There are perhaps very few places with as much variety as Dubai when it comes to real estate. From compact studios to massive mansions, there’s something for everyone in this cosmopolitan haven. It’s that multitude of choices that prompted us to put together this handy guide to the most popular areas to rent in Dubai based on your salary. The hope is that this guide will help you find a home in the best residential neighborhoods of Dubai that suit your specific budget.
HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED TO SPEND ON ACCOMMODATION?
To come up with the most accurate options, we have shortlisted areas based on the idea that most people spend 40% to 50% of their income on housing. We also believe that you need a minimum salary of AED 5,000 per month or a housing allowance of AED 2,000 to be able to rent a property in Dubai on your own.
Before you decide on your rental home, it’s essential to know that landlords in Dubai require you to pay the rent either as one annual payment or as bi-yearly or quarterly post-dated cheques. Although it’s not too common, you may find some great annual rental offers where you can pay the rent in 12 cheques.
BEST PLACES TO RENT IN DUBAI IF YOU ARE ON A SALARY OF AED 5K TO AED 8K
For those starting their career and earning between AED 5k to AED 8k, the annual rental budget would be a minimum of AED 30k.
The most popular areas to rent in Dubai based on the salary range of AED 5 to AED 8k are Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Nahda, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
JUMEIRAH VILLAGE CIRCLE
20 minutes away from commercial hubs such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, the affordable community of JVC offers apartments in various configurations. The area has over 30 landscaped parks, evoking a sense of calm and peace. Moreover, there are some top nurseries and schools here.
The average rent for a studio flat in JVC is AED 29k.
AL NAHDA
Those looking for cheap apartments for rent in Dubai can also explore Al Nahda. Located close to the Dubai Sharjah border, the area has excellent public transport options. It’s a relatively quiet neighbourhood and a perfect location to raise a family.
You can rent a studio in Al Nahda for AED 26k, on average.
DUBAI SILICON OASIS
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is another vibrant neighbourhood where you can find affordable apartments for rent. The locality is ideal for families, young professionals and students. Many workers employed by companies operating in the technology park in DSO prefer living within the area.
AED 24k is the average rent for a studio apartment in DSO.
These are some of the most affordable apartments in Dubai, but if you are willing to compromise on the commute, check out neighbourhoods in Sharjah, which have cheaper rental options. Many people also choose to live in Sharjah and work in Dubai to save on rental costs.
POPULAR AREAS TO RENT IN DUBAI ON A SALARY OF AED 8K TO AED 12K
For those earning a salary between AED 8k to AED 12k, the rental budget will be a minimum of AED 38k. While Jumeirah Village Circle, DSO and Al Nahda continue to remain the most popular options, the centrally-located neighbourhood of Bur Dubai is also favoured by tenants within this salary bracket. Plus, you can also rent a studio in Dubai Marina.
BUR DUBAI
Being one of the largest residential hubs in Dubai, Bur Dubai offers a wide range of properties. Public transport links are one of the main reasons for its popularity. The area is also home to many tourist spots, including Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame and Dubai Glow Garden.
A 1-bed flat in Bur Dubai goes for an average rent of AED 47k.
DUBAI MARINA
Want to live in luxury and style? Dubai Marina might be the place for you. You can choose from a range of waterfront properties. Residents can also benefit from the outstanding in-house facilities in the towers.
To rent a studio apartment in Dubai Marina, you will have to pay AED 45k, on average.
DOWNTOWN DUBAI
Those who prefer living in the city centre will have to pay a little bit more comparatively. It’s the hub of activity in the emirate, with events and festivals happening year-round. If you like to live in the thick of things, Downtown Dubai is for you.
The average rent for a studio in Downtown Dubai is AED 62k.
PALM JUMEIRAH
Fancy living on an artificial island? Shaped like a palm tree, many consider it the 8th wonder of the world. Naturally, the demand for property in the area is high, and it reflects on the prices. AED 68k is the average rent for a studio in Palm Jumeirah.
Given the quality of life in Palm Jumeirah, many feel it’s worth the expense.
A 1-bed flat in JVC is available for AED 44k, on average. Whereas, the average rent for a 1-bed flat in DSO is AED 33k. You can also rent a 1-bed apartment in Al Nahda Dubai for AED 33k. For a 2-bed and 3-bed flat in the area, the average prices go up to AED 44k and AED 64k.
POPULAR AREAS FOR RENTING IN DUBAI ON A SALARY OF AED 12K TO AED 18K
If you earn between AED 12k to AED 18k per month, you aren’t restricted to just apartment towers and complexes in Dubai. Instead, you can consider renting a beautiful villa in Dubai for added space and privacy! Take a look at the best areas to rent apartments and villas within this salary bracket.
APARTMENTS
With a stable income and more savings, you can afford to be a little more indulgent in your accommodation preferences. Your minimum rental budget will now be AED 72k.
