Moving to Sharjah? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Sharjah is the third largest Emirate after Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE. Its capital, Sharjah, is the third largest city and overlooks the Persian Gulf, and is known as the cultural capital of the UAE.

If you are considering moving to Sharjah, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this city in the UAE.

Quick Sharjah Facts:

Population: 1,275 million (2018)
Official Language: Arabic is the official language of Sharjah 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: $46,722 USD (2018 estimate)
Borders: Sharjah shares a border with all other six emirates.
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 Sharjah

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest cities in the world, and sending it to Sharjah:

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. Sharjah Housing Costs

House and apartment prices are much lower than in Dubai, which is why some people decide that commuting to Dubai is worth the lower accommodation costs, even though that will mean sitting in traffic for two hours a day. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.

Monthly Rental Prices in Sharjah:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: 24,000+ AED
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: 17,000+ AED
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: 4,400+ AED
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: 3,400+ AED

Sharjah Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: 8,125+ AED
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: 6,500+ AED

Sharjah Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Sharjah compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 12.7% cheaper
New York is 22.8% more expensive
Los Angeles is 5.2% cheaper
Toronto is 59.2% cheaper
Vancouver is 48.5% cheaper
Sydney is 38.1% cheaper
Melbourne is 93.4% cheaper
Dubai is 61.3% cheaper
Paris is 75.3% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: It is possible to share accommodation in Sharjah 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 on Dubizzle and Locanto and find someone you can get on with to share the costs with you.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Like all cities in the world some areas of Sharjah are more desirable than other. Many people who work in Sharjah live in Dubai, as Sharjah is far more conservative than Dubai and is restrictive by Western standards. The quality and variety of housing available in Sharjah is also limited. That said, the areas around the Corniche have been revamped and offer some upmarket apartments. Areas such as Al Khan Lagoon and Al Nahda are also popular with migrant workers and expats. Al Majaz and Al Qasimia are upcoming suburbs with some newly built apartments which are very affordable.

3. Sharjah Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Sharjah has a limited selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and food shops.

Inexpensive Restaurant: 20.00 AED – 30.00 AED
Takeout Coffee: 17.00 AED – 18.00 AED
Bottle of Coke: 2.80 AED – 3.00 AED
1L of Milk: 6.00 AED – 7.00 AED
Loaf of Bread: 4.20 AED – 5.00 AED
12 Eggs: 7.80 AED – 14.00 AED
1kg Chicken: 20.00 AED – 22.00 AED
1kg Beef: 34.00 AED – 36.00 AED
1kg Apples: 6.50 AED – 10.00 AED
1kg White Rice: 6.20 AED – 10.00 AED

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

New York restaurants are 67% more expensive and groceries are 63.1% more expensive than Sharjah.
Los Angeles restaurants are 63.5% more expensive and groceries are 52.1% more expensive than Sharjah.
Toronto restaurants are 55.9% more expensive and groceries are 45.7% more expensive than Sharjah.
Vancouver restaurants are 54.5% more expensive and groceries are 47.9% more expensive than Sharjah.
London restaurants are 59.3% more expensive and groceries are 35.1% more expensive than Sharjah.
Sydney restaurants are 56.5% more expensive and groceries are 52.7% more expensive than Sharjah.
Melbourne restaurants are 55.8% more expensive and groceries are 53.4% more expensive than Sharjah.
Dubai restaurants are 53.7% more expensive and groceries are 24.7% more expensive than Sharjah.
Paris restaurants are 54.4% more expensive and groceries are 51.8% more expensive than Sharjah.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Carrefour is in Sharjah and, although it doesn’t stock to same amount of imported food as the Carrefour’s in Dubai, it is still a good supermarket. New City Centre Supermarkets have a couple of stores in the city. They stock basics and a good selection of fruit and veg. Sunrise City Supermarkets are also in the city and offer good fresh food at excellent prices. Many people who live in Sharjah do their food shopping in Dubai.
Find Cheap Eats: Trip Advisor, Culture Trip and Veggie Buzz all have their own guides to cheap eats in Sharjah, which include anything from Lebanese food to pizza.

4. Sharjah and Alcohol

Sharjah is a dry Emirate which means that the possession and drinking of alcohol is forbidden (UK Gov). This means you cannot even travel through Sharjah with alcohol in your possession. There are severe penalties if you are found with alcohol in your possession.

