Whether you’re looking to move home, or if you’re relocating to the UAE (welcome!) and are looking for a place to live, finding that perfect apartment that suits your budget is most definitely one of the most challenging feats you will experience in this region.
Ranging from tiny rooms in which you can shower, cook and sleep, to a palatial pad in which you could get lost in; the variety of properties in Dubai are vast and the discrepancies between the cheapest and most expensive areas are vaster still. It really is all about location, location, location.
To help you with your search here are the top 5 cheapest areas and top 5 most expensive areas to live in Dubai, according to the RERA calculator (calculations are based on a one-bedroom).
The Cheapest
Dubai International City
Rent: Dhs38,000 to 45,000 per year
Not ideal if you don’t drive as its a good 25 to 30 minute drive from Downtown, but there are RTA buses. This colourful area is spread across 800 hectares and includes country-themed architecture of residences, business, and tourist attractions.

One bedroom. Two bathrooms. 870sqft. Dhs55,000/year on Dubizzle
Dubai Investment Park
Rent: Dhs40,000 to 50,000 per year
Spread over a total area of 3,200 hectares, Dubai Investments Park is a city within the city with places to work, live, and play – there’s lots of green space, which is great for families.

One bedroom. Two bathrooms. 1,000 SqFt. Dhs59,999/year on Dubizzle
Remraam
Rent: Dhs45,000 to 60,000 per year
While still not a lot to do there, the serene community in Dubai Land offers a mix of low and high-rise residential buildings. Situated on a Bypass road it has easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road.

One bedroom. One bathrooms. 625 SqFt. Dhs60,000/year on Dubizzle
Gardens
Rent: Dhs47,000 to 60,000 per year
A prime residential location close to the bustling Marina and JLT areas, which are just a metro stop away. The nearest metro is Ibn Battuta station, and then home would be a short taxi ride away.

One bedroom. One bathrooms. 958 SqFt. Dhs70,000/year on Dubizzle
Silicon Oasis
Rent: Dhs50,000 to 70,000 per year
Location wise, it’s perfect – 20 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes from the businesses hub and 40 minutes from Jebel Ali Port. While it’s more of a business hub, it’s plethora of schools, universities and hospitals makes it ideal for families.

One bedroom. Two bathrooms. 1,047 SqFt. Dhs65,000/year on Dubizzle
Read: The Real Cost Of Living In Dubai
The Pricey
Burj Khalifa Tower
Rent: Dhs160,000 to 170,000 per year
You pay the price for staying at Dubai’s premium hot spot – the world’s tallest tower. Location wise it doesn’t get better, you’re in the middle of Downtown and with in walking distance to the metro, award-winning restaurants and bars and also the world’s biggest mall.

Armani Residences (Fully furnished and serviced by Armani Hotel). One bedroo. Two bathrooms. 1254 SqFt. Dhs260,000/year on bayut.com
Palm Jumeirah
Rent: Dhs120,000 to 150,000 per year
It’s one of the most photographed and filmed areas in Dubai. See any travel feature on the emirates and this artificial archipelago will be a star in it. Grea, views, great facilities, bars, restaurants and hotels. It makes you feel like you’re on holiday. Location-wise it’s just 20 minutes from Downtown and eight minutes from Media City.

One bedroom. Two bathrooms. 1,252 SqFt. Dhs135,000/year on Dubizzle
Old Town
Rent: Dhs100,000 to 130,000 per year
One of the more stunning areas of Dubai with a mix of low and mid-rise towers with designs inspired by the region’s old wind towers. Surrounded by boutique hotels and stores and a short distance from Downtown and DIFC.

One bedroom. Two bathrooms. 990 SqFt. Dhs120,000/year on Dubizzle
Downtown
Rent: Dhs95,000 to 115,000 per year
The new ‘centre’ of Dubai is home to Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, excellent restaurants and plenty of green space. It is connected by the metro station and is closely located to Business Bay and DIFC.

One bedroom. Two bathrooms. 1,103 SqFt. Dhs190,000/year on Dubizzle
JBR
Rent: Dhs90,000 to 120,000 per year
Beach? Check. Shops? Check. Supermarket? Check. Mall? Check? Transport system? Check. Restaurants and nightlife? Check. JBR has always been a Dubai hotspot but the new The Walk area has made it even hotter.

One bedroom. Two bathrooms. 1,200 SqFt. Dhs135,000/year on Dubizzle
Read: The 5 Most Expensive AirBnB’s In Dubai
Main image: Getty