Which City Has the Cheapest Apartments in UAE?
Finding which city has the cheapest apartments is crucial for budget-conscious residents in the UAE. This comprehensive guide compares rental costs across all major emirates, helping you discover where to find the most affordable housing while balancing cost with quality of life, amenities, and employment opportunities.
Understanding Apartment Costs Across UAE Cities
When searching for which city has the cheapest apartments in UAE, many people focus solely on rent prices without considering the complete picture. The cheapest apartments aren't always the best value when you factor in transportation costs, quality of life, job opportunities, and overall living expenses. Understanding which city has the cheapest apartments requires examining multiple factors beyond just monthly rent.
The UAE's seven emirates offer vastly different housing markets. Dubai and Abu Dhabi command premium prices due to infrastructure, employment opportunities, and international appeal. However, when asking which city has the cheapest apartments, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah consistently offer significantly lower rental costs – sometimes 40-60% cheaper than Dubai for comparable apartment sizes.
Currently in 2025, Ajman holds the distinction for which city has the cheapest apartments in UAE, with studio apartments starting from AED 15,000 annually and one-bedroom apartments from AED 20,000. Sharjah follows closely as another answer to which city has the cheapest apartments, offering studios from AED 18,000 and one-bedrooms from AED 25,000. For comparison, similar apartments in Dubai start at AED 35,000-45,000 annually.
However, determining which city has the cheapest apartments isn't just about finding the lowest rent. You must consider commute times if working in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, quality of buildings and maintenance, availability of amenities like schools and healthcare, community environment and safety, and additional costs like utilities and municipality fees. The truly cheapest option considers total cost of living, not just rent.
Complete City-by-City Apartment Cost Comparison
Detailed breakdown answering which city has the cheapest apartments across UAE
Ajman
1st - CheapestAjman definitively answers which city has the cheapest apartments in UAE. As the smallest emirate, Ajman offers the most affordable housing across all apartment types. The city has experienced significant development in recent years with new residential towers and improved infrastructure, yet maintains the lowest rental costs in the country.
Why It's Cheap:
Smallest emirate with abundant supply, fewer job opportunities leading to lower demand, less developed infrastructure compared to major cities, primarily residential rather than commercial hub, distance from Dubai business districts
Best For:
Families prioritizing affordability, retirees on fixed budgets, remote workers not commuting daily, students studying in northern emirates, those building savings while working in Dubai
Considerations:
45-60 minute commute to Dubai during peak hours, limited entertainment and dining options, fewer international schools, basic healthcare facilities, reliance on car for most activities
Sharjah
2nd - Very AffordableSharjah is another strong answer to which city has the cheapest apartments, offering costs 30-40% below Dubai while providing better infrastructure than Ajman. With a population of 1.4 million, Sharjah balances affordability with decent amenities, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Why It's Cheap:
High supply of residential buildings, alcohol ban reduces demand among some expats, traffic congestion reputation, competition from Dubai employment, older building stock in many areas
Best For:
Families with children needing good schools, professionals working in Sharjah or northern Dubai, conservative lifestyle preferences, those wanting affordability with amenities, cultural and art enthusiasts
Considerations:
Heavy traffic when commuting to Dubai, stricter regulations and cultural norms, older apartments may need maintenance, limited nightlife and entertainment, parking challenges in older areas
Ras Al Khaimah
3rd - Budget FriendlyRAK features prominently when considering which city has the cheapest apartments, especially for those seeking nature and slower pace. The northernmost emirate offers affordable housing with mountain and beach access, though employment opportunities are limited compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Why It's Cheap:
Distance from major employment centers, smaller economy and population, abundant land for development, tourism-focused rather than business hub, limited public transportation
Best For:
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers with location flexibility, retirees seeking peaceful environment, tourism industry employees, families wanting quiet lifestyle
Considerations:
90+ minute commute to Dubai, limited job opportunities locally, fewer schools and healthcare options, need car for all activities, isolation from urban amenities
Umm Al Quwain
4th - Very CheapUAQ often surprises people asking which city has the cheapest apartments with its extremely low costs. However, the cheapest rents come with significant trade-offs in terms of development, amenities, and distance from major employment centers.
