On A Budget? 5 Affordable Areas to Live in Dubai

While most of Dubai does provide pristine environments and high-end amenities, this is not applied to the whole of Dubai. Rent naturally takes up a larger portion of the budgets of paid professionals and those from lower income brackets. That is why it is crucial to widen your search and get familiar with all of the areas of Dubai that provide affordable lodging options and satisfy your other housing needs.

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The Best Affordable Areas To Live In Dubai

While Dubai has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most expensive cities, there are still several affordable places to live. In Dubai, you may find the apartment of your dreams without going into serious debt. Check out the following communities in Dubai that provide affordable places to live.

Dubai International City

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PERFECT FOR: Affordable living
dubai international city spain building
Dubai International City. @Fadi Fayad Al Taoba

Dubai International City is at the top of any list that shows affordable places to live in Dubai. With a total area of 8,000,000 square meters and every convenience imaginable, you will love living here. Nakheel, a renowned real estate developer, conceived the project in 2002. The architectural style of the community is a major selling point.

Each community of townhouses takes its name and architectural cues from a different nation. You may choose from clusters such as China, the United Kingdom, France, Iran, Greece, Russia, Spain, Morocco, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. It is situated very close to Dubai International Airport, in the heart of Al Warsan, Dubai, not far from the city’s most famous landmarks. Apartment rents are as follows:

  • Studio: AED 15,999 / year
  • 1-bedroom apartment: AED 29, 500 / year
  • 2-bedroom apartment: AED 34,000 / year
  • 3-bedroom apartment: AED 70,000 / year

The travel expense from Dubai International city to central Dubai is from AED 7.5 to AED 275.5 depending on whether you are using the bus, subway or taxi. Dubai International City is accessible by a large number of RTA bus lines that go to various locations across the city. The Centrepoint Metro Station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro is about 11 minutes away by bus and the buses link to this station.

For the benefit of shoppers, employees, and vendors, Dubai Municipality has just begun offering free transportation to the Central Fruits and Vegetable Market in Al Warsan. The average monthly expense is affected by factors such as the number of people in the household. The cost of living in Dubai International City per month is around AED 3,477.89 for an individual and AED 11,958.62 for a family of four.

Supermarkets, Schools, hospitals, medical facilities, Restaurants, Lakeside Cafes, Fitness facilities, gymnasiums, etc. are the amenities available in Dubai International City. Some nearby places of interest are listed below:

  • The nearest major university is within a 10-minute drive
  • You can reach Dubai Silicon Oasis in only 12 minutes
  • It takes just fifteen 15 to reach Dubai International Airport
  • The distance to the heart of Dubai is about 20 minutes
  • The Dubai Marina is a half-hour drive

Dubai International City is highly recommended for individuals due to its many available studio flats as well as it is also ideal for families due to affordable 2 and 3-bedroom options.

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Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

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PERFECT FOR: Residents Aiming for a Holistic Community
Dubai Silicon Oasis drone view
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

This area is a hub of technological innovation in the economic sector. It is a well-liked neighborhood because of its central location and the seamless integration of its residential and commercial areas. Dubai Silicon Oasis is situated at Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and the Dubai–Al-Ain Road converges near Silicon Oasis. Rents in Dubai’s Silicon Oasis are hard to beat. Take a look at the following median rental costs in this community:

  • Studio Apartment: AED 23,000 / year
  • 1-bedroom apartment: AED 32,000 / year
  • 2-bedroom apartment: AED 45,000 / year
  • 3-bedroom apartment: AED 65,000 / year

The average monthly cost of living in Dubai Silicon Oasis is around AED 3500 per individual and AED 11550 per family of four. Without a card, individuals have to pay AED 350 per month to use the public transportation system, which gives them access to all places. Dubai Silicon Oasis is well-connected to the rest of the city through the Dubai bus system. However, the neighborhood lacks any metro stops. Dubai Silicon Oasis is located 20 minutes away from the Centrepoint Metro Station, the nearest metro station.

Parents of school-aged children will appreciate the proximity to prestigious educational institutions including GEMS Wellington Academy, GEMS Modern Academy, Repton School Dubai, and Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba. You can reach all of these educational institutions in a short car ride from DSO. Dubai Silicon Oasis is also close to some of the best Universities in Dubai such as Murdoch University, the University of Wollongong, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai. The Dubai Mall can be reached in 20 minutes by car, while the Dubai International Airport can be reached in 15 minutes during non-rush hours. Mirdif City Centre is just 12 minutes away while Dragon Mart is only 10 minutes away.

