Popular areas to rent in Dubai based on your salary
Not many cities have such a wide variety as Dubai when it comes to real estate. From compact studios to massive mansions, there’s something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city. That multitude of choices prompted us to put together this handy guide to the most popular areas to rent in Dubai based on salary. Now you can find a home in a Dubai neighbourhood that suits your specific budget. Here is a list of the places to rent in Dubai based on salary.
Please note: This post is based on the assumption that people spend around 40% of their income on rent. In reality, the areas may vary based on personal preferences and other stipulations.
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 6,000 per month or a housing allowance of AED 2,000 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 multiple 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 6K TO AED 8K
For those starting their career and earning between AED 6k to AED 8k, the annual rental budget would be a minimum of AED 28k.
The most popular areas with properties for rent in Dubai based on the salary range of AED 6k to AED 8k are International City, Al Nahda and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
INTERNATIONAL CITY
International City is one of the top communities to look for affordable apartments for rent in Dubai. You can find uniquely designed buildings with studios and 1-bed flats in International City. The Nakheel development has restaurants, clinics, supermarkets and schools nearby.
- On average, you can rent a studio in International City for AED 24k.
- Similarly, a 1-bed flat in the area has an average rent of AED 34k.
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 889 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 2 BATHS
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- 1199 SQFT
- STUDIO
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- 1 BATH
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- 449 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 889 SQFT
AL NAHDA
Those looking for cheap apartments for rent in Dubai can also explore Al Nahda. The area is close to the Dubai-Sharjah border and offers excellent public transport options. It’s a relatively quiet neighbourhood and a great location to raise a family.
- On average, you can rent a studio in Al Nahda Dubai for AED 27k.
- Also, you can opt for a 1-bed flat in the area, which averages at AED 37k.
DUBAI SILICON OASIS
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is another vibrant neighbourhood where you can find affordable apartments for rent. The district is ideal for families, young professionals and students. Many workers employed by companies in the technology park prefer living in DSO.
- The average rent for a studio apartment in DSO is AED 34k.
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 645 SQFT
Besides these areas, Deira is a good choice for cheap apartment rentals. For those willing to compromise on the commute time, the neighbourhoods in Sharjah have many affordable rental flats. Lower rent is one reason people live in Sharjah and work in Dubai.
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 DSO and Al Nahda continue to remain the most popular options, JVC is favoured by tenants within this salary bracket. You can also consider a studio in Bur Dubai and Al Barsha.
JUMEIRAH VILLAGE CIRCLE (JVC)
Only 20 minutes from commercial hubs such as Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, the affordable community of Jumeirah Village Circle offers apartments in various configurations. The area has over 30 landscaped parks, top nurseries and schools, supermarkets and restaurants.
- The average rent for a studio flat in JVC is AED 44k.
JUMEIRAH LAKE TOWERS (JLT)
Surrounded by four man-made lakes and an area for parkland, JLT stands out as one of the best areas to live in Dubai. You can find a wide range of properties in the area at relatively reasonable rates. It is perfect for families as there are many top educational institutes nearby.
- The average rent for a studio in JLT is AED 56k.
AL BARSHA
Another area that you can consider for renting affordable apartments is Al Barsha. Enjoying quick access to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), this community has flats with excellent facilities at reasonable rates.
- A studio for rent in Al Barsha, on average, is available for AED 44k.
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1134 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1826 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 809 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 1 BATH
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- 751 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 667 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1336 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 900 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 751 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 2 BATHS
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- 725 SQFT
POPULAR AREAS FOR RENTING IN DUBAI ON A SALARY OF AED 13K 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 villa for rent in Dubai for added space and privacy! Check out the best areas to rent apartments and villas within this salary bracket.
APARTMENTS
With a stable income and more savings, you can afford to experiment with your accommodation preferences. Your minimum rental budget will now be AED 60k.
For those earning between AED 12k to AED 18k, the most popular areas to rent in Dubai based on salary includes Dubai Marina. Meanwhile, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Nahda, DSO and Business Bay 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. The the average price for 1-bedroom flats for rent in Dubai Marina is AED 103k, however you can find cheaper options in the area that fit in your budget.
Meanwhile, families within this income bracket can consider the spacious 1-bedroom rental apartments in JVC, for which the average rent is AED 64k. You can also stretch your budget to afford the 2-bed flats in JVC, priced at AED 93k on average. These apartments also come with shared facilities such as swimming pools and gyms.
