What does it cost to rent in old Dubai?
- Bur Dubai - area average - AED 5,840 per month, AED 70,079 a year. The lowest of the three old city districts across all sizes.
- Al Rigga - area average - AED 6,703 per month, AED 80,441 a year. AED 863 a month above Bur Dubai, or AED 10,362 over a year.
- Deira - 2 bedrooms - AED 7,083 per month, AED 85,000 a year. A family sized flat in Deira costs AED 1,243 a month more than the Bur Dubai average.
- Al Qusais, for comparison - area average - AED 3,836 per month, AED 46,027 a year. The eastern benchmark sits AED 2,004 a month under Bur Dubai.
Old Dubai against the newer addresses
The three districts along the creek are separated by AED 1,243 a month at most, which makes them one price band rather than three markets. The interesting comparison is outward. Dubai Marina averages AED 10,683 a month, AED 4,843 more than Bur Dubai and AED 58,121 more over a year. Old Town, which shares half a name with old Dubai but sits beside the Burj in Downtown, averages AED 14,455 a month, AED 7,752 above Al Rigga and close to two and a half times the Bur Dubai figure over a year, AED 173,464 against AED 70,079. In the other direction, Al Qusais shows there is still a floor below the creek at AED 46,027 a year. Flats that come up under these levels are posted on our Telegram channel as we find them.
What the numbers do not show
Deira, Al Rigga and Bur Dubai are the oldest rental stock in the city, built tight around the creek, the souks and two metro lines. Buildings vary far more here than in a planned community, so an area average covers a wider range of conditions than the same number would in a newer district. What the districts share is walkability and short commutes into the central business areas, which is why the price band holds up despite the age of the buildings. Tenants who compare these figures with a tower community are usually trading parking, gyms and pools for location and a lower yearly total. Read the average as a starting point for negotiation, not as a quoted price.
FAQ
How much is rent in Bur Dubai per month?
The area average is AED 5,840 per month as of September 2026, which is AED 70,079 for the year.
What does a two bedroom in Deira cost?
AED 7,083 per month, or AED 85,000 a year.
Is Al Rigga more expensive than Bur Dubai?
Yes, by AED 863 a month. Al Rigga averages AED 6,703 against AED 5,840 in Bur Dubai, a difference of AED 10,362 a year.
How much cheaper is old Dubai than Dubai Marina?
Bur Dubai averages AED 70,079 a year against AED 128,200 in Dubai Marina, a difference of AED 58,121.
Is old Dubai the same as Old Town?
No. Old Town is a Downtown address averaging AED 14,455 a month, more than double the Al Rigga average of AED 6,703.