Related: Seven areas of Dubai that now offer a bargain
For people looking to rent a home in Dubai, easy access to public transport often tops the list.
Rents for one and two-bedroom apartments in well-connected communities - such as Deira, Bur Dubai and Barsha Heights - start from Dh27,000 and rise up to Dh70,000.
Previously, tenants were willing to pay more for the convenience of living in properties or neighbourhoods located near metro lines. Now, they don't have to.
Rents were already falling when the pandemic hit, and current low prices allow residents to choose a wide range of communities.
With tickets for the Dubai Metro starting from just Dh3, it is one of the emirate’s most important public assets.
Here, The National has put together a list of six areas for budget-friendly flats in Dubai with good access to the metro.
Al Nahda
If affordability is at the top of your list when looking for a place to live in Dubai, Al Nahda is the spot for you.
Consistently low rental prices means apartments that do come up for tenancy do not usually stay on the market for long.
Although it is located on the outskirts of the city, it has good access to a number of schools including Al Diyafah High School and Pristine Private School.
There are a number of metro stations nearby to keep residents well connected to the rest of Dubai too, including the Stadium and Al Nahda stations.
A one-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda averages at about Dh37,000, but some units go for as little as Dh27,000. That rises to a still affordable Dh49,500 for a more spacious two-bedroom apartment.
Although not every apartment block is located close to Dubai Metro, there are a number of bus stops located throughout the neighbourhood to connect commuters to the stations.
This area is ideal for young families and has a number of parks dotted throughout, including Al Nahda Pond Park.
Karama
When you say the word Karama, most people in Dubai recognise the area instantly.
The suburb, near Dubai Creek, is best known for its market, where low-cost wares are popular with tourists. This densely populated area is made up of low-rise apartment blocks.
Commuters living in the neighbourhood are well-connected to the rest of the city thanks to the nearby ADCB metro station.
Located just a few minutes’ walk from most of the apartment blocks in the area, the station is directly linked to the red line which takes you straight into new Dubai, including areas such as Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Conveniently, several bus routes departing from the ADCB station can ferry passengers to Al Jafiliya station and Burjuman station too.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Karama is Dh51,000 a year and a two-bedroom unit is close to Dh68,000.
Deira
Deira may be one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Dubai, but it remains one of the most popular places to live for long-time expatriates.
The area is well connected to several metro stations including Union station, which boasts access to both the green and red line.
Other metro links nearby include Al Rigga, Abu Hail, and Deira City Centre.
Convenience is one of this area’s biggest selling points. There is an abundance of residential apartment blocks throughout the bustling hotspot, including freestanding buildings and apartment complexes above shops, restaurants and supermarkets.
The busy souq nearby, which is just metres from the creek, is also easily accessible by Dubai Metro and taxi.
While it is quite built-up, the area does boast a few lush green parks including Naif family park and Muteena park.
For those looking to rent an a apartment here, the average price for a one-bedroom property is about Dh46,000 a year, according to the latest figures from propertyfinder.com. If a little more space is what you are after, a two-bedroom property will cost renters about Dh66,000.
Satwa
As with many areas located north of the city, Satwa is a melting pot of cultures. You can find Indian, Filipinos, Pakistanis and Nigerians all living in harmony.
Because of its diversity, the area boasts a whole host of specialty shops where residents can get their hands on some favourites from home, from groceries to beauty products.
This community has a great view of the Downtown Dubai skyline and a 15 to 20 minute walk west will have you enjoying the comforts of the beach.
Satwa Park, located behind Al Moosa towers along Sheikh Zayed Road, also adds some welcome greenery to the inner city location.
Metro stations close by, which all connect to the red line, include Emirates Towers, Al Jafiliya and Financial Centre.
A one-bedroom apartment will set buyers back from between Dh37,000 to Dh55,000 a year, depending on size and location.
A two-bedroom unit starts from about Dh60,000, with an average yearly price of Dh70,000.
Bur Dubai
With access to BurJuman and Al Fahidi metro stations, Bur Dubai lends itself well to those looking to rent apartments close to the metro line.
A popular area for long-term renters, many residents tend to stay in the area for years because of its connectivity. Many of the apartments are located in older buildings too, so renters tend to get more square footage for their money.
In terms of rental prices today, a one-bedroom apartment in Bur Dubai commands an average of Dh49,000 a year. A larger two-bedroom family apartment costs about Dh72,000.
The nearby Mina Bazaar is a popular shopping district that boasts hundreds of retail shops and specialist tailors.
For those keen to brush up on their knowledge of Dubai, the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, which has a number of museums and cafes, is located a stone’s throw from the residential hub.
The BurJuman station is one of the most frequented on the Dubai Metro network.
Barsha Heights
For renters looking to stay further out of old Dubai with good access to public transport, Barsha Heights is a good option.
This is a popular area for young professionals working in Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village.
Even for those looking to commute a bit further out, to Business Bay or Downtown Dubai, the nearby metro station has you covered
Travel time on the red line from Barsha Heights (Dubai Internet City station) to the financial district is less than 30 minutes.
The area is a short metro or bus ride to Mall of the Emirates and it is located next to The Greens and The Views district, which is littered with lush green areas ideal for walks and picnics.
Prices for a one-bedroom unit in this area start at about Dh36,000 a year, but the average asking price from landlords is Dh50,000. If more space is required, tenants can secure a larger two-bed property for an average of Dh68,000.
