Published: Monday, 21th October 2024
The cost of living in United Arab Emirates is 1.37 times more expensive as compared to South Africa.
On this page, you will find side-by-side cost comparison between United Arab Emirates and South Africa. We have created 172 cost-of-living indicators. We average the prices of all those indicators and take a mathematically calculated approach to determine which country is more expensive to live in between United Arab Emirates and South Africa.
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 Indicators  | United Arab Emirates  | South Africa  |
|---|---|---|
1 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 4,000 AED (1,080 USD) | 8,000 ZAR (424 USD) |
2 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 6,500 AED (1,755 USD) | 12,000 ZAR (636 USD) |
3 BHK Apartment in City Center  | 9,000 AED (2,430 USD) | 18,000 ZAR (954 USD) |
1 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 2,500 AED (675 USD) | 5,500 ZAR (291.50 USD) |
2 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 4,000 AED (1,080 USD) | 8,500 ZAR (450.50 USD) |
3 BHK Apartment outside City Center  | 6,000 AED (1,620 USD) | 12,000 ZAR (636 USD) |
Mortgage Rates Per Month  | 5 % | 7.5 % |
Realtor Commission  | 2 % | 5 % |
Property Taxes  | Yet to Update | 0.1 to 2.0 % |
The average housing cost in United Arab Emirates is 2.55 times more expensive than South Africa.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Basic Home Furnishing  | 10,000 AED (2,700 USD) | 50,000 ZAR (2,650 USD) |
Electricity Cost Per Month  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
Heating Cost Per Month  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Cooling Cost Per Month  | 800 AED (216 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Water Supply Cost Per Month  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 13.42% more for Utilities.
The basic home furnishing in United Arab Emirates costs 1.02 times more compared to South Africa.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Standard Wifi Cost Per Month  | 350 AED (94.50 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Mobile Phone Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Landline Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) |
Cable TV Basic Plan Cost Per Month  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
The internet and communication costs 62.09% more in United Arab Emirates compared to South Africa.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Long Grain Rice (1 KG)  | 10 AED (2.70 USD) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) |
Milk (1 Liter)  | 7 AED (1.89 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Water (1 Liter)  | 2 AED (0.54 USD) | 10 ZAR (0.53 USD) |
Bread (500 gm)  | 5 AED (1.35 USD) | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) |
Eggs (1 Dozen)  | 15 AED (4.05 USD) | 40 ZAR (2.12 USD) |
Cheese (1 KG)  | 35 AED (9.45 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Chicken Breast (1 KG)  | 25 AED (6.75 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
In United Arab Emirates, the cost of 1 Liter Water and 1 Liter Milk is 1.53 times more expensive than the cost in South Africa.
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 70.96% more for Groceries.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Apples (1 KG)  | 10 AED (2.70 USD) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) |
Bananas (1 KG)  | 6 AED (1.62 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Oranges (1 KG)  | 8 AED (2.16 USD) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) |
Tomatoes (1 KG)  | 7 AED (1.89 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Potatoes (1 KG)  | 5 AED (1.35 USD) | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) |
Lemons (1 KG)  | 12 AED (3.24 USD) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) |
Onions (1 KG)  | 7 AED (1.89 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Lentils (1 KG)  | 8 AED (2.16 USD) | 35 ZAR (1.85 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.69 times more for Fruits and Vegetables.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Meal at a Resonable Restaurant  | 30 AED (8.10 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Three-Course Meal for Two  | 120 AED (32.40 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Fast Food Combo Meal  | 20 AED (5.40 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Normal Coffee  | 15 AED (4.05 USD) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) |
Soft Drink  | 6 AED (1.62 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Pizza for One  | 60 AED (16.20 USD) | 120 ZAR (6.36 USD) |
Take-Out Delivery Meal  | 30 AED (8.10 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Cigarette Pack of 20  | 30 AED (8.10 USD) | 40 ZAR (2.12 USD) |
Dining-Out costs 41.46% more in United Arab Emirates compared to South Africa.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Wine Mid-Range Bottle  | 90 AED (24.30 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Glass of Wine  | 40 AED (10.80 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Domestic Beer Half Liter  | 25 AED (6.75 USD) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) |
Imported Beer Half Liter  | 35 AED (9.45 USD) | 35 ZAR (1.85 USD) |
Domestic Alcohol 1 Liter  | 80 AED (21.60 USD) | 120 ZAR (6.36 USD) |
