Dubai's cheapest neighbourhoods

The cost of living in Dubai is not among the lowest. Proportionately, you earn a lot here, but there are people who are looking for low-cost alternatives. If you are wondering where to live cheaply in Dubai, explore the cheapest neighbourhoods in Dubai with us.

What can you find in the article?
 

• Cheap flats in Dubai
• Dubai's cheapest neighbourhoods - top 10 list
  • International City
  • Al Nahda
  • Deira
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis
  • Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
  • Discovery Gardens
  • Al Qusais
  • Al Warsan
  • Muhaisnah
  • Al Barsha
• Questions and answers (FAQs)
   

Cheap flats in Dubai
 

Dubai is known around the world as synonymous with extravagance and a luxurious lifestyle. The image of the city is associated by the average person with something abstractly expensive, achievable only for the rich. This is the true charm of Dubai and a symbol of the city's high standard of living. On the other side of the coin are Dubai's affordable neighbourhoods. These are where the city's service and commercial workers often live. Low-cost neighbourhoods allow locals to work, live and enjoy all the benefits of Dubai at a fraction of the cost. Which neighbourhoods in Dubai offer the lowest cost of living? Where to live in Dubai to save money? Discover the best cheap locations in Dubai.
 

Dreaming of moving to Dubai but your budget doesn't allow you to live in expensive and luxurious neighbourhoods? At Two Continetns real estate agency you can find affordable flats in Dubai.
 

Dubai's cheapest neighbourhoods - top 10 list
 

• International City

Where to live cheaply in Dubai? In a neighbourhood like International City! International City is a residential neighbourhood strategically located on the eastern outskirts of Dubai. The neighbourhood has been designed by Nakheel for Dubai's diverse lower and middle-income population. The estates are an excellent alternative to owning your own home or flat in the suburbs at a much lower price than in the city centre. You can rent an unfurnished studio here from as little as AED 15,000. There are also 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom flats and larger villas available. International City is one of the cheapest neighbourhoods to buy a flat in Dubai, with prices starting from as little as AED 300,000.

Living in International City has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are the low price of renting and buying a flat, the wide availability of services, shopping malls and supermarkets in the area and the family walking areas. The biggest downsides are too few parking spaces, the possibility of traffic jams, especially during rush hour, and the increased commuting time to the city centre in the morning.

• Al Nahda

Al Nahda is a neighbourhood in the Deira district, on the eastern border of the emirate of Dubai with the emirate of Sharjah. It is a place with a diverse residential landscape, a vibrant neighbourhood, a mix of low and high rise buildings and good access to transport infrastructure. You can rent studios in Al Nahda from as little as AED 25,000, 1-bedroom apartments from AED 25,000 to 45,000 and 2-bedroom flats from AED 46,000.

Living in Al Nahda has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are the good access to transport to other parts of Dubai, the large number of service shops, grocery shops and eating establishments in the area, and the easy access to parks, schools and health clinics. The biggest downside is the congestion of the area. Heavy traffic jams can form during rush hour and fans of peace and quiet will not find solace in Al Nahda.

• Deira

Deira is one of Dubai's oldest neighbourhoods, filled with traditional and cultural character. The district is a combination of the modern city and Dubai's oldest landmarks, such as the Gold Souq and the Spice Market. The residential structure of the Deira district is a mix of low and medium-rise buildings. Older buildings feature only flats, while newer buildings often have balconies, underground gyms and other amenities. The average price of flats in the Deira district is AED 78,000 per year.

Living in the Deira district has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are the low price of renting a flat, the good infrastructure of the area for families with children and the proximity and high development of public transport (metro, buses). The biggest downsides are the neighbourhood's high congestion, traffic jams, high noise levels and lower levels of cleanliness compared to Dubai's central districts.


 

• Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a mix of sustainable neighbourhood and technology hub. It is strategically located on the border of Dubai and Sharjah. DSO differs from previous neighbourhoods in that it offers what the most luxurious neighbourhoods in Dubai can offer residents for a small price. In Dubai Silicon Oasis, you'll find buildings with private pools, gyms and modern interiors from as little as AED 29,000 per year.

Living in the Dubai Silicon Oasis district has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are the affordable prices, well-equipped and comfortable flats, a neighbourhood full of amenities and places essential for families, such as clinics and schools, and apartment buildings often have swimming pools, gyms and fitness centres. The biggest downsides are the congested roads at rush hour, the lack of a metro, so residents without a car have to take buses, and the noise due to new developments in the area, which can cause sound disturbances.

• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) lies along Sheikh Zayed Road and is one of the most distinctive neighbourhoods in Dubai. Its main area has been designed around a large circle comprising houses, villas and townhouses, as well as parks and green spaces. Prices at JVC start from AED 30,000 per year for a studio, AED 40,000 per year for a one-bedroom flat and AED 55,000 per year for a two-bedroom flat.

Living in the Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) area has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are the low prices of the beautifully designed houses and villas, the extensive green spaces and parks, the good location on the Dubai map, the investment potential and the high quality of medical, educational and service facilities in the area. The biggest downsides are the congested roads during rush hour, the lack of a metro (although there are plans to build one here), and the construction noise of new developments.

