Sharjah vs Dubai for shared housing: rent, commute and lifestyle

Sharjah is the classic way to cut rent if you work in Dubai. The saving is real, and so is the traffic. Here's how to decide.

Rooms in Sharjah right now

Bed Space

From AED 500/mo

Bed Space (Indian Male only)

Al Nahda (Sharjah) · 42 min to Stadium

Bills includedNo commissionMale only · 1/5 beds

Available now Ask

Room

AED 2,400/mo

Master Bedroom near Bus Stop (Indian only)

Al Nahda (Sharjah)

Bills includedNo commissionMixed

From 3 Nov Ask

Room

AED 2,000/mo

Master Bedroom with Attached Washroom

Al Nahda (Sharjah)

Bills includedNo commissionMixed

Available now Ask

Room

AED 1,600/mo

Private Bedroom

Al Nahda (Sharjah)

Bills includedNo commissionFemale only

From 1 Nov Ask

Room

AED 2,000/mo

Private Bedroom near Bus Stop

Al Nahda (Sharjah) · 44 min to Stadium

Bills includedNo commissionMixed

Available now Ask

Partition

AED 1,400/mo

Partition near bus Stop (Single or Couple only)

Al Nahda (Sharjah)

Bills includedNo commissionMixed

From 31 Oct Ask

The commute

Areas on the border, like Al Nahda, Sharjah, are close to Dubai's Al Nahda and Al Qusais metro stations. Further in, like Al Qasimia and Abu Shagara, you'll rely on buses or a car, and peak traffic on the main roads can double the journey.

Rule of thumb

• Work in Deira, Al Qusais or Dubai Airport? Sharjah usually makes sense.
• Work in Barsha, Marina or JLT? Look at Al Barsha, Discovery Gardens or JVC instead.