Those who have jobs in the nearby IT park will find DSO to be a great option. In Dubai, the center of innovation and commerce can be found in the city’s bustling technical area. If you are looking for a place to set up your business in Dubai, go no further than Dubai Silicon Oasis, which is ideal for its abundance of reasonably priced commercial premises, making it ideal for entrepreneurs.

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Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

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PERFECT FOR: Family-friendly community seekers
Jumeirah Village Circle dubai
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

Despite its reputation for luxurious mansions, JVC also has some of Dubai’s most cost-effective rental options. There are plenty of spacious, well-designed homes available that are perfect for families. Nakheel, a global leader in real estate development, created this community, and it has all the facilities and conveniences necessary to enjoy a full and satisfying Dubai lifestyle. Accessible from Hessa St. and Sheikh Zayed Rd., it is near the Dubai Miracle Gardens. Rents for an apartment there are as follows:

  • Studio apartment: AED 22,000 / year
  • 1 bedroom apartments: AED 50,000 / year
  • 2 bedrooms apartment: AED 42,000 / year
  • 3 bedrooms apartment: AED 70,000 / year

Approximately AED 3500 per person and AED 11550 per family of four is the average monthly cost of living in JVC. However, neither the Dubai Metro nor the Dubai Tram has connections to JVC. In this community, people depend heavily on their vehicles and transportation services like taxis and shuttles. Many of the buildings in the neighborhood have businesses on the ground level, so conveniences like grocery stores, hair salons, and laundromats are all within easy walking distance. Expenses incurred on travel include

  • AED 7.3 for a bus
  • The average fare for a 20-minute taxi: AED 36.70
  • Using own car: AED 11

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and Hessa Street are the three main arteries that allow residents to enter and depart. The Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall can both be reached in 20 minutes by car, while both Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airports are around 40 minutes away. The Dubai Autodrome and the Dubai Miracle Garden are both within a 10-minute drive. You can reach the Dubai Miracle Gardens in only 10 minutes. Motor City is just a ten-minute drive away while the distance to the heart of Dubai is about 20 minutes.

Jumeirah Village Circle has the cheapest flats in Dubai, and if you are looking for a quiet place to live, JVC is just for you. The area is also highly sought after as a place to live with your family and kids. Those who like golf will appreciate JVC’s closeness to Address Montgomerie, a popular Golf course. For individuals who want to work out in an indoor gym, there is a New Life Fitness Gym in JVC. In addition, those who like riding bicycles have access to a network of trails. Another alternative for early morning exercise is to use the community’s beautiful parks and jogging tracks.

Dubai Sports City

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PERFECT FOR: Renters seeking for a peaceful community
kids cycling at dubai sports city
Dubai Sports City

Dubai Sports City is home to some of Dubai’s finest and most reasonably priced apartment rentals. The area of Dubai Sports City is home to a wide range of affordable housing options. It is located off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The following are the prices for each kind of apartment:

  • Studio apartment: AED 19,999 / year.
  • One-bedroom apartment: AED 31,997 / year
  • Two-bedroom apartment: AED 42,000 / year
  • Three-bedroom apartment: AED 58,000 / year

Monthly expenses at Dubai Sports City are AED 4,000 for an individual and AED 12,000 for a family of four. To get about town quickly and easily, most individuals prefer to use their cars. Due to its location on the mainland, Dubai Sports City is not serviced by any nearby metro stops. However, there are transport connections in the area. Both the Sports City — Victory Heights East Gate and the Sports City — Dubai Sports City Offices bus stations are conveniently located nearby. A shuttle bus, number F29, runs between Dubai Sports City and the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station. Monthly transportation costs approximate AED 300 per person.

For grocery shopping, Dubai Sports City is home to two sizable supermarkets: Carrefour and Al Maya. As for everything else, there is a large Spinneys store in Motor City not far away. Dubai Sports City has two brand-new mosques, one at each end of the city, to meet the spiritual requirements of its inhabitants.