Why It's Cheap:
Least developed emirate, minimal commercial activity, very small population, limited infrastructure, far from business districts
Best For:
Extreme budget living, those working remotely, specific industries like marine and fishing, people avoiding city life entirely
Considerations:
Very limited amenities and services, long commute to any major city, minimal entertainment options, basic infrastructure, small expat community
Fujairah
5th - AffordableFujairah ranks well for which city has the cheapest apartments while offering unique advantages like east coast location, beaches, and mountains. The city is developing but remains affordable compared to western emirates.
Why It's Cheap:
East coast location isolates from main UAE economy, smaller job market, developing infrastructure, distance from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, limited commercial development
Best For:
Beach lovers, diving and water sports enthusiasts, port and maritime workers, those seeking unique location, quieter expat community
Considerations:
2+ hour drive to Dubai, geographic isolation, limited amenities, fewer educational options, reliance on car transportation
Dubai
6th - ExpensiveDubai clearly isn't the answer to which city has the cheapest apartments, but it offers the most job opportunities, best infrastructure, and highest quality of life. The premium costs reflect superior amenities, entertainment, and career prospects.
Why It's Cheap:
It's not cheap - highest demand, best infrastructure, most jobs, tourist destination, luxury positioning, international appeal
Best For:
Career-focused professionals, those prioritizing lifestyle and amenities, higher-income earners, international business, luxury seekers
Considerations:
High cost of living beyond rent, competitive job market, fast-paced lifestyle, traffic congestion, materialistic culture
Abu Dhabi
7th - Most ExpensiveAbu Dhabi is the opposite of which city has the cheapest apartments, commanding the highest rents in UAE. As the capital with significant government employment and oil wealth, Abu Dhabi attracts affluent residents and maintains premium pricing.
Why It's Cheap:
It's the most expensive - capital city, government sector jobs, oil wealth, lower supply, planned development, premium positioning
Best For:
Government employees, oil and gas professionals, high-income expatriates, those working in Abu Dhabi, families wanting excellent schools
Considerations:
Highest living costs in UAE, slower pace than Dubai, isolated from other emirates, car essential, limited entertainment vs Dubai
Beyond Rent: Total Cost of Living Analysis
Answering which city has the cheapest apartments requires looking beyond just rent. The cheapest rent doesn't always mean the cheapest overall living cost. Here's what you must consider when determining which city truly offers the most affordable living:
Transportation Costs
High ImpactLiving in Ajman or Sharjah while working in Dubai can add AED 1,000-2,000 monthly in fuel costs, car maintenance, and Salik tolls. A 90-minute daily commute means 15-20 hours weekly in traffic, plus vehicle wear. If you save AED 1,500 monthly on rent but spend AED 1,200 on commuting, your actual savings shrink to AED 300. Some people answer which city has the cheapest apartments without calculating these hidden transportation expenses.
Solutions: Calculate commute costs, consider proximity to work, evaluate public transport options, factor in time value, look for employer transportation benefits
Utility and Service Costs
Medium ImpactCities differ significantly in utility costs. Dubai's DEWA charges are often higher than other emirates. Sharjah's SEWA, Ajman's AADC, and other utility providers have different rate structures. Internet and telecom costs are relatively consistent, but municipality fees, cooling charges, and maintenance costs vary by emirate and building. When researching which city has the cheapest apartments, factor in that utilities can add AED 500-1,500 monthly depending on apartment size and usage.
Solutions: Compare utility providers, check building maintenance fees, understand cooling charge structures, inquire about hidden costs, review connection deposits
Education Expenses
Very High Impact for FamiliesSchool fees dramatically impact which city has the cheapest apartments for families. While Ajman has the cheapest rent, quality international schools are limited and may require commuting to Sharjah or Dubai. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have more school options but higher fees. A family might save AED 30,000 annually on rent in Ajman but spend AED 20,000 extra on school transportation and fees compared to living near good schools in Sharjah.
Solutions: Research school availability and quality, calculate transportation for children, consider proximity to schools, evaluate curriculum options, check admission availability
Healthcare Access
High ImpactHealthcare quality and access vary significantly across emirates. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have world-class hospitals and specialists. Sharjah has decent facilities. Ajman, RAK, and smaller emirates have basic healthcare, requiring travel to Dubai for specialized treatment. When deciding which city has the cheapest apartments, consider that healthcare emergencies don't wait, and distance to quality medical care matters, especially for families with children or elderly members.
