Dubai and Bahrain present very different living experiences for expats. In this guide, we will compare the cost of living in Bahrain vs Dubai against parameters like:
- Monthly rentals
- Utility expenses
- Dining out
- Transportation
- Groceries
The cost of living in Dubai is on an upward spiral with its soaring rentals. Enjoying the city’s upscale lifestyle and premier amenities comes at a price. You can soak in luxury dining and world-class shopping experiences here.
Dubai’s vibrant nightlife also attracts many. Overall, Dubai caters to professionals seeking career advancements. Its cosmopolitan lifestyle is what attracts most expats.
On the contrary, Bahrain is a far more affordable option for families. Rents and groceries are cheaper. Utilities and everyday amenities are also less expensive. You can look forward to leading a more peaceful life in Bahrain. The country gives greater emphasis to community living. It offers all the necessary amenities with an excellent expat network.
- Rental markets
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Eating out
- Cost of living in Bahrain vs Dubai: Comparison
- A broad outlook
- Pros and cons for expats
- Key takeaways
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Rental markets
When comparing the cost of living in Bahrain vs Dubai, housing showcases the most notable difference. For most expats, rent takes away the largest share of their income. In 2025, the gap in both rental markets remains significant.
Dubai rental market
The real estate market in Dubai is extremely dynamic. It is competitive and subject to annual, if not monthly, price fluctuations. What you pay depends on:
- Market regulations
- Location
- Demand
- Supply
Till mid-2025, property value in the city continued to climb upwards, especially in prime districts. The average rental rates across Dubai will give you a very clear picture:
- An average studio rental is about 40,439 AED per annum.
- A one-bedroom apartment’s yearly average is about 61,885 AED.
- Two-bedroom homes levy an average rent of approximately 85,461 AED yearly.
- Three-bedroom units can be rented for nearly 141,653 AED per annum.
For a family, the rental is a significant portion of their income. Smaller units are affordable for young professionals. The larger apartments or villas are substantially more expensive.
Main areas in Dubai
Some areas in Dubai are very expensive. These include waterfront developments like:
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
Such areas attract higher rentals because of their:
- Prestigious location
- Top-notch facilities
In Palm Jumeirah, the average yearly rental prices are:
-
Apartment
Listed 1 year ago
242,000 AED/year
2 Bedroom/Pool View/13 Months for 12
Sarai Apartments, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
3
1,478 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
1,300,000 AED/year
Upgraded | Atlantis View | Spacious
Marina Residences 2, Marina Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3
4
4,053 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
309,990 AED/year
Atlantis View |Type C Layout | Best View
Emerald, Tiara Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
3
1,677 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
210,000 AED/year
Unfurnished | D Type | High Floor | Burj Views
Marina Residences 5, Marina Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
3
2,019 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
325,000 AED/year
Greenery View | Furnished | Vacant | Storage Room
FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
3
1,792 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
220,000 AED/year
2 BR+ MAID | FURNISHED| VACANT
Al Basri, Shoreline Apartments, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
4
1,586 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
490,000 AED/year
4BR + MAIDS | UNFURNISHED | PARTIAL SEA VIEW
The Fairmont Palm Residence North, The Fairmont Palm Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
4
6
3,323 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
688,000 AED/year
3BR+Maid | Exclusive | Fully Furnished
The Fairmont Palm Residence North, The Fairmont Palm Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3
4
5,211 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
330,000 AED/year
Partly Furnished | Spacious Layout | Sea View
Oceana Aegean, Oceana, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
3
1,709 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
240,000 AED/year
Sea View | New furniture | Rare
Oceana Pacific, Oceana, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
1
1
1,338 sqft
- Studio apartment: 104,908 AED
- One-bedroom: 153,374 AED
- Two-bedroom: 233,420 AED
In Dubai Marina, the average rent per year works out to:
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
210,000 AED/year
Marina View | Vacant | Furnished | Plus Maids
Al Yass Tower, Emaar 6 Towers, Dubai Marina, Dubai
2
3
1,511 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
320,000 AED/year
Marina View | Upgraded | Unfurnished
Murjan Tower, Emaar 6 Towers, Dubai Marina, Dubai
3
4
2,345 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
95,000 AED/year
Marina View I Chiller Free I Spacious I WaterFront
