Is 22,000 AED a Good Salary for an Indian Couple in Abu Dhabi?

When considering a salary of 22,000 AED per month for an Indian couple in Abu Dhabi, the answer is largely dependent on various factors, including lifestyle, housing, and personal expenses. In this article, we will break down the key considerations to help you understand if this salary is sufficient for a comfortable living standard.

Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi

The cost of living in Abu Dhabi can vary significantly based on location and lifestyle. Here’s a detailed look at the major expenses:

Housing

Rent: Housing costs are a significant part of living expenses.

City Center Apartments: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from 4,000 to 8,000 AED per month. Suburban Apartments: Outside the city center, renting a one-bedroom apartment can be significantly cheaper, typically around 3,000 to 5,000 AED per month.

Compensation: With a combined salary of 22,000 AED, the rent for a city center apartment would leave you with around 14,000 to 17,000 AED for other expenses. For a suburban apartment, you could save an additional 5,000 to 8,000 AED.

Utilities

Monthly utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, tend to fall within the range of 500 to 1,000 AED.

Groceries

Monthly grocery expenses for two persons can range from 1,500 to 2,500 AED, depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits.

Transportation

Public Transport: Public transport in Abu Dhabi is relatively affordable. However, owning a car is a more expensive option, involving fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.

Dining Out and Entertainment

Dining Out: Dining out at mid-range restaurants can cost around 100 to 200 AED per meal for two.

Entertainment and Leisure: Activities such as movies, gym memberships, and outings can add up, but there are also affordable options available. For example, a movie ticket can cost around 50 to 100 AED, while a gym membership might range from 300 to 600 AED per month.

Savings Potential

When you account for housing and other living expenses, a combined salary of 22,000 AED can indeed support a comfortable living standard. With effective budgeting, you can still save a significant portion of your income.

Example: - Rent: 4,000 AED (City Center) - Utilities: 500 AED - Groceries: 2,000 AED - Transportation: 200 AED - Dining and Entertainment: 500 AED Total Expenses: 7,200 AED You would have around 14,800 AED left to cover other expenses and save a portion of your income. This would allow for additional savings of at least 5,000 AED per month, if managed wisely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a salary of 22,000 AED per month is considered a decent salary for an Indian couple in Abu Dhabi. If you manage your expenses effectively, this income can support a comfortable lifestyle and still allow for savings. The key lies in maintaining a strict budget and smart spending habits.