Followers of Christianity and Hinduism would also love to stay at this area of Dubai. The reason is because they can easily reach temples and churches within a fifteen to twenty-minute commute. A reputable daycare center and many schools are conveniently located in the community. The University of Balamand is just ten minutes away, at Dubai Investment Park, making it an easy option for those seeking a university degree. You can also reach several of Knowledge Park’s university campuses in about 20 minutes. Buses run frequently between Dubai Sports City and the nearby retail malls, City Centre Me’aisem and First Avenue Mall.

Many kinds of sporting facilities are found at Dubai Sports City, making it a great place for athletes and sports fans. On top of that, the neighborhood is equipped with a wide range of conveniences meant to make everyone feel at home and secure. Modern conveniences are found in both apartment complexes and private villas. Dubai Sports City is recommended for families looking to live in Dubai at an affordable rate. Dubai Sports City is the ideal place for athletes to live because of its focus on healthy and active living.

Town Square by Nshama

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PERFECT FOR: Residing in a Big Community
Town Square by nshama in dubai
Town Square

Developed by acclaimed real estate developer Nshama Group, Town Square is one of the biggest communities in Dubai. If you are searching for the cheapest location to rent an apartment that is catered to your requirements. This luxurious neighborhood along Al Qudra Rd. will make you feel at home. Following are the typical rental rates:

  • Studio apartment: AED 20,000 / year
  • 1-bedroom apartment: AED 29,999 / year
  • 2-bedroom apartment: AED 39,999 / year
  • 3-bedroom apartment: AED 58,000 / year

The average monthly cost of living in Town Square is AED 4,000 per person or AED 12,000 for a family of four. There is no convenient access to public transport, making life in this area difficult for those who rely on such means of transport. The Sustainable City has a bus stop within a 10-minute walk, while the Dubai Internet City Metro Station is around 20 minutes from Town Square on foot. The average monthly expense for transportation is between AED 450 and AED 500.

The Town Square is home to Spinney’s grocery store. Spinneys has all the necessities for daily life, and they are especially well-liked for their delicious baked goods and convenient, healthy ready-to-eat food counter. Non-Muslims may shop in the pork department as well.

The Jebel Ali School is the best option for those who live in Town Square and are looking for a reputed school close by. It takes around 13 minutes to go to the institution from where you are, which is in the faraway community of DAMAC Hills. Up to the ninth grade, it is based on the British curriculum.

The nearest location offering higher education is 20 kilometers away at Dubai Knowledge Park. Middlesex University, the University of Manchester, and Herriott Watt University are just a few of the prestigious institutions located there. Knowledge Park is also conveniently located near the American University of Dubai. Although Town Square is set far from the hubbub of downtown Dubai, it is nonetheless convenient to a number of the city’s most visited attractions.

  • It just takes 13 minutes to go to Dubai’s Sports City
  • Arabian Ranches is just 16 minutes away
  • Mall of the Emirates is 23 minutes away
  • Dubai Marina is just 25 minute’s drive
  • It takes 25 minutes to go to Ibn Battuta Mall.

Town Square is ideal for families because of the spacious housing and open areas. On the other hand, it is not recommended for people who depend on public transport. You will need your transportation if you want to go to and from Dubai or any of the other nearby cities since there is no bus service.

Affordable Areas to Live in Dubai | Comparison Table

PlaceAccommodation CostMonthly Expenses (Food, Travel) / Per PersonAttractions NearbyOur Recommendation
Dubai International CityStudio: AED 15,999 / yearly 

One-bedroom apartment: AED 29,500 / year

2-bedroom flat:  AED 34,000 / year

Three-bedroom apartment: AED 70,000 / year

Travel Expense AED 7.5 to AED 275.5

Monthly expense AED 3,477.89 for individual 

AED 11,958.62 for a family of four

Dragon Mart

Desert Explorers Tourism

Femite Ladies Salon

Desert Safari

Warsan Lake

Eternal Ayurveda

Recommended for individuals

Recommended for Families

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)Studio apartment AED 23,000 / year

One-bedroom apartment: AED 32,000 / year

2-bedroom apartment: AED 45,000 / year

3-bedroom apartment: AED 65,000 / year

Travel Expense AED 350 per month per person

Monthly expenses AED 3500 per individual 

AED 11550 per family of four

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Fountain

Dubai Mall

Mandara Spa

Recommended for those who have jobs in the nearby IT park

Recommended for entrepreneurs

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)Studios apartment: AED 22,000 / year

