14 of the cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in Dubai 2025
Looking for a way to cut costs in 2025? Since rent takes up the biggest chunk of your pay, you could start by thinking of moving to a more affordable area in Dubai.
To help make your next move as educated as possible, Time Out Dubai gathered the latest figures from Property Finder to share the cheapest places to live in Dubai based on average rent prices.
However, while the rent may be lower than in other areas in the city, there are still plenty of foodie and fun attractions to make these spots worth moving to.
If you're new to Dubai or it's time for a contract renewal, consider some of the most affordable places to live and rent in the city.
14 cheapest places to rent in Dubai
North of Dubai
Average rent: Dhs75,000 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
This waterfront residential area has become one of the most sought-after (in the affordable category) spots in the past six months. With creek-facing parks, sports academies, metro stations, hospitals, hotels and restaurants, it's a lively and well-connected neighbourhood. If you're lucky enough to land an apartment here within your budget, our humble advice would be to hang on to it.
Attractions: Enjoy an afternoon tea at Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf or get bronzing at restaurant and pool lounge B-Heaven at Barceló Al Jaddaf.
Part of Old Dubai, this charming area sits by the Dubai Creek on its north and east sides. Back in the day, it was a buzzing hub for building traditional dhow boats – and now, you'll still discover traces of that boat-building past.
Credit: Staff photographer
Average rent: Dhs69,999 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
It's one of the oldest parts of the city (and if you're a cook you'll have a plethora of spices to pick from right on your doorstep). Home to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, there's never a dull moment in this part of Dubai.
Top attractions: Grab a seafood feast at Dampa Seafood Grill or pick up fresh cream puffs from Habib Bakery, which has been serving Dubai's sweet tooth since 1987.
There's plenty for families nearby, whether you want to whizz around the Galleria Ice Rink , ride the carousel at Fun City or try the Magic Planet arcade
Central
(Credit: Supplied)
Average rent: Dhs70,000 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
A sprawling area made up of malls, residential areas and green spaces, Al Barsha has affordable rent and it's close to the red metro line (that's a winning combination in our opinion).
Attractions: Whether you want to do your food shop or update your wardrobe, Mall of the Emirates is packed with plenty to get your hands on.
Take the whole family to Ski Dubai for skiing, snowboarding and fun at the Snow Park, or head outdoors to Al Barsha Pond Park for playgrounds and more.
Cheap rent in Dubai.
Average rent: Dhs65,000 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
Calling all students, remote workers and tech enthusiasts. Silicon Oasis is Dubai's first smart city, best known for its technology park which is home to many tech start-ups and other up-and-coming businesses.
It offers the perfect mix of work and leisure features, with something for everyone, including apartments, office buildings, restaurants, jogging paths and outdoor sports courts.
Top attractions: Like to shop? You can have an experience like no other at Souq Extra, a shopping plaza which is packed with a range of stores, restaurants and more.
If you're looking for a one-stop family destination, Silicon Park will tick all your boxes with BBQ spots, a roller skating area, and basketball, tennis, volleyball and football courts.
International City
Average rent: Dhs42,000 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
This community, inspired by Dubai's global culture, is best known for its residential clusters named after different countries, and right now, it's ideal for cheap rent in Dubai.
Whether you choose to move to Persia, Greece, Spain, Morocco, England, France, Italy, Russia, China or the Emirates cluster, you can expect an unbeatable homely atmosphere with over 500 affordable apartments to choose from.
Top attractions: The best part about International City is that it's home to Dragon Mart 1 and 2, the largest hub for Chinese goods where you can snag the best budget deals, sample delicious dishes at an array of restaurants and head to the cinema for a new flick.
If the great outdoors is more your thing, Al Warsan Lake is perfect for getting some steps in.
Parking fees have changed in Al Karama (Credit: ITP staff photographer)
Average rent: Dhs79,000 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
It's safe to call Karama a little India with the number of south Indian and north Indian restaurants around every corner. You'll cross a cafeteria at nearly every step. And thanks to its central location and easy access to both ADCB and BurJuman metro stations, getting to Business Bay and Downtown is a easy breezy.
Attractions: Go on a shopping spree at BurJuman Mall and then walk around Karama's food streets for your fill of authentic Indian bites.
South of Dubai
Al Furjan
Al Furjan West Pavilion
Average rent: Dhs79,999 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
Flanked by Discovery Gardens on one side and Jebel Ali on another, this community is perfect for those who have offices in the south of Dubai. Its close proximity to the former means you'll have access to the best of both the worlds here.
Attractions: You'll be a stone's throw away from Ibn Battuta Mall whether you choose to drive there or if you take a metro from Al Furjan Metro Station.