For those earning between AED 12k to AED 18k, the most popular area to rent in Dubai based on salary includes Dubai Marina. Meanwhile, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Nahda, DSO, Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah also remain the popular areas to live in Dubai for those within this salary bracket.
The heart of New Dubai, Dubai Marina offers mid and high-rise apartments close to restaurants, salons, pubs and bars. Those earning between AED 12k to AED 18k can afford to rent studios and 1 bedroom apartments in this bustling neighbourhood. 1-bedroom flats for rent in Dubai Marina go for an average rent of AED 70k. Whereas, for a 2-bed flat, the asking price rises to AED 106k.
Meanwhile, families earning within this income bracket can also consider the spacious 2-bedroom rental apartments in JVC, for which the average rent is AED 62k. For a larger, 3-bed flat, the average rent goes up to AED 95k. These apartments also come with shared facilities such as swimming pools and gyms.
Similarly, Bur Dubai also offers plenty of choices for 2-bedroom apartments. The average rent for 2-bed flats in Bur Dubai is AED 66k, and for a 3-bed apartment, it is AED 92k. Whereas, in DSO, you can find 2-bed and 3-bed apartments for AED 55k and AED 80k, respectively.
If you are looking for a 1-bed flat in Downtown Dubai, the average price is AED 85k.
VILLAS
Those earning between AED 12k to AED 18k can also consider affordable villa communities in Dubai. Some popular options in this salary bracket are Mirdif and DAMAC Hills 2 (formerly Akoya Oxygen).
Mirdif consistently ranks in Bayut’s property market reports as one of Dubai’s best places to rent villas. AED 86k and AED 106k are the average rent for 3 and 4-bed villas in Mirdif.
Families can also consider 3-bedroom villas in DAMAC Hills 2. The area has plenty of urban facilities such as schools, sports courts, parks and lakes. On average, 3-bed villas for rent in DAMAC Hills 2 are available for AED 57k. It rises to AED 80k and AED 88k for a 4 and 5-bed villa.
BEST PLACES TO RENT IN DUBAI FOR A SALARY OF AED 18K TO AED 25K
Those earning between AED 18k and AED 25k can find luxurious villas and apartments in Dubai.
APARTMENTS
With AED 108k to AED 150k as your rental budget, plenty of rental options become available to you! These include cosy apartments in luxury neighbourhoods such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah, the most popular places to live in Dubai for those earning in this salary bracket.
For those who enjoy being in the middle of the action, Downtown Dubai has many hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions and the UAE’s largest shopping mall. The average financial outlay for a 2-bed apartment in Downtown Dubai would be AED 142k.
Palm Jumeirah is another excellent option for those looking to live at one of the city’s most exclusive addresses. This artificial island has a plethora of upscale apartments. Within this salary bracket, you can rent 1 and 2-bed flats in Palm Jumeirah. Similarly, 3-bed flats in Dubai Marina are also close to this range.
VILLAS
For people earning AED 18k to AED 25k every month, Mirdif, DAMAC Hills 2, Al Barsha, and The Springs are the best places to rent villas in Dubai. The family-friendly gated community of Arabian Ranches is another option to consider.
If you are looking for big houses, you can consider the 5-bedroom villas for rent in Mirdif. The average rent is AED 110k. Similarly, the 3-bedroom homes for rent in The Springs are also available within this salary range.
Arabian Ranches boasts various sub-communities situated around a golf course, with a choice of villa layouts and architectural styles. Tenants earning a salary of AED 18k to AED 25k can find options for cosy 3-bedroom villas for rent in Arabian Ranches.
Al Barsha is one of the areas that has developed rapidly in the past decade or so. From trendy malls to fabulous housing, it has it all. The average rent for a 3-bed villa in Al Barsha is AED 138k.
There’s undoubtedly more freedom when you are in this comfortable financial segment, so take some time to decide whether to live in a villa or an apartment in Dubai.
WHERE TO RENT IN DUBAI ON A SALARY OF AED 25K AND ABOVE
Those earning AED 25k per month have a wide range of options for renting properties in Dubai.
APARTMENTS
If you’re earning above AED 25k per month, your annual rental budget will likely be above AED 150k. You really can have your pick of the best areas to rent in Dubai based on salary, including luxury apartments, lofts and duplexes!
You can consider the more upscale options in Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah, favourites for renters within this income bracket.
You can rent a 3-bed flat in Downtown Dubai for AED 277k yearly, on average. Whereas a similar apartment in Palm Jumeirah would cost you AED 203k.
VILLAS
You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to the best places to rent villas in Dubai! Those with a rental budget above AED 150k favour established neighbourhoods such as Al Barsha, Mirdif, Arabian Ranches, and Umm Suqeim.
These centrally-located districts are known for their large independent houses, excellent connectivity and proximity to attractions and amenities such as schools, hospitals, restaurants and malls!
If you prefer living close to the beach, the villas for rent in Umm Suqeim are the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quiet, residential neighbourhood, you can opt for rental villas in Al Barsha.
Those within this income bracket can also consider making a lucrative investment in the Dubai property market.
