Top 15 Places to live in Dubai in 2025

Find the perfect area to live in Dubai
Photo of the Dubai Skyline by the Dubai Mall where you can see a man-made lake, and the buildings in the background

If you’ve looked into moving to Dubai, you’ve surely come across the famous neighbourhoods of Dubai Marina, Downtown or even The Palm - But Dubai has so many more beautiful areas to live in! And the most amazing part is that each location has a different “feel” to it - Some are “busier” with lots of people and events happening, while others are more calm, quiet and family friendly.

It’s important to research the neighbourhood before renting an apartment, because the last thing you want to do is make a long term renting commitment in an area you don’t like. What’s more, different Neighbourhoods have different price ranges, so you definitely want to make sure you’re looking at areas that fit your budget. And that’s exactly what we’re gonna help you do in this blog, where we’ll go over the most friendly areas for renting as an Expat in Dubai.

What this Blog Covers:

1) Things to consider when picking a neighborhood in Dubai

2) The different areas of Dubai

3) Best neighbourhoods to live in Dubai:

3a) For Single Expats

3b) For Expat Families

3c) For Expats on a Budget

Things to consider when picking a neighborhood in Dubai

You’re about to move to Dubai, and you’re searching different areas that maybe are close to your work, to schools or generally more Expat-friendly. Don’t worry - you came to the right place! Before we jump into different neighbourhoods, there are a few considerations you should take into account when picking where to live. These will help you define your criteria, and make sure you choose the right place for you. 

Photo of the skyline in Dubai Marina

  1. Proximity to work: Irrespective of your method of transport, it’s always important to consider how long it will take you to get to work, given it’s a journey you will do pretty much every day. In Dubai, things may seem closer than they actually are - Traffic can build up during peak times, the metro can get busy and so on, so make sure to research this properly.
  2. Areas without public Transport Access: The Dubai Metro, despite being incredibly modern and smooth, currently only runs across Sheikh Zayed Road. This means that if you don’t live near a Metro station, you will most likely need to get a car. Of course, there are buses or the option to take Taxis every day,  but these are not so convenient.
  3. Areas which have heavy traffic: If you choose a very popular neighbourhood, bear in mind the traffic you may face every day during peak hours. This can add a significant additional amount of time to your daily commute, and sometimes, it’s actually worth living a little further away to avoid daily traffic congestion.
  4. Tourism competition: Some of your preferred areas may be super popular for tourists, which means landlords will put the prices up. Holiday rentals  tend to be pricier for tenants so you may want to avoid certain neighbourhoods - even if they are super popular.
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The different areas of Dubai

Dubai is a city that’s constantly growing, and new neighbourhoods come up altogether every few years. However, there are some basics in regards to how the city is structured that you should know before you start looking for your ideal neighbourhood.

Below you can find a map of Dubai. Highlighted in  red you can see the Metro line, so every area that is directly next to it, has station access. We highlighted in  yellow different residential neighbourhoods which are directly located next to the metro line. We then circled in  blue areas which are hotspots for tourists - these are very popular, but that means you will see high price tags for rentals. We then highlighted with stripes multiple areas in green , which are, not all of them, but most of the neighbourhoods chosen by Expats who live and work in Dubai. 

Photo of the map of Dubai with areas segmented

Best neighbourhoods to live in Dubai

There’s really no such thing as the best area to live in Dubai. Each person will have different lifestyles, priorities and budgets, so below we split neighbourhoods into 3 categories: Best areas for single expats, neighbourhoods for expat families and best budget areas. Although this is not the full list of places to live in Dubai, it’s a pretty comprehensive guide to help you kickstart your search. And if you are looking for specific places or support finding a place to live, sign up to Matutto to speak to an Advisor who can better guide you.

For Single Expats:

  1. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a popular neighbourhood for expats and young professionals, offering a great view of both the Marina and the sea. The area is known for its high-end restaurants, bars and proximity to JBR beach (The most popular public beach in Dubai). The Marina is super popular for tourists as there’s a bunch of hotels around. Knowing this, landlords use their units as holiday rentals, making it less affordable for Expats to rent long term. Generally, if you’re single, outgoing and have a relatively high disposable income, this can be a great place to live.

