Why we built this

Most people moving to the UAE plan around two numbers: the salary on the offer letter and the monthly rent. Then the first month arrives. Rent is due in one to four cheques, the agent wants 5%, the landlord wants a deposit, schools charge registration and a seat deposit, and a brand new flat turns out to be completely empty.

MoveWise UAE puts all of those costs in one place. You tell us where you plan to live, how you will live and who is coming with you, and we show you the cash you need at move-in, the monthly running cost and the total for your first year.

Who it is for

• Families comparing school curricula, home sizes and emirates.
• People with a job offer checking whether the package really covers rent, school and transport.
• HR and relocation teams who want to give new hires a realistic first-year figure.
• Investors and freelancers weighing up visa routes and setup costs.

People move to the UAE from all over the world, and their budgets look very different. That is why the calculator covers five school curricula, Pakistani, Indian (CBSE), British, American and IB, and homes from a studio to a villa.

What we cover

The calculator covers Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman. For each emirate it includes rent, security deposit, agency fee, housing or lease registration fees, school fees and admission costs, transport, furniture, health insurance, utilities and internet, and visas with Emirates ID and medical.

You can read exactly how each number is worked out on our methodology page.

How we make money

The calculator is free and always will be. We earn money in three ways:

• the optional full relocation report (a one-time PDF, AED 79);
• introductions to movers, insurance brokers, property agents and school advisors, but only when you ask us to connect you;
• clearly labelled featured listings from service providers.

Partners never pay to change the numbers in the calculator. If a partner relationship ever affects what you see on a page, we will say so on that page.

Our promise

• Plain numbers, not sales talk.
• We tell you where our figures come from and when we last checked them.
• We do not sell your personal details. Read our privacy policy.

Get in touch

Questions, corrections or partnership ideas: email cs@movewiseuae.com or use the contact form. If you spot a price that looks wrong, please tell us. We would rather fix it than be wrong.