• Discovery Gardens

Discovery Gardens is a charming residential development in the heart of Jebel Ali, Dubai. It's a neighbourhood for those wanting a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you will find plenty of lush greenery and fresh air. The convenient location between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road makes it easy to get around with the rest of Dubai. Peaceful and affordable, this is how to live at Discovery Gardens. Rental prices in Discovery Gardens range from AED 40,000 to AED 200,000 per year, depending on the size requirements of the flat.

Living in the Discovery Gardens neighbourhood has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are the sense of community among residents, an ideal area for families with children, full of playgrounds, attractions and good educational facilities, access to sports fields and Ibn Battuta Mall. The biggest downsides are the isolation from the main part of Dubai and the long time to Downtown. There are no more downsides - this is an ideal area for families with children and people who love peace and quiet.

• Al Qusais

Al Qusais is a vibrant neighbourhood located on the border of the emirate of Dubai and Sharjah. The neighbourhood provides easy access to the city's main highways and quiet suburban living. On average, you have to pay between AED 46,000 and AED 48,000 to rent a flat in the Al Qusais neighbourhood. The price depends on the type of property - studios and 1-bedroom flats are great for singles and couples, and flats with more bedrooms for families with children.

Living in the Al Qusais area has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are cheap flats in a well-connected area with all the necessary amenities such as schools, shopping centres, parks and supermarkets. The biggest downsides are traffic jams during rush hour and relatively old buildings compared to other affordable neighbourhoods in Dubai.

• Al Warsan

Al Warsan is a neighbourhood close to the first listed International City. It is located away from the relentless pace of Downtown Dubai and provides residents with spacious and modern properties at a low cost. You'll find stylish flats, homes with private gardens and villas for the comfortable and those craving luxury at a fraction of the price. How much does it cost to rent a flat in Al Warsan? A two-bedroom flat costs between AED 60,000 and AED 80,000 a year, while a three-bedroom villa costs between AED 100,000 and AED 150,000 a year. The cost of living in Dubai's low-cost neighbourhoods, but here along with the good price comes quality.

Living in the Al Warsan district has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are the low prices for such stylish, beautiful homes with their own gardens or villas, and the peace and quiet from the crowded city centre. The biggest downsides are the lack of access to well-functioning public transport and the need for a long commute to Dubai city centre.

 

• Muhaisnah

Muhaisnah is located in the north-east of Dubai. It is a densely populated neighbourhood, created specifically to provide access to affordable housing for Dubai residents. The neighbourhood is divided into 4 sub-neighbourhoods, Muhaisnah 1, 2, 3 and 4, each offering its own character and amenities. Muhaisnah offers unique, affordable living in Dubai for those who appreciate variety and don't want to spend too much on rent. Rental costs are around AED 35,000 per year for a studio flat or AED 45,000 per year for a one-bedroom flat.

Living in the Muhaisnah district has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are the location, as the neighbourhood is close to Mirdif, a thriving shopping and entertainment hub. The neighbourhood offers a large selection of supermarkets, local shops and restaurants. There are also parks and recreational areas for families in the area. The biggest downsides are potential traffic jams at peak times and limited access to luxury services.

• Al Barsha

Al Barsha is a neighbourhood for those living in Dubai with a limited budget but a desire to live practically in the centre and with all the major amenities. The Al Barsha district offers a variety of housing options to suit every lifestyle. Renting a studio averages AED 46,000 per year and for a 2-bedroom flat AED 70,000 per year. For this price, you get the peace and quiet of home and the entertainment of the outdoors. The Al Barsha district is home to the iconic Mall of the Emirates, with an indoor ski slope and countless high-end shops, Al Barsha Pond Park for family walks and quality schools, clinics and supermarkets.

Living in the Al Barsha district has its pros and cons. The biggest pluses are a vibrant lifestyle with a mix of flats and villas, convenient access to public transport and a wide range of service and entertainment facilities. From Al Barsha, it is very close to Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah or Downtown. The biggest downsides are the heavy traffic jams at peak times and the small number of flats on the market. Unfortunately, they are all sold or rented out very quickly.

Questions and answers (FAQ)
 

• What are the cheapest neighbourhoods in Dubai?
   

Dubai is associated with extravagance and living in luxury. Not all residential neighbourhoods in Dubai are expensive. Some of the cheapest neighbourhoods in Dubai include International City, Al Nahda, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Deira, Al Qusais and Al Barsha.
 

• How much does it cost to rent in Dubai's low-cost neighbourhoods?
   

Renting a flat or house in cheap neighbourhoods in Dubai varies depending on the location. The cheapest flats in International City cost from AED 15,000 per year, in Deira district the average for a flat is AED 78,000 per year and in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) the cost of a studio is AED 30,000 per year and a 2-bedroom flat AED 55,000.
 

• What are the advantages of living in low-cost neighbourhoods in Dubai?
   

Living in low-cost neighbourhoods in Dubai carries many advantages. With this choice you can save more on bills and rent, you will live in a quieter area with fewer traffic jams, the services and grocery shops in the area are cheaper than those in the centre, and your home will be closer to parks and beaches.
 

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