Branded Alcohol 1 Liter  | 120 AED (32.40 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 3.26 times more for usual hard drinks.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Monthly Public Transportation Pass  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Single Public Transportation Ticket  | 5 AED (1.35 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Single Train Ticket  | Yet to Update () | Yet to Update () |
Domestic Airplane Ticket  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Taxi Start Fare  | 12 AED (3.24 USD) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) |
Taxi Rate Per Kilometer  | 1.50 AED (0.41 USD) | 10 ZAR (0.53 USD) |
Car Rental Per Day  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Parking Fees in City Center Per Hour  | 20 AED (5.40 USD) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) |
Parking Fees outside City Center Per Hour  | 10 AED (2.70 USD) | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.56 times more for transportation.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Reasonable Vehicle Purchase Cost  | 50,000 AED (13,500 USD) | 300,000 ZAR (15,900 USD) |
Vehicle Registration Cost  | 1,000 AED (270 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Driving License Fees  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Car Insurance Cost  | 2,000 AED (540 USD) | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) |
Car Maintenance Cost  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Car Loan Interest Rates  | 6 % | 8 % |
Fuel Per Liter  | 2.50 AED (0.68 USD) | 22 ZAR (1.17 USD) |
Fuel Per Gallon  | 10 AED (2.70 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Average Toll Fees  | Yet to Update | 100 ZAR 5.30 USD |
You would have to pay 1.12 times less for Vehicle purchase, daily operation and maintenance in United Arab Emirates compared to that of South Africa.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Doctor Visit  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
Specialist Visit  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
Dentist Visit  | 400 AED (108 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Eye Exam  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Mental Health Counseling  | 400 AED (108 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
Preventive Health Screening  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Physical Therapy  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Emergency Room Visit  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
Hospital Stay Per Night  | 1,000 AED (270 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
Vaccinations  | 50 AED (13.50 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
Prescription Medication  | 50 AED (13.50 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Over the Counter Medication  | 30 AED (8.10 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
Health Insurance Premiums  | 1,000 AED (270 USD) | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) |
Health Insurance Deductibles  | 2,000 AED (540 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.44 times more for Health and Medical Treatment.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Cosmetic Procedures  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
Spa Treatment  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Manicure Pedicure Cost  | 80 AED (21.60 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
Optical Glasses Cost  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Contact Lenses Cost  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Haircuts  | 50 AED (13.50 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
Hair Coloring  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Shampoo Price  | 20 AED (5.40 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Toothpaste Price  | 10 AED (2.70 USD) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.45 times less for Personal Care Items and Treatment.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Pair of Nike Running Shoes  | 350 AED (94.50 USD) | 2,500 ZAR (132.50 USD) |
Men's Shirt  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Women's Dress  | 250 AED (67.50 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Summer Dress  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Men's Suit  | 1,500 AED (405 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
Men's Jeans  | 250 AED (67.50 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Women's Jeans  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Men's Formal Shoes  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Women's Formal Shoes  | 250 AED (67.50 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Men's Casual Shoes  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Women's Casual Shoes  | 180 AED (48.60 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Underwear For Men  | 40 AED (10.80 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Underwear For Women  | 40 AED (10.80 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Socks For Men  | 10 AED (2.70 USD) | 50 ZAR (2.65 USD) |
Socks For Women  | 10 AED (2.70 USD) | 50 ZAR (2.65 USD) |
Wintercoat for Adults  | 250 AED (67.50 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
Sportswear  | 250 AED (67.50 USD) | 700 ZAR (37.10 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.65 times more for Clothing and Footwear for Adults.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Children's Jeans  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) |
