Top areas to rent affordable apartments in the Northern Emirates

• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain
• FAQs

Housing rent often represents a considerable chunk of the cost of living in the UAE. While rental costs are generally higher in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s northern emirates – which include Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain – offer a fantastic array of affordable rental properties. If you are interested in moving, here is a list of the top areas to rent affordable apartments in the northern emirates.

List of areas to rent affordable flats in Northern Emirates

Over the past few years, job opportunities for professionals have grown significantly in the northern emirates. As the business environment has improved, more and more companies have started operating out of these emirates, leading to an increased demand for housing, amenities and other related services.

With substantial infrastructure development by the government and foreign direct investment by global conglomerates, the northern emirates have progressed rapidly over the years.

This collective growth has also spilled over to the real estate sector, which has seen an increasing number of quality residences being built to cater to the increased demand. Therefore, finding the perfect rental apartment for you and your family in the northern emirates has become far more convenient.

What’s interesting is that most of the seven emirates are within driving distance of each other. The highways in the UAE are some of the best motorways in the world, making the commute between the emirates easier, which means you can work in Dubai and live in Sharjah or Ajman!

Let’s take a look at affordable areas to rent apartments in the northern emirates, along with the average rents and amenities they offer.

High-demand areas for affordable apartments in the Sharjah

For those looking to rent apartments in the popular places to rent apartments in northern emirates, Sharjah is a highly popular choice as it neighbours the emirate of Dubai.

Area	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed
Area Al Shuwaihean	Studio AED 14,000	1-Bed AED 22,000	2-Bed AED 28,000
Area Al Nabba	Studio AED 15,000	1-Bed AED 24,000	2-Bed AED 32,000
Area Bu Tina	Studio AED 15,000	1-Bed AED 25,000	2-Bed AED 34,000

AL SHUWAIHEAN

Al Shuwaihean is a top option if you are looking for affordable apartments for rent in Sharjah. It offers quick access to Al Arouba Street and Arabian Gulf Street; you can find high and low-rise buildings in the area. Overlooking Khalid Lake, it is an ideal place to look for affordable waterfront apartments in the Northern Emirates.

It is home to the Sharjah Art Museum and Sharjah Art Institute, hence a popular tourist spot. If you wish to live in a family-friendly waterfront locality, rental apartments in Al Shuwaihean could be a shrewd choice.

• Renting a studio in Al Shuwaihean would cost you around AED 14k.
• The average rent for a 1-bed apartment in Al Yarmook is AED 22k.
• The average rent for a 2-bed flat is AED 28k.

AL NABBA

Al Nabba is another well-established community, where you can find affordable flats for rent in the Northern Emirates. You can find a mix of low to mid-rise apartments in the area.

Al Nabba borders the beautiful Khalid Lake. Urban amenities such as supermarkets, malls, restaurants and medical institutes are easily accessible.

Many people prefer apartments for rent in Al Nabba for their spacious layouts and, of course, affordable prices.

• For studio apartments for rent in Al Nabba, expect to pay AED 15k per annum.
• The average rent increases to AED 24k and AED 32k for 1 and 2-bed apartments, respectively.

BU TINA

If you want to rent apartments in the northern emirates, Bu Tina in Sharjah can be a good choice. The district offers a wide choice of residential apartments.

Its ideal location is also one of the key reasons for its popularity, allowing quick access to the rest of the emirate. Plus, some of the best malls in Sharjah are located close by.

Importantly, rental flats in Bu Tina often have top amenities. It is considered to be one of the top areas to look for affordable apartments in Sharjah.

• The average rent for a studio in Bu Tina is AED 15k.
• For a 1-bed apartment in Bu Tina, the average rentals stand at AED 25k.
• You would have to pay AED 34k on average for a 2-bed flat.

Those looking for a bigger space can check out villas for rent in Sharjah.

AFFORDABLE AREAS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN AJMAN

UAE’s smallest emirate, Ajman, is also a popular choice for those searching for communities with affordable rentals in the Northern Emirates.

Let’s take a closer look at the most affordable areas in Ajman.