Photo of the Dubai Maria with buildings at both side of the marina.

  • Why It’s Great:
    • Known for its stunning waterfront views and bustling nightlife
    • Offers a variety of high-rise apartments with modern amenities
    • Proximity to restaurants, cafes, bars, and the Marina Mall
    • Excellent public transport options, including Dubai Metro and tram
    • There’s an active nightlife scene
  • What to consider:
    • The traffic in the Marina tends to be quite high
    • Prices are higher than in most areas of Dubai
    • There’s a lot of tourists around, which make amenities feel busy

Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 90,000 to AED 130,000 per year.


  1. Barsha Heights (Tecom)

Barsha Heights is located near the metro, and it has a combination between residential, commercial and leisure options. You can be in a high rise similar to those in the Marina, but for a much more affordable price, as there are no views to the sea, and generally less tourists. Barsha Heights is well located for people who work in Internet City, Media City, JLT and the surroundings, as it’s a short trip away by metro or bus. The area has plenty of supermarkets, gyms, beauty salons and is near one of the most popular malls in Dubai: The Mall of The Emirates. 

Photo of Tecom neighbourhood in Dubai

  • Why It’s Great:
    • Affordable rent with a good mix of expats from all around the world
    • Close to Dubai Internet City and Media City, ideal for tech and media professionals
    • A growing number of cafes, bars, and casual dining options
    • A lot of young professionals seeking value for money and proximity to workplaces.
  • What to Consider:
    • High traffic in some areas
    • Not considered an affluent area for Dubai standards

Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 70,000 to AED 90,000 per year.

  1. Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is the perfect option for Expats who want to have the classic High-end apartments with stunning skyline views. This can be the perfect location for single Expats on a high salary who like to be at the heart of the city. There are many rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, cultural and networking events and top class shopping and entertainment options. Although traffic can be quite intense in some areas of Downtown, it can also be very well located if your workplace is going to be around Business Bay, DIFC, Emirates Towers or D3 and surroundings. 

Photo of Downtown Dubai, showing the Burj Khalifa in the middle.

  • Why It’s Great:
    • Home to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
    • Luxury apartments and a lively urban environment
    • Regular events, concerts, and social gatherings in and around the area
    • Perfect for professionals who value a premium lifestyle in the city center
  • What to Consider:
    • A lot of tourists in the area of the Dubai Mall. This means there’s often traffic going in and out of Downtown
    • Some flats can be very expensive

Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 90,000 to AED 120,000 per year.

  1. Dubai Sports City

Dubai Sports City is a more budget-friendly and active neighborhood, ideal for single expats who value fitness, space, and community living. Like the name hints, this is a neighbourhood with a lot of gyms as well as all types of sports facilities, so if your ideal activity is to go out and play a sport with other people, this might just be the place for you. In this area it is more common to see low to mid-rise buildings, with more space but less modern. Overall it feels more detached from Dubai as it’s a good 25 minute drive away from the center, but that also means it’s less chaotic. 

Photo of Sports City in Dubai

  • Key Features:
    • Sports-focused community with gyms, tracks, and stadiums
    • Reasonable rents for spacious apartments
    • Developing infrastructure with upcoming retail and dining options
  • What to consider:
    • It’s a little far from the main hubs of Dubai, which means you will most likely need a car to go to the center (and to work)
    • Less things to do when it comes to fine-dining and partying

Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 55,000 to AED 75,000 per year.

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For Expat Families: 

  1. Arabian Ranches (for a quieter lifestyle)

Arabian Ranches is a quiet residential area primarily designed for families. It is surrounded by parks, pools, walking trails and beautiful villas, so it’s perfect for families who prefer to live in a relaxed area. This is a spacious neighbourhood that is not too far from the main business hubs in Dubai, but it does require residents to have a car as there is very limited public transport nearby. 

Photo of Arabian Ranches Neighbourhood

  • Why It’s Great:
    • Suburban feel with access to parks and golf courses
    • Ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment but still want modern amenities
    • Very common for families to live in Villas which offer you a larger private space
  • What to consider:
    • Not many social amenities in the area
    • A car is required for transportation from and to Arabian Ranches

Price for an average 2-Bedroom House/Villa: AED 160,000 to AED 300,000 per year.