Solutions: Map nearby hospitals and clinics, check insurance network coverage, evaluate specialist availability, consider emergency response times, research pediatric facilities
Daily Living and Entertainment
Medium ImpactThe cheapest cities for apartments often have fewer entertainment, dining, and shopping options. You might save on rent in Ajman but spend more money and time traveling to Dubai for entertainment, shopping, or dining. Conversely, living in Dubai with higher rent but walking distance to amenities might reduce overall transportation and time costs. Quality of life matters when answering which city has the cheapest apartments for your lifestyle.
Solutions: Evaluate local amenities, consider entertainment frequency, calculate weekend travel costs, assess shopping options, factor in lifestyle preferences
Employment Opportunities
Very High ImpactLiving in the cheapest apartment cities often means limited local employment. Most residents of Ajman, Sharjah, and RAK work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If you lose your job, finding new employment nearby is challenging. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer vastly more job opportunities, career growth, and networking. When considering which city has the cheapest apartments, remember that career opportunities impact long-term earning potential more than rent savings.
Solutions: Research local job market, evaluate career growth potential, consider industry presence, assess networking opportunities, plan for job changes
Hidden Costs When Choosing Cheapest Apartment Cities
Many people excitedly choose which city has the cheapest apartments based on advertised rent, only to discover unexpected expenses that erode their savings. Here are the hidden costs often overlooked:
Security deposits in cheaper cities often require 2-3 months rent plus one month commission, locking up AED 10,000-15,000 that could be months to recover
Older buildings common in cheap apartment areas have frequent maintenance issues - plumbing, AC, electrical - that tenants often pay for even when it should be landlord responsibility
Municipality registration fees, Ejari costs, and move-in expenses vary by emirate and can add AED 2,000-5,000 to initial costs
Furniture and appliances cost more when you must travel to Dubai for quality options, and delivery fees to smaller emirates are often higher
Car ownership becomes mandatory in cheaper cities with poor public transport, adding AED 2,000-4,000 monthly for payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking
Insurance costs including health insurance may be higher if fewer providers operate in your chosen emirate
Social isolation costs - living far from friends and family means higher travel costs for social life and potential impact on mental health
Time cost of commuting 2-3 hours daily equals 10-15 hours weekly or 40-60 hours monthly - effectively an unpaid part-time job
Best Value Cities: Balancing Cost and Quality
While Ajman and UAQ definitively answer which city has the cheapest apartments by rent alone, Sharjah often provides the best overall value when balancing affordability with amenities, infrastructure, and quality of life. Here's why Sharjah frequently wins the value equation:
Sharjah offers apartments 30-40% cheaper than Dubai while providing significantly better infrastructure, schools, and healthcare than Ajman or RAK. This sweet spot makes Sharjah the practical answer to which city has the cheapest apartments when you need both affordability and livability. A family can find a two-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda, Muwaileh, or Al Khan for AED 35,000-45,000 annually - half of Dubai's cost while still accessing decent schools, hospitals, and services.
The city's extensive bus network and proximity to Dubai Metro (Al Nahda and Stadium stations) provides affordable commuting options. While traffic can be challenging during peak hours, strategic location choice near these transit points makes Sharjah viable even without a car. This accessibility factor separates Sharjah from other cheap apartment cities that mandate car ownership.
Sharjah's cultural attractions, museums, and family-friendly environment provide entertainment value without Dubai's premium prices. The emirate's numerous parks, beaches (Al Khan, Al Mamzar), and cultural events offer quality of life that cheaper cities like Ajman and RAK struggle to match. For families asking which city has the cheapest apartments while maintaining good lifestyle, Sharjah deserves serious consideration.
The education landscape in Sharjah includes numerous affordable international schools with British, American, Indian, and Pakistani curricula. While not matching Dubai's premium institutions, Sharjah schools offer quality education at 40-50% lower fees. This education access combined with cheaper housing makes Sharjah compelling for families.
Which City Should You Choose Based on Your Situation?
The answer to which city has the cheapest apartments depends heavily on your personal circumstances. Here's guidance based on different situations:
✓ Sharjah (Al Nahda, Muwaileh)
You need affordable rent while maintaining reasonable commute to Dubai employment. Sharjah near Metro stations offers studios at AED 18,000-25,000 annually with 30-40 minute commute via public transport. Ajman would save AED 3,000-5,000 yearly but adds 60-90 minute commute and requires car ownership, erasing savings. Sharjah balances cost with accessibility for working singles.