Area	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed
Area Garden City	Studio AED 11,000	1-Bed AED 23,000	2-Bed AED 33,000
Area Al Nakhil	Studio AED 16,000	1-Bed AED 25,000	2-Bed AED 30,000
Area King Faisal Street	Studio AED 14,000	1-Bed AED 25,000	2-Bed AED 33,000

GARDEN CITY

Those looking for apartments for rent in Ajman can start their search with Garden City. It is a family-friendly, self-sustained and eco-friendly community. Located alongside Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Street, it neighbours Al Jurf, Al Hamidiya and Al Rawda. Those who drive would have quick access to Al Ittihad Street (E11) highway, which covers the entire emirate. 

You can find modern buildings with top amenities in this part of Ajman. It is considered to be one of the popular places to live in Ajman for families.

Around the Garden City rental flats, you can also find community parks, jogging tracks and leafy walkways. Hence, for many, this is among the top areas to rent apartments in the Northern Emirates of the UAE.

• Expect to pay AED 11k for renting a studio apartment in the Garden City.
• The average rent for a 1-bed apartment in Garden City stands at AED 23k.
• A 2-bed apartment is available for AED 33k, on average. 

AL NAKHIL

Next on our list is Al Nakhil. It is among the top northern emirates areas to rent a flat. One of the biggest advantages of living in Al Nakhil is the incredible views residents enjoy of Ajman Corniche and the Arabian Gulf. This is another area where you can find affordable waterfront apartments in the Northern Emirates

Currently, you can only find apartments in Al Nakhil. The beach is quite a hotspot in the city, so if you prefer living in a happening area, this could be the right choice.

It’s safe to say that beach lovers in particular prefer to rent apartments in Al Nakhil.

• The studio flats for rent in Al Nakhil are priced at AED 16k on average.
• For a 1-bed apartment, you can expect to pay an average price of AED 25k. 
• The average rent for 2-bed flats stands at AED 30k.

King Faisal Street

King Faisal Street finishes our list of top affordable areas with rental flats in Ajman. It is well connected to the rest of the emirate by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (E11).

King Faisal Street is highly popular among those looking for apartments for rent in Ajman at pocket-friendly rates. There are some popular and reputable schools within and nearby. Hence, apartments for rent in King Faisal Street go off the market quickly as demand amongst young parents is always high.

• Thinking of renting a studio apartment in King Faisal Street? Tenants can expect to pay an average rental price of AED 14k.
• The average rent for a 1-bed apartment in King Faisal Street is AED 25k.
• The average rent for a 2-bed flat stands at AED 33k.

Villas for rent in Ajman are another option if you have a big family to accommodate. These spacious villas are not hard on the wallet and give you all the facilities to lead a comfortable life.

AFFORDABLE AREAS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN RAS AL KHAIMAH 

Known for being home to the majestic Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah offers a laid-back lifestyle with modern amenities at hand. For those who want to rent apartments in the Northern Emirates, these affordable communities in Ras Al Khaimah could be the ideal choice.

Area	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed
Area A Seer	Studio AED 21,000	1-Bed AED 26,000	2-Bed AED 35,000
Area Al Nakheel	Studio AED 16,000	1-Bed AED 24,000	2-Bed AED 33,000
Area Yasmin Village	Studio AED 28,000	1-Bed N/A	2-Bed AED 40,000

AL SEER

Located on the banks of the RAK Habour, Al Seer is a centrally-located neighbourhood with apartments for rent in Ras Al Khaimah. From entertainment avenues to restaurants, hospitals and schools, Al Seer offers it all.

The wide range of rental apartments in Al Seer means you have plenty of options to find the best property for you. 

• The average rent for a studio in Al Seer is AED 21k.
• It increases to AED 26k and 35k for 1 and 2-bed apartments, respectively. 

AL NAKHEEL

Al Nakheel is a well-known residential area in RAK, with easy access to nearby shopping malls, educational and medical institutes and eateries. Being a waterfront community, many rental flats in Al Nakheel offer amazing views of the beach.