  1. Jumeirah

Jumeirah is one of the most popular areas in Dubai as it offers a mix between modern convenience and beachfront living. The area is known for the many villas and the serene environment, ideal for families who like to go on walks in the neighbourhood and by the beach. The area has excellent amenities, including top-rated international schools, clinics, and supermarkets. It’s also centrally located in Dubai, which can be convenient for parents to go to work regardless of where they work!

Photo of Jumeirah neighbourhood in Dubai

  • Why It’s Great:
    • One of Dubai’s most established neighborhoods, offering villas with gardens and proximity to the beach
    • Close to family-friendly attractions like Kite Beach, restaurants, and cafes
    • Nearby schools like Jumeirah College and Horizon International School
    • Community feel with easy access to healthcare facilities
  • What to consider:
    • Most of the housing options are villas
    • Price point is higher than in most areas

Price for an average 3-Bedroom House/Villa: AED 200,000 to AED 300,000 per year.

  1. Dubai Hills 

The Dubai Hills (and Hills 2) areas have been designed for Expat families, with the incorporation of large green spaces, playgrounds and even cycling tracks. The neighbourhoods have top-tier amenities, including international schools, healthcare facilities, and the incredible Dubai Hills Mall, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Overall, the area has a premium feel to it and it’s near roads that lead directly to the center of Dubai, but do note that a car is necessary to live in the Hills.

Photo of Dubai Hills neighbourhood in Dubai

  • Why It’s Great:
    • A modern, master-planned community featuring spacious villas and apartments
    • Offers Dubai Hills Park, Dubai Hills Mall, and excellent schools within the area
    • Family-friendly amenities include cycling tracks, splash pads, and playgrounds
    • Easy access to major highways for commuting
  • What to consider:
    • The location is not near key public transport stations 

Price for an average 2-Bedroom: AED 150,000 to AED 170,000 per year.

  1. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

JVC is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Dubai. It has a lot of amenities, restaurants, parks and there’s a great sense of community. It’s very well located and it’s often a top choice for both families and single Expats. One caveat is the amount of traffic that accumulates around JVC, and although new roads around it are being built, you can easily find yourself stuck for an hour in traffic a few times a week.

photo of Jumeirah Village Circle

  • Why It’s Great:
    • A family-focused community with affordable apartments and villas
    • Offers parks, playgrounds, and community pools
    • Growing number of nurseries and schools within the area
    • Proximity to retail outlets and essential services
    • It’s generally an affordable neighbourhood in comparison to the other ones mentioned
  • What to consider:
    • The traffic on the way in and out of JVC during peak hours

Price for an average 2-Bedroom: AED 75,000 to AED 90,000 per year.

  1. Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis is one of the Tech Hubs of the city with the Tech and Entrepreneur Campus based here. Overall, it’s a quiet area that offers a mix of modern villas and apartments, a new mall, a running track and residential units with communal parks where kids are normally out playing. The neighbourhood is a little bit far from the center and it requires driving if you work outside this area.

Photo of Dubai Silicon Oasis

  • Why It’s Great:
    • Affordable and family friendly residential neighbourhood
    • Plenty of outdoor and leisure facilities such as malls, a lake and a running track
    • Good opportunities for networking within the Tech and Business Environment
  • What to consider:
    • A car is required if you don’t work in Silicon Oasis
    • There can be heavy traffic heading into the main Dubai hubs, such as Internet city or JLT

Price for an average 2-Bedroom: AED 75,000 to AED 85,000 per year.

  1. Emirates Hills

Emirates Hills (also known as the Beverly Hills of Dubai)  is one of Dubai’s most prestigious and exclusive neighborhoods, offering a luxurious lifestyle tailored to expat families seeking privacy, elegance, and security. The neighbourhood has an excellent location, a lot of green spaces and very well maintained amenities. Near this area there are top international schools, healthcare facilities, luxury retail and dining options.

