What distinguishes Sharjah from Dubai among the two emirates? Which provides a better standard of living? Or which is the least expensive of the two? You may discover the answers to these questions and more in this guide. View a detailed comparison between Dubai vs. Sharjah based on several parameters here.
This covers many other things, the cost of living, laws, and the educational system. Moreover, note that Numbeo.com, the largest database on living expenses worldwide, is the source of all the figures in this guide.
Dubai vs. Sharjah: The cost of living
To begin with, when contrasting Sharjah and Dubai cost of living. “Dubai vs. Sharjah: Which is cheaper?” is the obvious query.
Furthermore, the cost of living is a broad concept that takes into account many facets of daily life. This covers the cost of living differences between Sharjah and Dubai rents as well as food, utilities, and dining out. and conveyance.
First off, total living expenses in Sharjah are significantly lower than in Dubai. For instance, Sharjah has a 21% lower cost of living than Dubai without rent. Even with rent included, Sharjah is still 36.8% less expensive than Dubai. Stated differently, a very decent lifestyle in Sharjah may be had for a lot less money than in Dubai.
Furthermore, for more information regarding other miscellaneous items of expenditure which differ between these two emirates, you can find a detailed comparison of these costs offered here below.
Living in Sharjah will be cheaper than in Dubai. Living in an 85-square-metre flat you will pay AED 631.23 and AED 725.31 for utility bills in Sharjah and in Dubai correspondingly. Eating out in Sharjah is 47.3% cheaper than in Dubai.
Groceries shopping for an average person is 17.8% less expensive in Sharjah than anywhere else in the UAE in Sharjah, beginning from AED 11.50 as opposed to starting at AED6 in Dubai while travelling by taxi. Implying that cabs are higher priced in Sharjah.
Housing
As you would imagine, Sharjah has generally cheaper real estate costs than Dubai. This covers apartments that you can buy or rent. For a better understanding, look at the price breakdown below.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent in Dubai | Monthly Rent in Sharjah |
| 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre | AED 8,187.91 | AED 3,377.75 |
| 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre | AED 14,957.35 | AED 5,597.17 |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | AED 5,009.62 | AED 3,313.30 |
| 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | AED 10,481.58 | AED 4,442.21 |
However, when it comes to purchasing real estate in Sharjah. You’ll discover that the costs are also less than they are in Dubai. See how much apartments may cost in each of the two emirates below.
| Apartment | Price per Square Meter in Dubai | Price per Square Meter in Sharjah |
| apartment in the city centre | AED 17,334.88 | AED 13,250.00 |
| apartment outside the city centre | AED 10,376.55 | AED 9,000.00 |
Sharjah Laws versus Dubai Laws
Second, you’ll see that each of these emirates adheres to the same fundamental federal laws in terms of the laws that are applied there. Dubai vs. Sharjah follow the constitutions of the United Arab Emirates and its laws regarding commercial transactions, criminal activity, obtaining a visa, and other matters.
On the other hand, there might be more obvious differences in other areas. It is evident to both residents and locals that Sharjah is generally more conservative than Dubai. For example, Dubai has a less stringent dress code than Sharjah, which demands more modest clothing. Likewise concerning alcohol, showing affection in public, and nightlife. Sharjah is more traditional and rigid. Additionally, Sharjah’s entertainment options are more suited for families.
Education Systems in Dubai and Sharjah
Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates boasts a very innovative and diverse educational system. Finding a school in Dubai is not difficult; there are plenty of possibilities available. Whether you’d choose an American or British curriculum school. In Dubai, both are readily available.
Given its lower size than Dubai, Sharjah should logically offer fewer options for schools. Nevertheless, it continues to provide both foreigners and natives with an equally varied educational system. Additionally, the curricula offered by the Sharjah schools include American, British, Indian, and Pakistani.
Comparing American Universities in Dubai and Sharjah
Moreover, these two emirates host some of the best institutions of higher learning in the United Arab Emirates. Each of them has diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, as well as doctoral courses. They also run vibrant extracurricular activities within their premises.
However, what are the differences between these two universities? The first and primary distinction is that one is located in Dubai, and the other is in Sharjah. Second, the cost of tuition could vary as well. Depending on the degree and program, yes. Learn more about the two colleges’ differences below.
| Criteria | American University of Sharjah | American University of Dubai |
| Total Students | 5,024 | 1,739 |
| International Students | 3,695 | 1,436 |
| Faculty Staff | 411 | 213 |
| Rating | 332 | 621 – 630 |
Airports in Dubai vs. Sharjah
Many tourists travelling to Dubai these days arrive at Sharjah Airport rather than Dubai International Airport. How come? Because it’s widely believed that Sharjah International Airport is more affordable. Nevertheless, hundreds of airlines operate flights to and from the three main terminals found at both international airports. You can travel from any airport with confidence knowing that it will provide you with a positive experience.
Dubai Aquarium vs. Sharjah Aquarium
Dubai Mall stands as among the best tourist places in Dubai where there is an easy entrance to Dubai Aquarium. The uniqueness of this place is that it is something like an underwater zoo but actually, it is not an ordinary aquarium just like that.
Snorkelling, scuba diving as well as feeding animals are some of the things that one can indulge themselves in as a tourist who has made it there. Weekday ticket rates stand at AED 199 whereas weekend ticket prices go for AED 209.
Sharjah Aquarium is a very modest aquarium when compared to Dubai Aquarium. The aquarium’s main priorities are leisure activities like its rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, the admission fees are modest. The cost of a ticket can range from AED 10 to AED 15 for youngsters and from AED 15 to AED 25 for adults.
Shopping Centers
In addition, there are numerous malls and retail centres in both emirates that are well worth a visit. For example, there is no shortage of high-quality retail options when it comes to electronics buying in Dubai vs Sharjah. Some of the top malls in both emirates are listed below
Malls in Dubai
· The Dubai Mall
· Mall of the Emirates
· Dubai Festival City Mall
· City Centre Mirdif
· Ibn Battuta Mall
Malls in Sharjah
· Sharjah City Centre
· Sahara Centre
· Mega Mall
· Al Shaab Village
· Oasis Mall
Establishing a Business in Dubai vs. Sharjah
Additionally, if you’d like to launch your own business but don’t know where to begin. Then, before choosing one over the other, you might wish to research the characteristics of each emirate. First off, compared to Sharjah, Dubai is a thriving economic centre.
Because it provides a wide range of prospects and first-rate infrastructure, it is more well-known worldwide. However, it might be more expensive and competitive.
Sharjah is a centre of culture. At the same time, it is cheaper, this being good for new ventures in particular. In contrast to Dubai however, Sharjah lacks free zones and is thus affected by cultural differences. Therefore, it will depend on the nature of your project and your business plan to determine which emirate is more appropriate for you.
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