Tourists and expats alike are flocking to Dubai in record time. The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a bucket list destination for travelers around the globe.
The UAE has made a significant investment in developing its infrastructure, which has led to Dubai having some of the most advanced infrastructure in the world. Dubai sets the standard for innovation and progress from its state-of-the-art transportation systems to modern architecture.
Let us explore the rentals in Dubai for apartments and villas in this comprehensive guide.
The Cost of Living in Dubai
While Dubai is expensive, more than 2.5 million expats live in this city of 3.55 million people. Many are wealthy, drawn in by lavish lifestyles, immigrant-friendly laws, and a lack of income tax. Dubai’s cost of living is closer to other highly sought-after cities like Singapore and New York City. But on average, Dubai is more affordable than its counterparts. You can find a luxurious apartment for rent in Dubai with stunning city views and modern amenities at an affordable price.
Is Dubai Expensive?
As a global city with tremendous upside in career opportunities, Dubai’s living costs are justifiable to a considerable extent. Being a city that expats flock to, it’s not that expensive for what it is.
However, Flat for rent in Dubai is still more affordable than in other famously expensive cities like Singapore, London, and New York City.
The Cost of Rental Living in Dubai vs. New York City
Despite its expensive reputation, Dubai’s cost of living is 35% less expensive than New York City. Rent Prices in New York, NY, are 98.5% higher than in Dubai. The average rent in city center(Studio apartment) in Newyork is AED 11,326.22 (USD 3 083.65)
The Cost of Rental Living in Dubai vs. London
The average rent in Dubai’s city center(Studio apartment) is AED 5,141.89 (USD 1 399,92). The average rent in the city center(Studio apartment) in In London is AED 8,750.48(USD 2 382.39). Rent Prices in Dubai are 26.9% lower than in London.
1 Bedroom Apartment for rent in Dubai in City Center is up to AED 5,141.89 (USD 1 399.92)
Most Expensive and Cheapest Neighborhoods to Live in Dubai
Most of the Dubai we see today was built within the last few decades with high-end luxury living in mind. As in most cities, living in downtown Dubai among the skyscrapers and entertainment will cost more. Choosing an older neighborhood outside downtown will be much more affordable.
There are also many villas for rent in Dubai, offering luxurious living spaces, breathtaking views, and access to world-class amenities.
Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Dubai
New Dubai includes most of the sparkling Dubai most people think of today. Towering skyscrapers, futuristic design, and man-made islands result from Dubai’s multi-decade transformation. Most of these expensive high-end neighborhoods are similar in the price range. The size of the apartment you are looking to rent will significantly impact the cost.
- Dubai Marina: Dubai Marina offers a high-end, coastal lifestyle. Because of its location on the shoreline, apartment buildings provide waterfront views. In the evening, residents walk the palm-tree-lined promenade.
- Downtown Dubai: Living in Downtown Dubai puts you right where the action is. In fact, the neighborhood’s tagline is “The Center of Now.” With the Burj Khalifa, Dancing Fountains, and the Dubai Mall as neighbors, Downtown Dubai’s residents pay a premium for luxurious and convenient city living.
- The Palm Jumeirah Islands: Dubai’s famous man-made islands in the shape of palm trees are particularly prime and exclusive real estate. On Palm Jumeirah, a monorail provides easy access from the mainland to the islands.
- Al Barsha and Barsha Heights: Inland from Palm Jumeirah are the high-end neighborhoods of Al Bashar and Barsha Heights.
Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Dubai
Old Dubai
The most affordable area of the city is Old Dubai. Northeast of downtown, Old Dubai encompasses the oldest neighborhoods and buildings in the city — all hugging the banks of Dubai Creek.
Rent in Old Dubai is more than 50% less than in New Dubai. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Old Dubai can range from $885 to $1,175 monthly ($10,620 to $14,100 per year). On average, a three-bedroom apartment can range from $1,800 to $2,300 monthly ($21,320 to $27,560 per year). Detached homes are unusual in the dense neighborhoods of Old Dubai.
The Average Cost of Apartments for Rent in Dubai
City Center (Includes New Dubai Neighborhoods)
1 Bedroom Flat for rent in Dubai, city center ranges from $1,679 to $2,052
A 3 Bedroom apartment for rent in Dubai city center ranges from $3,073 to $3,756
You can also find a few exceptional 4-bedroom houses for rent in Dubai, featuring spacious rooms, elegant finishes, and a prime location.
Outside City Center (Includes Old Dubai Neighborhoods)
One-bedroom apartment rental outside the city center: $963 to $1,178
Three-bedroom apartment rental outside the city center: $1,892 to $2,313
Housing Costs in Dubai
If you’re aiming to live in the exciting hustle and bustle of New Dubai, then prepare to pay a premium. New Dubai may be worth the expense if living in a newer building near more entertainment options is essential to you.
Planned housing communities can be found all over Dubai, and prices vary widely. At one popular community, rental options range from a 420 square foot (39 m2) studio for just over $700 per month to a 2,000 square foot (186 m2) two bedroom, two bathroom apartment for around $3,400 per month.
Villas-For a private life
If you hope to live in a detached house for rent in Dubai (a villa), you should look beyond downtown. Because the city center is congested, apartments in tall buildings are the dominant housing style. In Dubai, that requires moving further inland toward the Qudra Desert. There are several stunning 3-bedroom villas for rent in Dubai, providing ample space, contemporary designs, and access to excellent facilities.
Food Costs in Dubai
Dubai is known for its outstanding variety of high-quality restaurants and international cuisine. If you plan to take advantage, expect a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant to cost $73.51 to $89.85 on average.
Not all great food in Dubai is expensive. For example, many neighborhoods offer inexpensive, authentic cuisine worldwide, including street foods. You can find everything from shawarma to Lebanese manakish and Indian chaat in stalls across the city.
Entertainment Costs in Dubai
Entertainment in Dubai can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. The options are endless for those willing to spend big on a day out. Going to the top (levels 125 and 124) of the Burj Khalifa in one of its 57 elevators cost about $50 to $60 per person. You’ll need to pay around $200 to reach the highest lounge. If you’re seeking a different kind of thrill, choose from Dubai’s many waterparks and theme parks.
Nightlife in Dubai
Dubai’s nightlife is famous for its glitz, glamor, and high prices. Alcohol is served primarily at hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to tourists. Cocktails are nearly double that price, but weekday happy hours are common and offer significant discounts.
Transportation Costs in Dubai
Metro
Dubai’s two-line, driverless metro system is an efficient and affordable way to navigate the city. The red line runs parallel to the waterfront, while the green line connects Old Dubai neighborhoods surrounding the airport.
Conclusion
Dubai is Focusing on Quality of Life, Not Just Luxury Living. Dubai will always be home to the glamorous and those seeking maximum opulence. Although living in Dubai is expensive, ex-pats now have access to more expensive housing than locals do. The investment in these amenities not only makes Dubai more livable but also makes it more affordable for long-term residents.
*Note: The data for the cost of living in Dubai comes from Numbeo. These prices were up to date as of February 2023.