Children's Normal Sneakers  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
Children's Winter Coat  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Daycare for Infant  | 1,500 AED (405 USD) | 4,000 ZAR (212 USD) |
Daycare for Toddler  | 1,200 AED (324 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
Childcare for Sick Days  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Early Childhood Education Programs  | 750 AED (202.50 USD) | 4,000 ZAR (212 USD) |
Extra Curricular Activities  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Summer Camp for Kids  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.40 times more for Childcare and kids clothing.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
PreSchool Fees  | 2,000 AED (540 USD) | 6,000 ZAR (318 USD) |
Primary School Fees  | 3,000 AED (810 USD) | 10,000 ZAR (530 USD) |
Secondary School Fees  | 4,000 AED (1,080 USD) | 15,000 ZAR (795 USD) |
Private School Fees  | 6,000 AED (1,620 USD) | 25,000 ZAR (1,325 USD) |
University Tuition Fees  | 12,000 AED (3,240 USD) | 40,000 ZAR (2,120 USD) |
University Private Tuition Fees  | 25,000 AED (6,750 USD) | 80,000 ZAR (4,240 USD) |
After School Activities  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Special Education Services  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) |
Tutoring  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Textbooks Cost  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
School Supplies  | 50 AED (13.50 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.48 times more for school and education.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Movie Ticket (Single)  | 40 AED (10.80 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Theater Ticket (Single)  | 80 AED (21.60 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Concert Ticket (Single)  | 120 AED (32.40 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
Sports Event Ticket (Single)  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 180 ZAR (9.54 USD) |
Gym Membership  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Swimming Pool Access  | 250 AED (67.50 USD) | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) |
Museum Entry Ticket  | 20 AED (5.40 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Zoo Entry Ticket  | 40 AED (10.80 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Amusement Park Entry Ticket  | 60 AED (16.20 USD) | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) |
Bowling  | 60 AED (16.20 USD) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) |
Mini Golf  | 80 AED (21.60 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Video Games  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) |
Streaming Services  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Outdoor Equipment Rental  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 250 ZAR (13.25 USD) |
Theme Park Annual Pass  | 2,000 AED (540 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 4.13 times more for entertainment, recreation and fun activities.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Language Classes  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) |
Parenting Classes  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) |
Art Classes  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) |
Fitness Classes  | 80 AED (21.60 USD) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) |
Music Lessons  | 200 AED (54 USD) | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) |
Dance Lessons  | 150 AED (40.50 USD) | 250 ZAR (13.25 USD) |
Reading Materials for Classes  | 20 AED (5.40 USD) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) |
Educational Software  | 100 AED (27 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, instead of South Africa, you would have to pay 1.25 times more for Private Classes.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Average Gross Monthly Salary  | 10,000 AED (2,700 USD) | 30,000 ZAR (1,590 USD) |
Average Net Monthly Salary  | 8,000 AED (2,160 USD) | 20,000 ZAR (1,060 USD) |
Minimum Wages  | 100 AED per hour (27 USD) | 133.33 ZAR per hour (7.07 USD) |
Average Bonus  | 1,000 AED (270 USD) | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) |
Income Tax Rate  | 0 to 5 % | 0 to 15 % |
Social Security Contributions  | Yet to Update | 7 % |
Pension Contributions  | Yet to Update | 5 % |
Cost of Living Index  | 80 | 60 |
Median Household Income  | 7,000 AED (1,890 USD) | 18,000 ZAR (954 USD) |
If you lived in United Arab Emirates, you would earn 1.82 times more salary as compared to South Africa.
Indicators | United Arab Emirates | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
Legal Consultation Per Hour Rate  | 500 AED (135 USD) | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) |
Accounting Services Per Hour Rate  | 400 AED (108 USD) | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) |
IT Support Services Per Hour Rate  | 300 AED (81 USD) | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) |
Technician Services Per Hour Rate  | 250 AED (67.50 USD) | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) |
Professional Services cost 1.64 times more in United Arab Emirates, as compared to South Africa.
We hope you enjoyed the detailed guide on the cost of living comparsion between United Arab Emirates and South Africa.
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