5. Sharjah Transportation Fares

The city of Sharjah uses 100 airconditioned buses for its public transport and has 7 major local routes and 3 express routes. However, most people tend to take taxis or they use their own cars.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult single – 8.00 AED
One day ticket – 15.00 AED
Monthly season ticket – 250.00 AED

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Cycling and walking are not an option for most of the year in Sharjah because of the heat. However, walking during the winter months is an option as long as you choose the streets that have pavements. There are cycle paths in certain parts of the city.

6. Cost of Internet in Sharjah

There are two major internet providers in Sharjah. 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 two seasons in Sharjah, one is hot and the other is hotter. It has a topical desert climate with its hottest month, August, having an average maximum temperature of 39°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.

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

Pair of Jeans: 160 AED – 350 AED
Summer Dress: 225 AED – 400 AED
Running Shoes (Trainers): 240 AED – 450 AED
Business Shoes: 240 AED – 400 AED
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): 130 AED
Deodorant: 15 AED
Shampoo: 18 AED
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): 10 AED
Gym Membership: 200 AED – 400 AED per month
Movie (cinema) Ticket: 45 AED

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Sharjah

Everyone in Sharjah drives on the right. Sharjah has a reasonable road system but traffic jams are common during peak hours.

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

You can drive in Sharjah on an International Driving Licence, however, if you have already been issued with a work permit, you need to apply for a UAE license immediately. It depends 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 Sharjah:

Volkswagen Golf: 90,000+ AED
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): 3.17 AED
Registration Fee (if any): 450 AED – includes testing, registration and number plates (Registration)

Source: Numbeo, Sharjah.ae

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Sharjah:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld and Locanto.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber and Careem.

9. Taxes in Sharjah

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 in 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 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 Sharjah

If you do make the move to Sharjah, 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. (Please note that people flying internationally use Dubai airport):

New York: 1,916 AED
Los Angeles: 2,371 AED
London: 448 AED
Toronto: 2,223 AED
Vancouver: 2,480 AED
Sydney: 1,853 AED
Melbourne: 1,990 AED
Cape Town: 1,840 AED
Hong Kong: 1,592 AED

Other Tips on Moving to Sharjah:

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

11. Moving to Sharjah 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 Sharjah.

Meetups: Sharjah has many free meetup groups you can find on Meetup.com. Join Sharjah Mountain Biking, Afterwork Dubai and many more.
Attend Local Events: To discover what’s going on in Sharjah have a look at the following sites to see how you would like to spend your free time – Trip Advisor, Planetware and Getyourguide.

12. Moving to Sharjah with a Family

Sharjah is close to Dubai, so families get the best of both worlds. Here’s some extra food for thought.

New Parents (or parents to be): Have a look at NMC Healthcare and Babies and Beyond. Parents or parents to be tend to go to Dubai for healthcare.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Families tend to opt for living in Dubai rather than Sharjah as the range of accommodation is much better. Sharjah has mostly apartments. If you want to live in Sharjah, then the revamped Corniche is the best place to live but it will be apartment living.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Dubaimoms, Dubaiunvelied and Trip Advisor all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.

13. Moving to Sharjah for Work

Moving to Sharjah for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. 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.

Employment opportunities in Sharjah include tourism and hospitality, education, healthcare, IT, finance, construction and start-ups.

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

Salary: Salaries in Sharjah are tax free. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea, how much more you’ll want to be making 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 Sharjah, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Dubizzle, Indeed, Gulf Talent and Careerjet. 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 Sharjah from Australia

There’s a small group of Australian living in Sharjah. Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking of joining your fellow Aussies.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Sharjah with a city in Australia, you’d be looking at Adelaide.
Join Expat Groups: InterNations offers ways of meeting up with other Australians in Sharjah.

15. Moving to Sharjah from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians working in Sharjah. 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 Sharjah and compare it with a city in Canada, you’d be looking at Ottawa.
Expat Groups: If you are feeling a little homesick and want to meet some people from home, have a look at the following sites – Expat.com, InterNations and Canada International.

16. Moving to Sharjah from the United States

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

Size Comparison: The population size of Sharjah is almost the same as Dallas.
Expat Groups: If you need a little help settling in or would appreciate a few tips on various aspects of living in Sharjah, get in touch with fellow Americans who have already settled in the city. Have a look at Expat.com and InterNations.

17. Moving to Sharjah from the United Kingdom

There are a few Brits that live and work in Sharjah. Here are a few extra tips for those of you who are considering joining them.

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

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