1 bedroom apartments: AED 50,000 / year

2 bedrooms apartment: AED 42,000 / year

3 bedrooms apartment: AED 70,000 / year

Travel expense AED 7.3 per day by bus

AED 36.70 per day by taxi

AED 11 per day by own car

Overall Monthly expenses 

AED 3500 per person

AED 11550 per family of four

Burj Al Arab

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Orange Wheels

Naturelife Spa Premium

Dubai Autodrome

Highly recommended for families with kids

Recommended for golfers and sports enthusiasts 

Dubai Sports CityStudio apartment: AED 19,999 per year.

1-bedroom apartment: AED 31,997 per year

2-bedroom apartment: AED 42,000 / year

3-bedroom apartment: AED 58,000 / year

Travel expense AED 300 per person per month

Monthly expense AED 4,000 for an individual

AED 12,000 for a family of four

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai International Stadium

Mall of Emirates

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Highly recommended for athletes and sports fans
Town SquareStudio apartment: AED 20,000 per year

1-bedroom apartment: AED 29,999 / year

2-bedroom apartment: AED 39,999 / year

3-bedroom apartment: AED 58,000 / year

Travel expense between AED 450 to AED 500

Monthly expense AED 4,000 per person

AED 12,000 for a family of four

Battle Park

Trampoline Park

Wave Rider

Splash Pad

Highly recommended for families

Recommended for people who do not depend on public transport

Things To Consider Before Choosing An Affordable Place Of Living In Dubai

Make sure you give careful thought to the following before making any final decisions:

  • Accommodation Cost: One of the most important things to consider before choosing accommodation in Dubai is accommodation cost. You have to make sure that the rent of the apartment is easily affordable for you
  • Travel Expense: Make sure that the area is within a bus or subway route; otherwise you have to bear extensive travel expenses, especially if you do not have a car. In case you don’t have a car, we recommend locating in Dubai where the Metro is accessible.
  • Monthly Expense: If the place is too expensive, your monthly expense will increase and you have to spend a major chunk of your income on monthly expenses. Therefore, look your income against monthly expenses and make the right comparison to choose the right place.
  • Amenities and Attractions: Before choosing a place, thoroughly consider the pros and cons of living there, such as whether the place is easily reachable, are other necessities like schools and hospitals are easy to reach or not?

How Do We Pick Our Recommendations?

We have limited the field of affordable housing options in Dubai by thinking hard about things like the cost of living, proximity to local amenities, and accessibility to recreational opportunities. Based on our findings, the aforementioned localities in Dubai are the most affordable places to live. Our team visited several areas of Dubai and we have provided our readers with guides on Gyms in Dubai and Brunch in Dubai.

Final Word

To make the most of your time in the City of Gold, stay at one of these recommended establishments, which all provide first-rate facilities at affordable rates.

Affordable Places to Live in Dubai - FAQs

Which is the most affordable place to live in Dubai?

Jumeirah Village Circle is the most affordable neighborhood in Dubai when considering rent, transportation costs, amenities, and the overall cost of living.

Which area in Dubai has the best transportation system?

Dubai International city provides the best transportation options because of easy access to public transportation facilities.

Which is an affordable area in Dubai suitable for a family with kids?

Jumeirah Village Circle is the best place to live with your kids as there are plenty of fun activities around as well as popular schools such as Arcadia School.

Zalah Khan
Zalah is LLB Graduate from the University of Westminster and joined the hopdes team in June 2022. She has been a linguistics expert and interpreter for a few years at Pearl Linguistics in London dealing with people mostly from the middle-east side. She loves the thrills and adventures embedded deeply into her genes owing to her biracial Pashtun and Persian heritage. She speaks Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Pashtu and English. Whilst she is afraid of heights but her adrenaline pushes her to take the 60-foot leap of faith body slide everytime she is at the Aqua Venture Water Park in Dubai. She recently went onto the Jebel Jais Flight at speeds of up to 150km/h (93mph) along a 2.8km (1.7-mile) cable weighing more than six tonnes. She was last seen at the Museum Of Illusions at the Dubai Creek.