Typical Budget: AED 1,500-2,200/month all-inclusive
✓ Sharjah (Muwaileh, Al Azra, University City)
When determining which city has the cheapest apartments for families, school access dominates the equation. Sharjah offers numerous affordable schools (AED 8,000-15,000 annually) with two-bedroom apartments from AED 35,000-50,000. Ajman saves AED 8,000-12,000 on rent but costs similar or more for school transport and limited school options. Sharjah's family infrastructure justifies slightly higher rent.
Typical Budget: AED 5,000-7,000/month including rent, schools, living
✓ Ajman or Ras Al Khaimah
Without daily commute constraints, you can maximize the savings of truly cheap apartment cities. Ajman offers modern buildings near Corniche with amenities at 50% of Dubai cost. RAK provides nature access with comparable savings. Since employment location doesn't factor, answering which city has the cheapest apartments becomes purely cost-focused. These cities deliver maximum rent savings without commute penalties.
Typical Budget: AED 2,000-3,500/month total living costs
✓ Ajman or Fujairah
Retirees don't need employment access and prioritize low living costs with decent healthcare. Ajman provides the cheapest apartments (one-bedroom from AED 20,000) with adequate healthcare facilities for routine needs. Fujairah offers similar costs with beach lifestyle. Both allow stretching retirement income significantly further than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The answer to which city has the cheapest apartments for retirees clearly points to these budget emirates.
Typical Budget: AED 3,000-4,500/month comfortable retirement
✓ Sharjah or Ajman
Maximum savings requires minimizing rent while maintaining income opportunities. If both work in Dubai, Sharjah offers best balance - save AED 15,000-20,000 annually versus Dubai while keeping reasonable commute. If one works remotely, Ajman saves additional AED 8,000-12,000 annually. When asking which city has the cheapest apartments for aggressive savers, these two cities enable saving AED 20,000-30,000+ annually versus Dubai living.
Typical Budget: AED 3,500-5,000/month with aggressive saving
✓ Sharjah (shared accommodation) or Ajman
Students and entry-level workers need absolute minimum costs. Shared accommodations in Sharjah (AED 1,000-1,500 monthly) or Ajman studios (AED 1,200-1,800) provide cheapest options while maintaining some quality of life. For this demographic asking which city has the cheapest apartments, Sharjah shared housing or Ajman studios enable survival on AED 4,000-6,000 monthly salary.
Typical Budget: AED 2,500-4,000/month bare essentials
Future Trends: Which Cities Will Stay Cheapest?
Understanding which city has the cheapest apartments isn't just about today - you need to anticipate future trends affecting rental costs. Several factors will influence apartment pricing across UAE cities in coming years:
Ajman and Sharjah will likely maintain their positions as cheapest apartment cities due to fundamental supply-demand dynamics. Both emirates have abundant land for development and less restrictive building regulations compared to Dubai, ensuring continued supply growth that keeps prices competitive. While both cities are developing infrastructure, they won't match Dubai's appeal in the foreseeable future, maintaining the cost differential.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi will likely see rental costs stabilize or increase modestly through 2025-2027. Major events like Expo 2020's legacy, expanding business districts, and continued international appeal maintain strong demand. Government policies around ownership and long-term visas increase demand from investors and residents. Those searching for which city has the cheapest apartments will continue finding Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not the answer.
Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah present wildcards. Both are investing heavily in tourism infrastructure and economic diversification. RAK's focus on adventure tourism and manufacturing, combined with Fujairah's port expansion and cruise terminal development, could increase demand and push rents upward in their more developed areas. However, both will likely remain among cheaper options for the next 3-5 years.
Infrastructure improvements like the Sharjah Metro extension plans and Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway expansions could impact which city has the cheapest apartments by improving connectivity. Better access to Dubai from Sharjah or Ajman might increase demand and push rents up in well-connected areas, though overall affordability should remain versus Dubai.
Economic factors including oil prices, global economic conditions, and UAE's economic diversification efforts will influence all emirate rental markets. Economic downturns typically impact cheaper cities harder as residents downsize, while booms see people upgrade to Dubai. The question of which city has the cheapest apartments may have different answers during economic cycles.
Practical Tips for Finding Cheapest Apartments
Search During Off-Peak Seasons
Rental markets in UAE have seasonal fluctuations. Summer months (June-August) see lower demand as many expatriates leave, and new hiring slows. This is the best time to negotiate better rates and find bargains. When researching which city has the cheapest apartments, searching during summer can reveal prices 10-15% below winter rates. Landlords facing vacant properties become more flexible on price, payment terms, and included amenities.
