue comprises only 7% of its income. Its economy covers almost every field of employment, so the opportunities are endless.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Ras Al Khaimah, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Dubizzle, Indeed and Naukrigulf. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Ras Al Khaimah from Australia

Ras Al Khaimah has a small group of Australia Expats.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Ras Al Khaimah with a city in Australia, you’d be looking at a city with a population 10% higher than the Sunshine Coast.
Join Expat Groups: InterNations and Expat.com offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Ras Al Khaimah.

15. Moving to Ras Al Khaimah from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Ras Al Khaimah. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: If you look at the population size of Ras Al Khaimah and compare it with a city in Canada, you’d be looking at Victoria, British Columbia.
Expat Groups: If you are feeling a little homesick and want to meet some people from home, have a look at the following sites – InterNations and Expat.com.

16. Moving to Ras Al Khaimah from the United States

There’s a small American contingent in Ras Al Khaimah. If you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:

Size Comparison: The population size of Ras Al Khaimah is similar to that of Bakersfield, California.
Expat Groups: If you need a little help settling in or would appreciate a few tips on various aspects of living in Ras Al Khaimah, get in touch with fellow Americans who have already settled in the city. Have a look at InterNations and Expat.com.

17. Moving to Ras Al Khaimah from the United Kingdom

There are a number of Brits who have made Ras Al Khaimah their home. Here are a few extra tips for those of you who are considering joining them

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Ras Al Khaimah with a city in the UK, you would be looking at Fife.
Expat Groups: It always helps to meet like souls when settling into a new area or country. InterNations and Expat.com are for people from the UK who are living and working in Ras Al Khaimah.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Ras Al Khaimah you can start by comparing moving quotes here.