Let’s be real, rent in Dubai can feel like you’re paying in gold bars, especially if you’re new in town or trying to make ends meet without sacrificing your lifestyle. But here’s the good news: not every area in Dubai demands a luxury-level paycheck.
Whether you’re an expat, student, remote worker, or just someone who loves a good deal, there are still plenty of budget-friendly places to live in Dubai.
You just need to know where to look.
7 of the Most Affordable Places to Rent in Dubai
We get it—hunting for the right neighborhood while juggling work and life can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why we’re here to make it easier for you!
This guide breaks down 7 of the most affordable places to rent in Dubai, comparing both room rent and apartment rent, so you can match your lifestyle with your budget.
Plus, there’s a comparison table at the end to make it even easier to shortlist your next home.
1. International City
Room rent: AED 1,200–2,000/month
1BR apartment: AED 25K–35K/year
Think of it as Dubai’s unofficial “melting pot.” International City is exactly what the name promises—diverse, no-frills, and always buzzing. With clusters named after countries (hello China Cluster), this area is home to expats from every corner of the world.
Why it’s affordable?
It’s on the outskirts of the city and filled with older low-rise buildings, which keeps costs low—earning International City a spot among the most affordable places to rent in Dubai. That said, everything from groceries to gyms is nearby, and Dragon Mart is a weekend errand staple.
Best for: Students, solo expats, freelancers, or anyone just getting started in Dubai. If you’re hunting for cheap rent in Dubai—this is your jackpot.
2. Al Nahda (Dubai Side)
Room rent: AED 1,500–2,200/month
1BR apartment: AED 30K–45K/year
Bordering Sharjah, Al Nahda is a city within a city. It’s residential, high-density, and always alive with movement—perfect if you want something in between “affordable” and “connected.”
Why it’s affordable?
Rents stay relatively low thanks to the sheer number of high-rise buildings and its proximity to Sharjah. Many apartments are older, but spacious. You’ll find plenty of families, bachelors, and teachers in the mix.
Best for: People working in either Sharjah or Dubai, especially families looking for affordable places to rent in Dubai without totally leaving urban life behind.
3. Deira
Room rent: AED 1,800–2,500/month
1BR apartment: AED 35K–50K/year
Old-school Dubai charm meets unbeatable location. Deira might not be shiny and new, but it’s historic, central, and full of character. Souks, spice markets, and budget eateries line the streets—and the connectivity is top-notch.
Why it’s affordable?
Older buildings and a crowded urban layout keep rents from skyrocketing, even though you’re right in the heart of the city—making Deira one of the most affordable places to rent in Dubai without compromising on location.
Best for: Long-time expats, budget-conscious professionals, or anyone who wants easy access to metro stations, shops, and Dubai Creek. If you want affordable rent in a central Dubai location, Deira should be on your radar.
4. Muhaisnah
Room rent: AED 1,400–2,000/month
1BR apartment: AED 30K–40K/year
Quiet, clean, and residential—Muhaisnah is the underdog of affordable living in Dubai. It’s a little farther out, yes, but that comes with perks like more space and a calmer lifestyle.
It’s also one of the most affordable places to rent in Dubai, especially for families looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing comfort.
Why it’s affordable?
It’s on the outskirts, with a mix of labor accommodations and family buildings, but more mid-range housing is cropping up.
Best for: Families on a budget, workers near industrial zones, or anyone looking for budget housing in Dubai with less noise and more room.
5. Bur Dubai
Room rent: AED 1,800–2,800/month
1BR apartment: AED 38K–55K/year
Cultural hub meets practical city life. Bur Dubai is steeped in heritage but has the hustle and bustle of a modern-day business district. It’s got metro access, museums, mosques, and some of the best street food in town.
Why it’s affordable?
While rents have crept up in spots, many buildings are older, and the variety gives you bargaining power.
Best for: Roommates, young couples, or anyone who wants to live somewhere walkable and lively without paying Marina money. It’s a classic pick for affordable areas to live in Dubai that don’t feel too far off the grid.
6. Discovery Gardens
Room rent: AED 2,000–2,800/month
1BR apartment: AED 40K–55K/year
Low-rise, leafy, and community-focused—Discovery Gardens feels like a peaceful suburb, without leaving the city entirely. It’s close to Ibn Battuta Mall and offers spacious apartments at lower rates than Dubai Marina or JLT.
Why it’s affordable?
It’s a little tucked away, and most buildings are older, but that works in your favor if you’re trying to keep rent down without living in a box.
Best for: Young families, couples, or remote workers who want peace, parking, and parks—all without breaking the bank.
7. Dubai South
Room rent: AED 1,300–2,000/month
1BR apartment: AED 25K–38K/year
A bit of a hidden gem. Dubai South is still developing, but it’s quickly gaining attention as one of the most affordable places to rent in Dubai.
It’s quiet, clean, and super close to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City, making it ideal for those who want space, savings, and a slower pace—all at once.
Why it’s affordable?
It’s far from the city center, but that distance translates into some of the lowest rent prices in Dubai—especially for new, well-kept apartments.
Best for: New expats, airport staff, freelancers, or anyone craving a calm lifestyle with a future-facing vibe.
Bonus: Worth a Look – Al Barsha
Room rent: AED 2,500–3,500/month
1BR apartment: AED 55K–80K/year
Al Barsha doesn’t quite make the “cheapest” list—but it’s too good to ignore. With major metro stations, tons of food options, and proximity to Mall of the Emirates, it offers strong value for mid-budget renters.
Best for: Sharers, couples, or families who want more convenience and connection, without splurging on Downtown or Marina rates.
Rent Comparison Table: Budget Living in Dubai (2025)
| Neighborhood | Room Rent (Monthly) | 1BR Apartment (Yearly) | Vibe | Best For |
| International City | AED 1,200–2,000 | AED 25K–35K | Diverse, compact, no-frills | Students, new expats |
| Al Nahda | AED 1,500–2,200 | AED 30K–45K | Busy, border of Sharjah | Commuters, families |
| Deira | AED 1,800–2,500 | AED 35K–50K | Historic, central, connected | Long-timers, city workers |
| Muhaisnah | AED 1,400–2,000 | AED 30K–40K | Quiet, spacious, residential | Families, budget renters |
| Bur Dubai | AED 1,800–2,800 | AED 38K–55K | Lively, cultural, central | Roommates, couples |
| Discovery Gardens | AED 2,000–2,800 | AED 40K–55K | Green, low-rise, peaceful | Couples, small families |
| Dubai South | AED 1,300–2,000 | AED 25K–38K | Calm, upcoming, airport-adjacent | Freelancers, first-time expats |
Final Thoughts
Living in Dubai doesn’t have to mean stretching your rent budget to its breaking point. With the right area, a bit of flexibility, and a good eye for value, you can land a place that ticks the right boxes—location, comfort, and affordability.
Ready to start your search? These 7 affordable places to rent in Dubai are a great place to begin.
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