Action Steps: Plan apartment hunting for June-August, negotiate hard during low season, ask for reduced rates or included amenities, request flexible payment terms
Go Direct to Owners When Possible
Real estate agents charge 5% commission (one month rent if paid in 12 cheques), adding significant cost. In cheap apartment cities, this commission matters more to tight budgets. Finding owners directly through building watchmen, community groups, or direct building visits can save thousands. When focused on which city has the cheapest apartments, eliminating agent commission maximizes savings. This works best in Ajman and Sharjah where owner-managed properties are common.
Action Steps: Walk neighborhoods and talk to building security, join Facebook community groups, ask friends for referrals, visit buildings with 'For Rent' signs
Negotiate Payment Terms
Standard contracts require 1-4 cheques for the year. Offering to pay in fewer cheques (especially one cheque) often gets 5-10% discount on annual rent. In cheap apartment cities where landlords worry about payment reliability, demonstrating financial stability through advance payment reduces their risk and motivates discounts. When asking which city has the cheapest apartments, remember you can make any city cheaper through smart negotiation.
Action Steps: Offer single cheque payment for discount, propose 6-month advance for reduction, negotiate during lease renewals, show financial stability
Consider Older Buildings
New buildings in cheap cities command premiums while offering questionable additional value. A 10-15 year old building in good condition costs 20-30% less than brand new construction with minimal difference in livability. When determining which city has the cheapest apartments, older building stock in Sharjah and Ajman offers the absolute lowest rents. Ensure proper inspection for maintenance issues, but don't dismiss older properties.
Action Steps: Inspect older buildings for condition, check AC and plumbing functionality, verify maintenance responsiveness, negotiate lower rent based on age
Look Slightly Further from Prime Areas
Every city has premium pockets commanding higher rents. In Sharjah, areas near corniche and Al Nahda border are pricier than Muwaileh or Rolla. In Ajman, Corniche apartments cost more than Al Nuaimiya. Moving 2-3 km from prime areas can save 20-30% while maintaining good access. Those researching which city has the cheapest apartments should also research which neighborhoods in cheap cities offer best value.
Action Steps: Research neighborhood pricing variations, map distance to key amenities, evaluate trade-offs for savings, check multiple areas before deciding
FAQs: Which City Has the Cheapest Apartments in UAE
Which city has the cheapest apartments in UAE?
Ajman has the cheapest apartments in UAE, with studio apartments starting from AED 15,000 annually, one-bedroom from AED 20,000, and two-bedroom from AED 28,000. Umm Al Quwain offers similarly low prices but with minimal infrastructure. Sharjah is the second cheapest with studios from AED 18,000 and provides better amenities and infrastructure than Ajman. Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah also offer affordable housing around AED 18,000-24,000 for studios. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most expensive, with studios starting at AED 35,000-40,000 annually. When determining which city has the cheapest apartments, Ajman consistently wins on pure price, though Sharjah offers better value when considering amenities, schools, and healthcare access.
Is it worth living in the cheapest apartment cities like Ajman?
Living in cities with the cheapest apartments like Ajman or Sharjah is worth it depending on your circumstances. For remote workers, retirees, or families prioritizing savings, these cities offer 40-60% lower rent than Dubai while maintaining acceptable quality of life. However, professionals working in Dubai must factor in commute costs (AED 800-1,500 monthly), time spent traveling (1.5-3 hours daily), and limited local job opportunities. A family might save AED 25,000 annually on rent in Ajman versus Dubai but spend AED 12,000 on commuting and face limited school options. Sharjah provides better balance with cheaper rent than Dubai, decent schools and healthcare, and reasonable commute via public transport. Whether the cheapest apartments are worth it depends on weighing total living costs, career opportunities, and lifestyle preferences against rental savings.
What is the cheapest city to rent an apartment if I work in Dubai?
If you work in Dubai, Sharjah offers the cheapest practical apartment options with studios from AED 18,000-25,000 annually. While Ajman has lower absolute rent (AED 15,000-22,000), the 60-90 minute commute makes it impractical for daily Dubai work. Sharjah areas near Metro stations (Al Nahda, Al Qusais border) provide 30-40 minute commute via public transport while saving AED 15,000-20,000 annually versus Dubai. For Dubai workers asking which city has the cheapest apartments, Sharjah balances affordability with accessibility. Budget areas like Muwaileh, Rolla, or University City offer one-bedroom apartments at AED 25,000-35,000 with bus connections to Metro. International City and Al Nahda (Dubai side) are also affordable Dubai options (AED 20,000-30,000 for studios) eliminating commute entirely while still being among cheapest Dubai areas.