Similarly, Bur Dubai offers plenty of choices for 2-bedroom apartments. The average rent for 2-bed flats in Bur Dubai is AED 77k. If you are interested in living in DSO, you can find 2-bed apartments for AED 70k.
If you are looking for a 1-bed flat in Business Bay, the average price is AED 91k. However, these apartments can be slightly expensive and may not be the best option if you are on a tight budget.
VILLAS
Those earning between AED 12k to AED 18k can also consider affordable villa communities in Dubai. DAMAC Hills 2 is a popular option in this salary bracket. In fact, among the places to rent in Dubai based on salary, this area is among the most popular ones.
Families can consider villas for rent 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 80k. The rental price increases to AED 88k for a 4-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 various options for villas and apartments for rent in Dubai.
APARTMENTS
Many options become available with AED 108k to AED 150k as your rental budget! These include cosy apartments in luxury neighbourhoods such as Business Bay and JLT.
Business Bay is an excellent option for living in one of the city’s most exclusive addresses. This area has a plethora of upscale apartments. You can rent a 2-bed flat in the area for an average rent of AED 138k.
The average rent for 3-bed units in JLT stand at AED 137k.
VILLAS
For people earning AED 18k to AED 25k every month, Mirdif, DAMAC Hills 2, Dubailand and JVC are the best places to rent villas in Dubai.
Mirdif consistently ranks in Bayut’s property market reports as one of Dubai’s best places to rent villas. The average rent for a 3-bed villa in Mirdif is AED 110k and AED 143k for a 4-bed villa. A 4-bed villa for rent in Dubailand is priced at AED 148k.
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 more than 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 can pick the best areas to rent in Dubai based on salary, including luxury apartments, lofts and duplexes!
With a higher salary range, you can opt for 3-bed flats with greater space in most in-demand areas like Dubai Marina, Business Bay and JLT.
For those who enjoy being in the middle of the action, Dubai Marina has many hotels, restaurants and top shopping and entertainment venues. The average financial outlay for a 2-bed apartment in Dubai Marina would be AED 157k.
With the salary band being AED 25k or above, even the luxury apartments in Palm Jumeirah can be considered. The list of places to rent in Dubai based on salary grows and becomes more expensive as the salary range rises.
VILLAS
You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to renting villas in Dubai with a budget like that! Those with a rental budget above AED 150k favour established neighbourhoods such as The Springs, Dubai Hills Estate, Al Barsha, Jumeirah, Mirdif, Arabian Ranches, and Umm Suqeim.
The 3-bedroom villas for rent in The Springs are available within this salary range. 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 243k.
The family-friendly gated community of Arabian Ranches is another top option to consider. It boasts various sub-communities situated around a golf course, with a choice of villa layouts and architectural styles.
These 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. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quiet, residential neighbourhood, you can opt for rental villas in Dubai Hills Estate.
Those within this income bracket can also consider investing in the Dubai property market. Check out the pros and cons of buying property in Dubai to determine if this would be the right choice.
FAQS ABOUT PLACES TO RENT IN DUBAI BASED ON SALARY
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE RENTING A HOME IN DUBAI?
Before you decide on your new rental home, it’s a good idea to brush up on the tenancy laws in Dubai to know your rights and responsibilities. Also, remember that you will have other initial expenses, such as the security deposit, agency fees, DEWA charges and Ejari fees, in addition to the rental cost.
WILL THERE BE ANY ADDED COSTS WHEN RENTING IN DUBAI?
Most long-term rentals in Dubai are unfurnished, so you must set aside a budget to furnish your new home. We recommend you factor in these additional costs when deciding where to rent in Dubai. These are hidden costs of renting property in Dubai that new tenants must be aware of.
HOW COSTLY IS IT TO LIVE IN DUBAI?
You can check out the basic cost of living in Dubai, which breaks down the essential expenses for residents, such as housing, utilities, grocery, leisure and more.
That concludes our guide to the best areas to rent in Dubai based on salary. As you can see, various housing options are available for every rental budget. From luxurious mansions in high-end areas to affordable places to rent in Dubai.
For more insights, take a look at the Dubai property transactions over the past 12 months.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more insights into Dubai’s real estate market.