Dubai has some of the most expensive homes in the world. However, the city offers more than high-end, pricey properties – there are plenty of communities here that offer comfortable housing options without the steep price tags.
The best affordable communities in Dubai provide interested homeowners with properties that balance cost and quality. They come with complete amenities and offer easy access to key parts of the city at reasonable prices.
If you’re interested in renting or buying a townhouse, villa, or apartment for sale in Dubai, you don’t need to stretch your budget to its limit. With a bit of research, you can find an affordable home that meets all your expectations.
Top Affordable Areas to Live in Dubai
Here’s a look at the best affordable places to live in Dubai:
1. DAMAC Hills
DAMAC Hills is one of the biggest neighborhoods in Dubai, encompassing three communities: DAMAC Hills 1, DAMAC Hills 2, and DAMAC Hills 3.
DAMAC Hills 2, formerly Akoya Oxygen, is one of the most affordable communities in Dubai. It is located between the Jebel Ali–Lehbab Road and the Al Ain–Dubai Highway. Its location allows residents to live far from the busy central business district while making traveling to Dubai's major destinations easily accessible.
The community's green spaces, parks, and water features were designed to provide residents with a safe, healthy, and family-friendly environment. It also has several sports, recreational, dining, and shopping facilities. The high-rise apartments also provide incredible views of the world-class Trump World Golf Club.
The average annual rental price for a studio apartment for rent in DAMAC Hills is AED 41,000, while a two-bedroom villa is AED 96,000. Meanwhile, the average selling price for a studio apartment is AED 465,000 and AED 1,331,000 for a two-bedroom villa.
These prices make DAMAC Hills a budget-friendly neighborhood in which to live in Dubai.
2. Dubai Investments Park (DIP)
DIP is a complex neighborhood with industrial, commercial, and residential properties in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), next to the Jebel Ali Industrial Area and near the Dubai Production City and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Its residential neighborhood, Green Community Village, is made up of villas, townhouses, and apartment buildings.
The residential community is upscale and environment-friendly, which enables residents to enjoy a comfortable, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle. Its main amenities include gardens, outdoor spaces, lakes, and swimming pools.
Since the community also has commercial and industrial areas, it boasts plenty of retail, dining, entertainment, and leisure hubs. DIP also has a number of supermarkets, schools, clinics, and hospitals.
You can rent a studio-type apartment here for AED 39,000 per year and own one for AED 312,000. You invest in a one-bedroom villa for AED 510,000.
The property prices have made DIP one of the most affordable residential communities in Dubai.
3. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
JVC is one of the biggest residential communities in Dubai. It is located along Sheikh Zayed Road and near Dubai Marina, Media City, and Internet City.
The neighborhood is known for its beautiful parks and canals, which surround the villas, townhouses, and apartment buildings. It has several schools, health and fitness centers, and swimming pools within the area, which is why it is popular among families.
JVC's amenities, which include a supermarket, healthcare facilities, and pharmacies, and its proximity to Dubai Marina and the central business area also make it a highly sought-after neighborhood in the city.
The typical rent for a studio apartment unit in JVC is AED 50,000, and a one-bedroom townhouse is AED 120,000. Jumeirah Village Circle properties for sale, which include studio and one-bedroom apartments, villas, and townhouses to five-bedroom options range from AED 711,500 to AED 3,345,000.
The different property options in JVC make renting or owning property here more budget-friendly.
4. Al Furjan
This community has been popular among home buyers and renters looking for a close-knit neighborhood. It’s home to several villas, townhouses, and apartment buildings boasting modern and high-quality amenities and features.
Al Furjan has a number of parks, swimming pools, gyms, and sports amenities, which make it easy for residents to achieve their health and fitness goals. The restaurants, cafes, and retail hubs provide additional recreational and leisure options.
The schools, supermarkets, clinics, pharmacies, and community centers allow residents to enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Its location, which is between Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, ensures easy access to different areas of the city.
The rent for a studio-type apartment here costs around AED 52,000, while a three-bedroom villa can set you back AED 246,000. Apartments and villas for sale in Al Furjan range from AED 584,000 to AED 3,500,000.
Because of these prices, renting and buying a home in Al Furjan is definitely pocket-friendly.
5. International City
International City is one of the best areas to live in Dubai with your family that offers affordable housing options. But even if the properties here are reasonably priced, they are well-built and beautifully designed.
The apartments, villas, and townhouses are located in clusters named after different countries, such as Italy, Spain, and China, giving it a multicultural flair. It offers both a cosmopolitan and tranquil lifestyle with its communal areas, parks, and lakes that appeal to expats.
Its amenities include supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, schools, gyms, and restaurants. It also has several mosques and nearby churches and temples.
International City is located in Al Warsan, near the Dubai Central or Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market. It’s near major roads and has public transportation hubs, providing residents quick access to key areas of the city.
The average rent for villas and apartments here ranges from AED 28,000 to AED 118,000. The average cost for a three-bedroom villa for sale starts at AED 1,833,000, while apartments are priced from AED 367,000 to 1,495,000.
If you're looking for an affordable place to call home in Dubai, International City is worth considering.
Dubai has several communities that offer affordable housing options. Whether you’re looking for a property to rent or buy, you can find a new home that’s easy on the pocket in these neighborhoods.
Speak with us today for more details about Dubai’s most affordable communities.