How much can I save living in cheap apartment cities versus Dubai?
Living in the cheapest apartment cities can save AED 18,000-40,000 annually on rent alone compared to Dubai. A studio in Ajman (AED 18,000) versus Dubai (AED 45,000) saves AED 27,000 yearly. A two-bedroom in Sharjah (AED 40,000) versus Dubai (AED 80,000) saves AED 40,000. However, actual savings depend on hidden costs: car ownership in cheap cities adds AED 24,000-36,000 annually (payment, insurance, fuel, maintenance); commuting to Dubai for work costs AED 10,000-18,000 yearly in fuel and tolls; utilities may be AED 2,000-4,000 higher in some emirates; and limited local services mean traveling to Dubai for shopping, entertainment, or healthcare. Realistically, living in cities with cheapest apartments saves AED 12,000-25,000 annually after accounting for additional costs - still significant but not the full rent difference.
Which cheap apartment city is best for families?
Sharjah is the best cheap apartment city for families, offering two-bedroom apartments from AED 35,000-50,000 annually (versus Dubai's AED 65,000-100,000) while providing good schools, healthcare, and family infrastructure. Areas like Muwaileh, Al Azra, and University City have numerous affordable international schools (AED 8,000-15,000 yearly) with British, American, and Asian curricula. Sharjah also has decent hospitals, parks, and family entertainment. Ajman is second-best for families, offering even cheaper apartments (two-bedroom from AED 28,000) but with limited school choices requiring commute to Sharjah for quality education. RAK works for families seeking nature and quieter lifestyle but lacks educational and healthcare options. When asking which city has the cheapest apartments for families, Sharjah provides the best balance of affordability, schools, healthcare, and amenities essential for children.
Are apartments in cheap cities lower quality than Dubai?
Apartment quality in cheap cities varies widely and isn't necessarily lower than Dubai. Ajman, Sharjah, and RAK have modern buildings built in the last 5-10 years with amenities like gyms and pools comparable to mid-range Dubai buildings. However, cheaper cities have more older building stock (15-25 years) with maintenance issues, and newer buildings may use cheaper materials and finishes. Dubai has more luxury developments and stricter building standards, but also has many older, poorly-maintained buildings. When researching which city has the cheapest apartments, quality depends more on specific building than city - a new Ajman tower can exceed an old Dubai building in quality. The key is thorough inspection: check AC functionality, plumbing, electrical, building maintenance, and landlord responsiveness. Cheap cities offer good quality if you're selective, but average quality is lower than Dubai.
Can I find cheap apartments in Dubai itself?
Yes, Dubai has relatively cheap apartment areas though still more expensive than Sharjah or Ajman. International City offers Dubai's cheapest apartments with studios from AED 20,000-28,000 and one-bedroom from AED 28,000-38,000 annually. Discovery Gardens, Dubai Sports City, and JVC have studios around AED 25,000-35,000. Al Nahda (Dubai side), Al Qusais, and Muhaisnah offer affordable options near Metro. These Dubai areas cost 40-50% less than premium locations like Marina, Downtown, or JBR while maintaining Dubai advantages: no commute if working in Dubai, better job opportunities, superior infrastructure and entertainment, and good resale/rental investment potential. For those asking which city has the cheapest apartments but wanting to stay in Dubai, these budget neighborhoods provide middle ground between expensive Dubai areas and cheap cities like Sharjah or Ajman.
Will cheap apartment cities get more expensive in the future?
Cities with the cheapest apartments will likely see modest rental increases but maintain significant discount versus Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Ajman and Sharjah have abundant land and fewer development restrictions, ensuring continued supply growth that keeps prices competitive. Both are improving infrastructure (Sharjah Metro plans, road expansions) which may increase demand in well-connected areas, pushing some rents up 10-20% over 3-5 years. However, fundamental factors keeping these cities cheap - distance from main business districts, less international appeal, fewer premium job opportunities - won't change dramatically. RAK and Fujairah may see larger percentage increases as tourism development attracts more residents, but will likely remain among cheaper options. When considering which city has the cheapest apartments long-term, Ajman and Sharjah should maintain affordability advantage through 2030, though specific high-demand neighborhoods may become pricier.