Photo of Emirates Hills neighbourhood in Dubai

  • Why It’s Great:
    • A prestigious gated community with luxury villas and landscaped gardens
    • Close to top schools like Dubai International Academy and Emirates International School
    • Exclusive and private, ideal for high-net-worth families
    • Proximity to Montgomerie Golf Club and community parks
  • What to consider:
    • High price point and limited availability

Price for an average 3-Bedroom: AED 400,000 to AED 600,000 per year.

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For Expats on a budget:

  1. Deira

Deira is one of Dubai oldest and liveliest neighbourhoods, with a range of different accommodation types, from shared bedrooms to apartments on a budget. The neighbourhood is connected to several metro and bus stations, and it has a lot of street shops, restaurants and even markets. The area is very popular for South Asian Expats who come to Dubai for better work opportunities, so there is a deep sense of community around.

Photo of Deira in Dubai, showing a couple of Abra that are used to cross the river from side to side.

  • Why It’s Great:
    • Apartments and shared accommodations at reasonable rates
    • Excellent transport links (Metro, buses, water taxis)
    • Proximity to souks, malls, and local restaurants
  • What to Consider:
    • This area of the city can be seen as a little chaotic, with lots going on all the time.

Price for an average Studio: AED 25,000 to AED 35,000 per year.

  1. Al Barsha South

Al Barsha South is a growing residential area offering budget-friendly living options, across apartments but also villas. The central location of this area means you are close to popular places like the Mall of the Emirates or the Marina. The zone also has a high number of dining options, supermarkets, healthcare centers and even schools. Overall the neighbourhood is relatively quiet and it has been growing in popularity.

Photo of Al Barsha Neighbourood

  • Why It’s Great:
    • Affordable apartments in a residential setting
    • Close to schools, clinics, and supermarkets
    • Relatively new developments with modern amenities
  • What to Consider:
    • Growing popularity means it’s becoming more expensive by the year, despite initial low prices

Price for an average Studio: AED 55,000 to AED 65,000 per year.

  1. Al Nahda

Al Nahda is a budget-friendly residential area on the Dubai-Sharjah border, popular among expats seeking affordable housing. The neighbourhood has a variety of apartments at more affordable rates in comparison to other areas of Dubai, but it is a little bit further away from most business hubs. The area is close to the main highways and there are also public transport links through the bus and the metro green line. There are many supermarkets, parks and even malls in the area.

Photo of Al Nadha neighbourhood in Dubai

  • Why it’s Great:
    • Spacious apartments with lower rents compared to central Dubai
    • Close to schools, supermarkets, and parks
    • Convenient for those working in Sharjah or Deira
  • What to Consider:
    • A little further away from most other areas in Dubai, so longer commute times to work are expected.

Price for an average Studio: AED 25,000 to AED 35,000 per year.

  1. Discovery Gardens

Discovery Gardens is a peaceful and budget-friendly residential community, ideal for expats seeking affordable living in a well-connected location. There is a metro line nearby, a mall, and a lot of landscaped gardens around the whole area. This can be a good place for Expats who are looking for a relaxed neighbourhood that is affordable and accessible via public transport.

Photo of Discovery Gardens neighbourhood in Dubai

  • Key Features:
    • Family-friendly with parks and play areas
    • Close to Ibn Battuta Mall and Metro station
    • Variety of studio to 2-bedroom apartments
  • What to Consider:
    • Neighbourhood has less work opportunities so commuting will be needed everyday

Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 60,000 to AED 70,000 per year.

  1. Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is a well located and affordable community offering a mix of high-rise apartments, making it an excellent option for expats on a budget. There is a lake with a path for people to run, a range of different dining options, supermarkets, gyms and a metro line nearby. There are also a lot of businesses that operate in this area, but due to its popularity, prices have been growing in recent years.

Photo of JLT in Dubai, where you can see the highway and all the residential and office buildings across it.

  • Why It’s Great:
    • Affordable alternative to Dubai Marina while still being close by
    • A mix of residential and office towers with many dining options
    • Quieter atmosphere with beautiful lakeside walking areas
    • Walking distance to the Dubai Marina and JBR beach
  • What to Consider:
    • Prices have been rising and apartments are relatively old for Dubai standards

Price for an average 1-Bedroom: AED 65,000 to AED 75,000 per year.

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