How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Place In Dubai?

If you want a one-bedroom in the city centre, expect to pay somewhere around AED 6,000–8,000 per month on average. In more affordable areas outside the centre, one-bedroom rents commonly fall in the AED 4,000–6,000 per month range. These are market averages and will change by neighbourhood and building quality. 

• Downtown Dubai (near Burj Khalifa): rents are among the highest for one-bed units; listings and market reports show annual figures that convert to a monthly average well above mid-city levels. 
• Dubai Marina: a popular waterfront choice, one-bed rentals vary widely from more affordable units to luxury towers; monthly asking rents often sit in the mid-to-upper range depending on views and amenities.
• Al Barsha / family districts: these offer better value for money; many one-bed options are more budget-friendly while still close to malls, metro and schools.

Rents listed monthly can spike for short-term furnished units (holiday or corporate lets). Long leases are usually cheaper per month but have traditionally required paying via multiple cheques up front. That system is changing, in early 2026 the UAE introduced a move toward monthly rent payments to make renting more flexible for tenants. This will likely affect how people budget and could ease cash pressure for newcomers. 

Beyond rent, expect to pay some other extra charges mentioned below:

• Security deposit (often 5%–10% of annual rent)
• DEWA (water & electricity), chiller charges, billed monthly or quarterly
• Agency fee (typically 5% of annual rent for renewals/new lets)
• Housing for families 2-3 bedroom homes increase costs substantially, plan for a big step up from one-bed prices. Reliable market reports show rents for larger units rose in 2025 across many Dubai neighbourhoods. 

• Pick your commute first: Rent falls a lot once you move away from central business districts.
• Check building amenities: Gyms, pools and security add to monthly value but often come with higher service charges.
• Compare: listings on Bayut / Property Finder / Dubizzle to get a real-time view of asking prices in the neighbourhood you want. 

• Average rent in Dubai 2026 for a 1-bed in central areas: roughly AED 6k–8k/month; outside centre, AED 4k–6k/month. 
• Dubai apartment rent prices vary hugely by area, Downtown, Dubai Marina and Palm are pricier; Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubai Silicon Oasis are generally cheaper. 
• If you’re an expat, factor in deposits, utilities and agency fees and note the rental payment system is shifting to monthly, which may help cashflow.