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Dubai’s streets aren’t exactly paved with gold, but the city can be very expensive, especially for low-wage earners. This is partly due to rising housing costs.
In 2022, rental prices across Dubai rose significantly, with villas registering a 61% increase compared to 2021, while apartment rents went up by 25%, according to Betterhomes data.
In Mercer’s latest Cost of Living Index, Dubai is ranked 31st most expensive place in the world out of more than 220 cities. Dubai is more expensive than many other popular destinations like Miami, Paris, Milan and Munich, according to the index.
If you’re on the hunt for a new place to lower your outgoings for accommodation, Zawya has ranked the most budget-friendly locations to rent a flat in Dubai.
The ranking is based on the cost of leasing a one-bedroom flat as of the last quarter of 2022, according to data supplied by UAE-based real estate consultancy Asteco.
International City
Taking the first spot is International City, a cluster of low-rise, country-themed buildings spread over an area of more than 800 hectares. Developed by Nakheel, International City offers the cheapest option for a budget-conscious tenant.
One-bedroom flats in International City cost around AED 35,000 ($9,500) a year, less than half of what it costs to rent a similar unit in Business Bay.
The community is around 14 kilometres from Dubai Mall and is close to Dragon Mart. While the place is most suited for tenants with a car because it has no direct access to the Dubai Metro, a bus that travels from Rashidiya Bus Station towards Al Warsan 3 can serve commuters.
Average rent for one-bedroom flat: AED 35,000
Best for: Tenants working in Dubai Outsource Zone, Academic City and neighbouring areas
Discovery Gardens
The second-cheapest community to rent a home in Dubai is Discovery Gardens. A residential development of low-rise buildings interspersed with trees and green spaces, Discovery Gardens can be accessible via the Dubai Metro.
It’s just a few stops away from the Dubai Expo 2020 site and Dubai Marina, making it one of the best cost-saving options for tenants who don’t drive a car.
Rents for a one-bedroom apartment can set a tenant back a little over AED 40,00 0 a year, about half the leasing rates in Dubai Marina, The Greens and The Views.
Average rent for one-bedroom flat: AED 42,500
Best for: Residents working in Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, Dubai Media City/Internet City, Tecom, Expo City Dubai (formerly Expo 2020), Dubai Multimedia Commodities Centre or Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Deira
The third-cheapest place to live in for tenants looking to save money is Deira, the oldest commercial district in the emirate. As of the end of 2022, a one-bedroom flat in Deira cost around AED 45,000 a year, half the average rental price in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Sheikh Zayed Road.
A favourite destination among tourists because of its gold and spice souks, Deira is easily accessible via bus links and the Dubai Metro, with various stops, including Union, Rigga and Deira City Centre.
Average rent for one-bedroom flat: AED 45,000
Best for: Tenants working in DIFC, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai, Al Diyafah, Karama, Port Saeed, Downtown Dubai and neighbouring areas
Dubai Sports City
Taking the fourth spot is Dubai Sports City, which features villas and apartments, as well as leisure and recreational facilities. About 14 kilometres away from the Mall of the Emirates, the community is home to the International Cricket Stadium and appeals to both singles and families, as well as sports fans.
Like International City, however, this community is best for tenants with a car. Average rent for a one-bedroom flat in Dubai Sports City is less than AED 50,000 a year, which is a lot cheaper than JBR and Sheikh Zayed Road apartments.
Average rent for one-bedroom flat: AED 45,000
Best for: Tenants working in Tecom/Barsha Heights, Al Barsha, The Greens/Views, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Investments Park, Dubai Marina, JLT, DMCC
Jumeirah Village Triangle
This family-friendly gated community on the northern side of Dubai, around 26 kilometres from Dubai Mall, features apartment blocks, small villas and townhouses. It is roughly 22 minutes to drive to The Palm Jumeirah, 35 minutes to the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Airport.
It has more than nine community parks, five tennis courts, a few basketball courts and more than 13,000 residential properties, according to Bayut. Residents can have direct access to Al Khail Road (E44) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
Average price for one-bedroom flat: AED 47,500
Best for: Tenants working in Dubai Production City, Dubai Investments Park, Jumeirah Lakes Towers/DMCC, Dubai Internet City, TECOM, Media City, Dubai Marina and other neighbouring areas
(Reporting by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)
