Cheap and well-located usually pull against each other in Dubai. These tables show where you can live for the least right now, so you can weigh the saving against the commute.
Cheapest areas for a bed space
| Area | From / month | Typical | Live |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deira, Dubai | AED 400 | AED 650 | 4 |
| Bur Dubai, Dubai | AED 500 | AED 700 | 5 |
| Al Barsha 1, Dubai | AED 500 | AED 650 | 3 |
| Al Nahda (Sharjah), Sharjah | AED 500 | AED 500 | 1 |
| Al Karama, Dubai | AED 550 | AED 550 | 1 |
| Al Qasimia (Sharjah), Dubai | AED 550 | AED 550 | 1 |
| Naif, Dubai | AED 600 | AED 600 | 1 |
| Port Saeed, Dubai | AED 600 | AED 600 | 1 |
Cheapest areas for a private room
| Area | From / month | Typical | Live |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Nahda (Sharjah), Sharjah | AED 1,600 | AED 2,000 | 4 |
| Abu Shagara (Sharjah), Dubai | AED 2,000 | AED 2,000 | 1 |
| Hor Al Anz, Dubai | AED 2,300 | AED 3,500 | 2 |
| Al Qusais, Dubai | AED 2,800 | AED 2,800 | 1 |
| Al Mankhool, Dubai | AED 3,000 | AED 3,500 | 4 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai | AED 3,200 | AED 3,500 | 3 |
| Al Garhoud, Dubai | AED 3,200 | AED 4,300 | 2 |
| Al Nahda (Dubai), Dubai | AED 3,300 | AED 3,300 | 1 |
Cheapest areas for a studio
| Area | From / month | Typical | Live |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Qasimia (Sharjah), Dubai | AED 1,800 | AED 3,000 | 2 |
| Hor Al Anz, Dubai | AED 2,300 | AED 2,300 | 1 |
| Deira, Dubai | AED 2,700 | AED 2,800 | 2 |
| Al Rashidiya (Ajman), Ajman | AED 2,800 | AED 3,000 | 2 |
| Al Baraha, Dubai | AED 3,100 | AED 3,100 | 1 |
| International City, Dubai | AED 3,300 | AED 3,500 | 5 |
| Al Quoz, Dubai | AED 3,950 | AED 3,950 | 1 |
| Bur Dubai, Dubai | AED 4,000 | AED 4,000 | 1 |
How to choose between them
- On the Red or Green metro line? Al Karama, Bur Dubai, Deira, Al Barsha and Barsha Heights save you a car.
- Lowest rent, longer commute: International City, Discovery Gardens and Al Nahda.
- Working in Sharjah, or OK with the Al Ittihad Road traffic: Al Nahda, Sharjah and Al Qasimia are often the best value.
Shay's best-value picks today
Fully Furnished Studio (Family only)
Al Qasimia (Sharjah)
60% below the typical AED 4,500 · Bills included · No upfront fees
Unfurnished Studio (Male only)
Hor Al Anz · 8 min to Abu Hail
49% below the typical AED 4,500 · Bills included · 8 min to metro
Capsule Partition Room near Metro (Single only)
Al Mankhool · 12 min to ADCB (Al Karama)
43% below the typical AED 1,400 · Bills included · No upfront fees
Fully Furnished Room
Abu Shagara (Sharjah)
43% below the typical AED 3,500 · Bills included · No upfront fees
Loft Type Partition Room near Metro (Single or Couple only)
Al Barsha 1
35% below the typical AED 2,000 · Bills included · No deposit
Furnished Studio
Deira
40% below the typical AED 4,500 · Bills included · No upfront fees
See today's best deals
Shay ranks every live listing against the going rate for its area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest area to live in Dubai?
On current listings, International City, Deira, Al Karama and Bur Dubai have the lowest prices for shared housing. The tables on this page update from live listings.
Is it cheaper to live in Sharjah and work in Dubai?
Rent is usually lower in Sharjah, but the daily commute can be long. Compare total monthly cost, including transport, and time.