Drop by McCafferty's Pub Al Furjan after work or on the weekends to catch up with the gang for drinks. There's a Carrefour in the area for daily grocery runs and a medical centre as well.
If you like this: Here's what to do according to an expert if your landlord is increasing your rent
Discovery Gardens
Cheap rent in Dubai.
Average rent cost: Dhs68,000 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
If you've looked out of the windows while taking the metro, you're sure to have seen the colourful stretch of Discovery Gardens' apartment buildings.
This affordable neighbourhood is the ultimate family hub complete with swimming pools, plenty of green walkways, parks, tennis courts and a range of supermarkets. It's also close to the Gardens metro station and bus stops.
Top attractions: Avid shoppers, you're in luck. Discovery Gardens is just a stone's throw away from Ibn Battuta Mall, which has a range of top shopping and dining offerings.
Like to bowl? Gather the gang and head on over to Switch Bowling and for an epic drone show, you can enjoy a light show at PPS Aviation.
Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
Dubai Investments Park
Average rent: Dhs75,000 for a one-bedroom article per year.
Another family-friendly community with lush greenery and convenient amenities, Dubai Investment Park is one of the most affordable communities to rent. Kids are well-catered for in DIP with a range of schools such as Nibras International School, Kinderville Nursery and more. There are also plenty of hospitals, supermarkets and restaurants nearby.
Top attractions: Fitness enthusiasts will have a variety of options to get a workout in, including Aspire Gymnastics Club, Al Tawash Gym, Hybrid Gym and Fly High Fitness. Families can enjoy leisurely walks or picnics at the numerous landscaped garden areas too.
(Credit: Adobe)
Average rent: Dhs65,720 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
Neighbouring JVC and JVT, Dubai Production is a little further out but as you can see, you get a lot more for your money in this neck of the woods.
Attractions: Take a stroll around the Dubai Production City lakes, or browse the stores in City Centre Mi'aisem (there's even a padel court next door if you fancy it).
If you want to get a few holes in, visit the Jumeirah Golf Estates next door.
Dubai Sports City
Cheap rent in Dubai.
Average rent: Dhs62,000 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
This wallet-friendly district is the ideal spot for sports fanatics and those who are active. This lively community is decked out with everything you could need, from swimming pools to gyms and more.
That's not all, it also boasts an indoor and outdoor sporting arena where you can catch a range of sporting events.
Top attractions: Cricket lovers, get excited because the highlight of Dubai Sports City is the Dubai International Cricket Stadium where tournaments, concerts and other shows are regularly hosted.
You can also head to the Els Club Golf Course or The Dome for fresh air and fun with the whole family.
Top tip: It's important to note that unfurnished apartments are far more affordable than furnished apartments in all rental areas in Dubai.
Average rent: Dhs74,999 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
Located right by the swish Motor City, you're not far away from lots of amazing things to do in this up and coming residential area. Music centres, hotels, nurseries, restaurants and gyms and other amenities make this a good spot to settle in. You'll definitely need to have a car to move here as there's no metro here.
Top attractions: Dine by the horses at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, or go see a race up close at Dubai Auto Drome in Motor City.
Top tip: It's important to note that unfurnished apartments are far more affordable than furnished apartments in all rental areas in Dubai.
Jebel Ali
(Credit: Jebel Ali Public Beach)
Average rent: Dhs71,000 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
The area that's about to go big time, everyone is eyeing up Jebel Ali now that construction is underway again on the Palm Jebel Ali.
There's a handy metro line and you're only a hop skip and a jump away from the themed streets in Ibn Battuta Mall (ibnbattutamall.com). Or if you're in the need of furniture, IKEA (ikea.com) is five minutes up the road.
Attractions: Trot out on a pony ride at the JA Equestrian Centre, or take the kids to Motiongate and Legoland . Keep an eye out for the new Jebel Ali Village community too, set to be finished in 2025 with cycling tracks, a playground and even a community farm.
Town Square
(Credit: Supplied)
Average rent: Dhs69,999 for a one-bedroom apartment per year.
This suburban spot is a vibrant, family-oriented community offering affordable living with a variety of recreational facilities and green spaces.
Attractions: While there aren't any malls or shopping centres there are a range of retail stores, supermarkets and essential services.
There are swimming pools and sports courts, or take advantage of the numerous parks and cycling tracks for outdoor activities. Don't miss the regular outdoor movie nights and community events held in Town Square Park, offering entertainment and activities for all ages.
Looking for more insight on renting in Dubai?
18 things you need to know before moving to Dubai
Here are a few quick things you need to know about arriving in Dubai
The 3 vital questions to ask when looking to rent in Dubai — according to an expert
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Renting in Dubai: How to navigate the hidden costs
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