Crunching Numbers: Understanding the Value of a 45,000 AED Salary in the Middle East
Relocating to a new region can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking endeavour, especially when you’re not familiar with the cost of living in that area. If you’re considering moving to the Middle East and have been offered a monthly salary of 45,000AED (approximately 12,250 USD), you might wonder: “Is this enough to sustain my family?”
To answer this, we need to evaluate the core expenses – housing, education, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and leisure. Given your specifics, we will focus mainly on housing and education for two children (aged 8 and 10) in a British educational facility, considering that your partner won’t be working initially.
Housing
The cost of housing in the Middle East varies greatly, depending on the city and the type of housing you opt for. In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a two or three-bedroom apartment in a good neighbourhood can range between 8,000-15,000 AED per month. Villas or larger homes will come with a higher price tag.
Let’s take an average figure of 12,000 AED for housing, leaving you with 33,000 AED.
Education
The Middle East, particularly the UAE, offers a wide array of international schools that adhere to the British curriculum. However, these come with a significant cost. Annual tuition for a British school can range from 40,000 to 80,000 AED per child, depending on the age and the school’s reputation.
For two children, you’re looking at anywhere from 80,000 to 160,000 AED per year or roughly 6,666 to 13,333 AED per month. Taking the mid-range, you may be spending approximately 10,000 AED per month on education, reducing your available funds to 23,000 AED.
Other Living Expenses
Other expenses, such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and leisure activities, can be surprisingly high in certain Middle Eastern cities. On average, for a family of four, you should budget around 10,000 – 15,000 AED for these combined monthly costs.
After subtracting these costs from your remaining budget, you would be left with approximately 8,000-13,000 AED for savings, unexpected costs, or further spending.
Final Thoughts
While a 45,000 AED monthly salary is undoubtedly a substantial income, it’s crucial to bear in mind the relatively high living costs in the Middle East. Depending on the lifestyle you’re accustomed to and the city you choose to live in, this salary should allow you to live comfortably, not extravagantly.
Planning and budgeting will be key for a successful move, especially as your partner isn’t working initially. To offset costs, consider alternative education options or housing in a less expensive neighbourhood.
Remember, these figures are averages and could be different depending on your family’s specific needs and lifestyle choices.
If you can maintain flexibility and prioritize your spending, a new life in the Middle East can be a rewarding experience, both personally and financially. Always consider consulting with a financial advisor or someone familiar with living costs in your destination city to make an informed decision.
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