The area is well connected to the rest of the emirate with direct access to Al Manama – RAK Road (E11) and Al Muntasir Road. It is certainly among the cheapest areas to rent apartments in Ras Al Khaimah.

If you are looking for economical options, this one is among the top places to rent apartments in the Northern Emirates of the UAE.

• For a studio flat in Al Nakheel, the average rent stands at AED 16k.
• A 1-bed apartment is available for AED 24k on average.
• For a 2-bed flat, the average rent stands at AED 33k.

YASMIN VILLAGE

Yasmin Village is a gated community surrounded by the Hajar Mountains and a lake. It is among the most popular communities to look for rental apartments in the emirate.

Residents of Yasmin Village enjoy the tranquil lifestyle on offer and the beauty originating from its natural surroundings. Moreover, apartments for rent in Yasmin Village are generally quite spacious.

• For a studio, you will have to pay on average AED 28k.
• Those looking for a bigger space can rent a 2-bed apartment in Yasmin Village for AED 40k on average. 

AFFORDABLE AREAS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN UMM AL QUWAIN

Umm Al Quwain is the final emirate on our list of affordable areas to rent apartments in the Northern Emirates. This quaint emirate is well-suited to residents who enjoy a quiet lifestyle.  

Area	Studio	1-Bed	2-Bed
Area Al Maqtaa	Studio N/A	1-Bed AED 25,000	2-Bed AED 34,000
Area Green Belt	Studio N/A	1-Bed AED 24,000	2-Bed AED 35,000
Area Al Salamah	Studio AED 12,000	1-Bed AED 25,000	2-Bed AED 34,000

AL MAQTAA

Top among areas to rent affordable apartments in the Northern Emirates is Al Maqtaa. The locality has low-rise buildings offering 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and a limited number of villas.

Residents of the area can find all useful amenities, including restaurants, retail outlets and grocery shops nearby. Moreover, one can drive to Ajman from here in a quarter of an hour and to Sharjah in 30 minutes.

Families often prefer to rent apartments in Al Maqtaa because they are generally spacious.

• The average rent for a 1-bed flat in Maqtaa is AED 25k
• Average rent demand increases to AED 34k for a 2-bed flat. 

GREEN BELT

Green Belt in Ajman concludes our list of top areas to rent affordable apartments in the northern emirates. As the name suggests, this locality is for people who prefer living in an eco-friendly community. The commute from here is not a problem for residents thanks to the road network.

You can rent apartments in Green Belt at reasonable rates along with top amenities.

• The average rent for a 1-bed flat in the Green Belt is AED 24k
• Average rent demand increases to AED 35k for a 2-bed flat. 

AL SALAMAH

For those in search of rental apartments in the northern Emirates, specifically Umm Al Quwain, Al Salamah is a good option. It features mid-rise buildings as well as villas. One of the biggest advantages of renting in this area is that it offers quick access to Ajman and Sharjah.

Residents of flats for rent in Al Salamah can benefit from the presence of educational institutes, restaurants, supermarkets and recreational facilities.

• The average rent for a studio in the area stands at AED 12k.
• To rent a 1-bed flat in Al Salamah, your rental expense on average would be AED 25k.
• The average rent rises to AED 34k for a 2-bed flat.

FAQS ABOUT RENTING AFFORDABLE FLATS IN THE UAE

WHICH ARE THE BEST AREAS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN DUBAI?

Looking to rent a flat in Dubai? Check out our guide to the sought-after areas to rent apartments in Dubai, including both luxury and affordable options.

WHICH ARE THE BEST AREAS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN ABU DHABI?

The best areas to rent a home can significantly vary depending on your budget. For those willing to stretch their rental budget, these popular areas to rent luxury apartments in Abu Dhabi offer an unparalleled lifestyle. Alternatively, you can look at the popular areas to rent affordable apartments in Abu Dhabi if you’re on a tighter budget.

This completes our guide to the most affordable areas to rent apartments in the northern emirates. Moving to any of these areas can help you to save on rent and put a bit more towards your dream holiday, car and more!

Short-term property rental in Dubai is a cost-effective choice for those visiting for a short duration.

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