MARINA ROYALE TOWER, Dubai Marina, Dubai
1
1
1,007 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
150,000 AED/year
Marina View | High Floor | Fendi Design
Damac Heights, Dubai Marina, Dubai
1
2
959 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
160,000 AED/year
Modern Finishes | Sea View | Fully Furnished
5242 Tower 1, 5242, Dubai Marina, Dubai
1
1
687 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
250,000 AED/year
Sea View | Complete Renovation | Private Hot Tub
Ocean Heights, Dubai Marina, Dubai
2
2
1,381 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
350,000 AED/year
Fully Upgraded | Marina View | Move-In Now
Marinascape Oceanic, Trident Marinascape, Dubai Marina, Dubai
3
5
2,273 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
169,999 AED/year
High Floor | Prime Location | Vacant Unit
Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, Marina Gate, Dubai Marina, Dubai
1
2
976 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
140,000 AED/year
Available | Sea View | Rare Layout
5242 Tower 2, 5242, Dubai Marina, Dubai
1
1
686 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
135,000 AED/year
Largest Layout | Lowest Price | Vacant
Marina Quays West, Marina Quays, Dubai Marina, Dubai
2
3
1,318 sqft
- Studio apartment: 69,716 AED
- One-bedroom: 95,420 AED
- Two-bedroom: 141,739 AED
In Jumeirah Beach Residence, the yearly average rental prices are:
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
185,000 AED/year
Highest Floor | Large Layout | Unfurnished
Downtown Views II Tower 1, Downtown Views II, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
2
1,284 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
125,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Park View | High Floor
1 Residences - 2, Al Kifaf, Zabeel, Dubai
1
2
944 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
160,000 AED/year
Brand New | Ready to move in | Spacious Layout
Jadeel 2, Madinat Jumeirah Living, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
1
2
756 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
79,999 AED/year
Next To Metro | Fully Furnished Apartment
Pearlz by Danube, Al Furjan, Dubai
1
2
681 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
260,000 AED/year
Unfurnished | Vacant Now | Sunset View
The Neighbourhood, Al Barari, Dubai
2
3
1,487 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
115,000 AED/year
High Floor | Zabeel View | Vacant by Jan Last
1 Residences - 2, Al Kifaf, Zabeel, Dubai
1
2
888 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
105,000 AED/year
Harbour view | Burj Khalifa view | chiller free
Creek Crescent, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
684 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
180,000 AED/year
Unique | Fully Furnished | 1BR | Full Sea View
Palace Beach Residence, EMAAR Beachfront, Dubai Harbour, Dubai
1
2
800 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
175,000 AED/year
Exclusive 2 Bed| Golf Course Views| Available
Mosela Waterside Residences, Mosela, The Views, Dubai
2
2
1,341 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
319,999 AED/year
Best Priced | Huge Layout | Burj Views | Maids
The Residences 4, The Residences, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
3
4
2,599 sqft
- Studio apartment: 80,162 AED
- One-bedroom: 110,883 AED
- Two-bedroom: 149,075 AED
Business districts are also highly priced. Listed below are the apartment-type average yearly rental prices across key business districts:
Business Bay:
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
160,000 AED/year
Brand New | Upper Level Living | Ready to Move in
Meera, Al Habtoor City, Business Bay, Dubai
2
3
1,277 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
85,000 AED/year
1BR FULLY FURNISHED | HIGH FLOOR | NO AGENTS
Vera Residences, Business Bay, Dubai
1
1
477 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
84,999 AED/year
SPACIOUS | NEAR TO METRO | HIGH FLOOR | NO AGENT
Ontario Tower, Business Bay, Dubai
1
2
802 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
74,999 AED/year
Vacant | High Floor | Prime Business Bay Location
Park Central, Business Bay, Dubai
1
2
683 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
82,500 AED/year
High Floor | Amazing Canal Views | Brand New
Peninsula One, Peninsula, Business Bay, Dubai
studio
1
405 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
113,000 AED/year
EXCLUSIVE | Brand New| Spacious | Up to 6 cheques
The Paragon by IGO, Business Bay, Dubai
1
2
860 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
145,000 AED/year
Spacious | Mid Floor | Premium Facilities
Vezul Residence, Business Bay, Dubai
2
3
1,433 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
200,000 AED/year
Spacious Morden 3BR | Burjkhalifa view| Vacant now
Tower B, DAMAC Towers by Paramount, Business Bay, Dubai
3
3
1,744 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
120,000 AED/year
Semi Furnished | Ready to Move | Full Canal View
Noura Tower, Al Habtoor City, Business Bay, Dubai
1
2
873 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
95,000 AED/year
Available Studio | All Bills Included | Furnished
UPSIDE Living, Business Bay, Dubai
studio
1
400 sqft
- