Best Neighborhoods and Areas to Live in Sharjah UAE Introduction
We will share everything we know about the Best neighborhoods to live in Sharjah and also explain the cost of living where we spent from $1,100 – $1,500 per month for all expenses as a couple.
Nestled along the Persian Gulf coast, Sharjah is the third largest and third most populous city in the United Arab Emirates.
While Dubai takes a lot of the limelight, Sharjah has been building a reputation as a great place to live, work, and visit. Some areas in Sharjah will remind you of Dubai too and for cheaper, so it’s a win-win to live here.
With a rich cultural heritage, growing art scene, and business-friendly environment, Sharjah offers a high quality of life without some of the flashiness of other major UAE cities.
In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top neighborhoods and share 10 reasons you should consider calling this Emirati city home. We’ll also cover some key cultural customs to keep in mind before relocating to Sharjah.
We will also share videos in each section so you can dive deeper into each section and gain a better understanding to be well-prepared before taking your trip to Sharjah UAE!
So let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
10 Top Reasons to Live in Sharjah UAE
To help you decide if Sharjah is right for you, here are 10 incredible reasons you should consider moving:
- Lower cost of living compared to Dubai. Housing, entertainment, healthcare, etc. come at more affordable rates.
- Convenient location near Dubai. Sharjah is only a 15-20 minute drive from central Dubai.
- Family-friendly neighborhoods and amenities. Most areas have lots of public parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly attractions.
- Growing art and cultural scene. Sharjah was named UNESCO’s Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998. It’s home to numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and heritage areas.
- Reputable healthcare facilities. Sharjah has amazing medical infrastructure including renowned hospitals like Al Qassimi Hospital.
- Renowned educational institutions. Sharjah has campuses for prestigious schools like the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah.
- Business-friendly environment. Sharjah has numerous free trade zones and industrial areas perfect for companies.
- Greater greenery and community feel. Sharjah has more public parks and community activities compared to other major UAE cities.
- Key transportation hub. Sharjah International Airport links to major destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
- More authentic Emirati culture. Sharjah provides greater exposure to traditional Emirati food, architecture, customs, and heritage.
Cultural Considerations in Sharjah UAE
Here are some important cultural considerations to keep in mind as an expat living in Sharjah, UAE:
- Dress modestly in public – shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Greetings typically involve nose-to-nose touching. Handshakes are generally only between men.
- Public displays of affection even among married couples are frowned upon.
- Ramadan has strict rules about eating, drinking, and smoking in public so be mindful.
- Learn some key Arabic phrases and customs to better fit in.
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.
Overall make time to do additional research before traveling or moving to Sharjah.
It’s always a good idea to learn and adapt to the local customs and traditions no matter where you are in the world.
General Cost of Living in Sharjah UAE Breakdown
| Cost Type | Monthly Cost Range in USD | Monthly Cost Range in AED |
|---|---|---|
| Housing in Sharjah UAE | ||
| Basic Studio apartment | $500 – $800 | 1,835 – 2,936 AED |
| Basic 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $800 – $1,200 | 2,936 – 4,404 AED |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,100 – $1,600 | 4,037 – 5,872 AED |
| 3-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,500 – $2,200 | 5,505 – 8,074 AED |
| 3-4 bedroom villa (compound living) | $2,000 – $3,000 | 7,340 – 11,010 AED |
| Utilities (electricity, AC, water) for a family | $150 – $300 | 550 – 1,101 AED |
| Food in Sharjah UAE | ||
| Local and imported groceries for a family | $400 – $600 | 1,468 – 2,202 AED |
| Dining out 2-3 times a week | $150 – $300 | 550 – 1,101 AED |
| Cheap street food per meal | $2 – $5 | 7 – 18 AED |
| Transportation in Sharjah UAE | ||
| Metro (monthly pass) | $40 – $60 | 147 – 220 AED |
| Bus (monthly pass) | $25 – $40 | 92 – 147 AED |
| Taxi (monthly average) | $100 – $200 | 367 – 734 AED |
| Uber/Careem (monthly average) | $150 – $250 | 550 – 918 AED |
| Total Monthly Cost of living in Sharjah UAE for Expats | $1,500 – $3,000 | 5,505 – 11,010 AED |
Pros and Cons Of the Best Neighborhoods and Places in Sharjah UAE
| Best Neighborhoods to Live in Sharjah UAE | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Al Nahda | – Centrally located – Close to Sharjah International Airport – Lots of shops and restaurants – Affordable housing | – Congested traffic – Limited green spaces |
| Al Majaz | – Waterfront location – Close to major attractions – Great dining and entertainment | – Expensive rents – Crowded |
| Muweilah | – Quiet residential area – Near beaches – Newer communities and villas | – Far from central Sharjah – Limited public transport |
| Al Khan | – Historic area – Traditional Emirati neighborhood – More local feel | – Older infrastructure – Conservative customs |
| Rolla | – Excellent access to Dubai – Quiet community – Lots of green spaces and parks | – Limited amenities nearby – Congested traffic |
| Al Taawun | – Brand new community – Close to the American University of Sharjah – Modern villas and compounds | – Still under development – Further from central Sharjah |
Top Neighborhoods and Places to Live in Sharjah for Expats
| Best Neighborhoods in Sharjah | Description | Average Monthly Rent Range (USD) | Average Monthly Rent Range (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Nahda | Centrally located area with lots of shops and restaurants. Busy and congested. | $1,000 – $1,500 | 3,670 – 5,505 AED |
| Al Taawun | New modern community near American University of Sharjah. Quieter area. | $1,200 – $2,000 | 4,404 – 7,340 AED |
| Al Majaz | Lively waterfront area with entertainment and dining. More expensive. | $1,500 – $2,500 | 5,505 – 9,175 AED |
| Muweilah | Residential area near beaches but away from the city center. | $1,000 – $1,500 | 3,670 – 5,505 AED |
| Al Khan | Historic neighborhood with a local Emirati feel. | $800 – $1,200 | 2,936 – 4,404 AED |
| Rolla | Quiet community near Dubai border. Limited amenities. | $1,000 – $1,500 | 3,670 – 5,505 AED |
| Al Zahia | Upscale community with luxurious villas and amenities. | $2,500 – $3,600 | 9,175 – 13,223 AED |
Health Insurance While Living in Sharjah UAE
Having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended when visiting Sharjah UAE to protect against any unexpected incidents. SafetyWing is an excellent option tailored to global travelers and digital nomads.
Why Choose SafetyWing?
SafetyWing makes travel insurance easy and affordable at just $45 – $250/month. Here are some key reasons to consider it:
- Global coverage including exotic destinations
- Flexible policies fit nomadic lifestyles
- Easy sign-up and claims from phone/computer
- Covers medical, evacuations, disruptions, baggage, etc.
- 24/7 customer support anywhere
- Customizable coverage amounts and add-ons
Other Travel Insurance Options
While SafetyWing is a top choice, companies like WorldNomads, Cigna Global, and IMG also offer comprehensive travel insurance for Sharjah UAE. Typical policies range from $45 – $500 for 2 weeks to a month of coverage. Compare coverage and premium costs.
Some key considerations for finding a good insurance policy:
- Emergency medical and evacuation
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost/delayed baggage
- Adventure sports coverage
- Altitude sickness coverage
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Sharjah UAE Insurance Cost Estimates
| Insurance Plan | Trip Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | 1 month | $45 – $250 |
| WorldNomads | 2 weeks | $100 – $200 |
| Cigna Global | 1 month | $150 -$ 300 |
| IMG | 2 weeks | $150 – $250 |
Living in Sharjah for Expat
Overall cost of living as an expat in Sharjah: Monthly living costs for a person or a couple can range from about $1,500 to $3,000 or 5,505 AED to 11,010 AED per month.
Costs can vary based on lifestyle and housing choices.
Basic utilities cost $150 to $300 or 550 AED to 1,101 AED per month. Internet can cost as low as $15 per month or up to $90 per month.
Groceries for one or two people: $200 to $400 or 734 AED to 1,468 AED per month.
Eating out at local restaurants: $10 to $25 or 37 AED to 92 AED per meal.
Street Food Costs
On the low end, you can find some street food (shwarmas, karak chai) for 2 AED to 5 AED per item. This would include things like karak chai, samosas, falafel sandwiches, etc.
Overall, most street food in Sharjah ranges from about 10 AED to 25 AED per order.
Housing:
If you are interested in working in Sharjah, keep in mind companies may be willing to pay for your accommodation, so that is one less expense for you to worry about.
Houses are also available for rent here and can come furnished or unfurnished.
Furniture costs around $270 – $1,090 (1000 – 4000 AED) and there are many second-hand furniture shops available in Sharjah.
For some apartments, you have the option of paying yearly or monthly but sometimes you have to pay real estate commission by check.
Some apartments require service deposits that can be refundable.
- Rent for a nice 1-2 bedroom apartment: $1,000 to $2,000 or 3,670 AED to 7,340 AED per month.
- Upscale 3-4 bedroom serviced apartments or houses: $2,500 to $4,000 or 9,175 AED to 14,680 AED per month.
- Short-term accommodations: $30 to $100 or 110 AED to 367 AED per night.
- 1 Bedroom furnished flat can be as low as $240 – $260 while including a bed, dresser, air conditioning, cupboard, washing machine, and fridge.
- $290 would get you a studio flat with an attached kitchen and washroom otherwise furniture is limited.
Healthcare and Hospitals:
- Internationally accredited hospitals are available with good healthcare services.
- Public healthcare is relatively affordable.
- Private healthcare and insurance can run from $150 to $300 or 550 AED to 1,101 AED per month.
- Consider travel insurance like Safetywing or World Nomads with plans starting at just $45 per month.
Food in Sharjah:
Dining Out Per Month:
- Single expat dining out 2-3 times per week: $100 to $200 or 367 AED to 734 AED.
- Family of four dining out 2-3 times per week: $300 to $600 or 1,101 AED to 2,202 AED.
- Luxury/upscale dining budget: $1,000+ or 3,670+ AED.
Groceries Per Month:
- Single expat basic grocery budget: $200 to $400 or 734 AED to 1,468 AED.
- Family of four basic grocery budget: $600 to $1,000 or 2,202 AED to 3,670 AED.
- Luxury grocery budget for a family: $1,500+ or 5,505+ AED.
Transportation in Sharjah:
- Bus fare: $0.50 to $1.50 per ride (2 AED to 5 AED per ride)
- Metro fare: $1.50 to $5 per ride (5 AED to 15 AED per ride)
- Taxi fare: $5 to $15 per ride
- Careem/Uber fare: $7 to $20 per ride
- Intercity bus to Dubai/Abu Dhabi: $5 to $10 per ride
- Inter-emirate bus to other cities: $10 to $20 per ride
So in summary, public transportation like the bus and metro within Sharjah is very affordable, usually $1 – $2 per ride. Taxis and rideshares are more expensive, while intercity buses to places like Dubai or Abu Dhabi can range from $5 – $20 per trip.
Owning a Vehicle
- Used car cost: $5,000 to $15,000 or 18,350 AED to 55,050 AED
- New car cost: $15,000 to $30,000 or 55,050 AED to 110,100 AED
- Insurance: $100 to $300 or 367 AED to 1,101 AED per month
- Fuel: $100 to $200 or 367 AED to 734 AED per month
- Parking: Free to $100 or 367 AED per month
- Total monthly cost: $500 to $1,000 or 1,835 AED to 3,670 AED
Gasoline Prices:
- 1 US Gallon = 3.78 Liters
Pros of Living in Sharjah: Affordable, family-friendly, cultural attractions, growing art scene
Cons of Living in Sharjah: Congestion, limited nightlife, far from some amenities
Lifestyle & Recreation Activities:
Museums, Corniche, parks, mall shopping, dune bashing, elbow beach, camel racing, theatres, restaurants, desert safaris.
An interesting fact is that Friday is part of the weekend in Sharjah and the UAE so instead of a 5-day week there is a 4-day work week here, a bonus if you work and live in Sharjah!
| Category | Cost in USD | Cost in AED |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $150 – $300 | 550 – 1,101 AED |
| Groceries for 1-2 people | $200 – $400 | 734 – 1,468 AED |
| Eating out at restaurants | $10 – $25 | 37 – 92 AED |
| 1-2 bedroom apartment rent | $1,000 – $2,000 | 3,670 – 7,340 AED |
| 3-4 bedroom villa | $2,500 – $4,000 | 9,175 – 14,680 AED |
| Short term accommodations | $50 – $100 | 184 – 367 AED |
| Private healthcare | $150 – $300 | 550 – 1,101 AED |
| Groceries for family | $600 – $1,000 | 2,202 – 3,670 AED |
| Dining out per person | $10 – $25 | 37 – 92 AED |
| Public transit per ride | $0.50 – $1.50 | 2 – 5 AED |
| Taxis per 5km | $5 – $15 | 18 – 55 AED |
| Small car cost | $5,000 – $15,000 | 18,350 – 55,050 AED |
| Pros of Living in Sharjah | Affordable, family-friendly, cultural attractions | |
| Cons of Living in Sharjah | Congestion, limited nightlife, far from some amenities | |
| Lifestyle & Activities | Museums, malls, parks, beaches, dune bashing, restaurants |
Best neighborhoods to live in Sharjah for Families, Singles, Retirees
Best recommendations for different lifestyles, catering to families, singles, and retirees.
| Best neighborhoods to live in Sharjah by Group | Best Places in Sharjah UAE | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Al Taawun, Al Nahda, Muweilah | Family-friendly amenities, schools, parks, affordable |
| Singles | Al Majaz, Al Nahda | Lively areas, dining, nightlife, central location |
| Retirees | Muweilah, Al Khan | Quieter neighborhoods, beach access, cultural sites |
Best for Families:
- Al Taawun – A newer community with large villas, compounds, pools, parks, and playgrounds. Close to the American University of Sharjah and Sharjah University.
- Al Nahda – A very central and convenient for shops, restaurants, and groceries. Busy area so good for active families. Many apartment options.
- Muweilah – Quieter neighborhood near the beach. Great for families who want space and don’t need to be central. Larger villas are available.
Best for Singles:
- Al Majaz – Lively waterfront area with corniche, dining, cafes, and entertainment. Lots of other singles and younger crowds. High rises and apartments are available.
- Al Nahda – This central location is convenient for singles. Lots of affordable apartment options. Easy access to shops, transport, and social activities. More budget-friendly.
Best for Retirees:
- Muweilah – Relaxing beach neighborhood away from the city. Spacious villas, proximity to parks, less noisy.
- Al Khan – Historic area with museums and heritage sites. Emirati culture and slower pace of life. Smaller apartments if looking to downsize.
Tips on Moving Banking and Finding Housing in Sharjah UAE
| Tips on moving to Sharjah Category | Tips for Expats | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Finding Housing | – Look on Dubizzle, Bayut, Property Finder sites | Dubizzle Airbnb |
| – Contact real estate agents | ||
| – Visit Al Nahda for apartment brokers | ||
| – Ask expats in Sharjah Facebook groups | Expats in Sharjah | |
| Shipping Belongings | – Get shipping quotes from companies | International moving |
| – Use air freight for essential items | ||
| – Ship rest by sea (takes 1-2 months) | ||
| – Consider selling/buying new furniture | ||
| Banking and Money Transfers | – Open a bank account right away | Wise |
| – Compare exchange rates and fees | ||
| – Use Wise for international transfers | ||
| Visas | – Get visa sponsored by employer | UAE Government Visa Page |
| – Family visas available | ||
| – Visit visa options for short stays |
Here is a list of local apartment rental websites, Government resources for Visas, Facebook Groups, Tourism Boards, and more to help you with your potential move here.
Expat Facebook Groups:
Sharjah UAE Tourism Board:
Sharjah UAE Data Sites:
Ministry of Culture and the Arts:
Embassy of the Sharjah UAE:
Government of the Sharjah UAE:
Sharjah UAE Local Rental Websites:
- Bayut
- PropertyFinder
- Dubizzle
- For exchanging money use Wise Which is the best option if you are a digital nomad and Expat. a cheaper option to send and receive money internationally rather than exchanging money through other platforms like Paypal, Payoneer costs a lot of money for exchange fees and rates
- Booking Flights: To Find insane flight deals, search on Google Flights, and Skyscanner and choose the monthly option to find the best day to fly.
Related Articles to Sharjah UAE:
- 10 BEST Neighborhoods To Live In ABU DHABI UAE
- 19 BEST Neighborhoods To Live In Dubai UAE 2024
- MONTHLY COST Of Living In Sharjah , UAE 2024 (My Budget Tips)
- TRANSPORTATION in Sharjah UAE 2024 (Sharjah Public Transport)
- COST Of Living In ABU DHABI UAE 2024 [Budget Guide]
- COST OF LIVING In Sharjah UAE 2024 [Sharjah Budget Guide]
- COST Of Living In UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 2024 [UAE Budget]
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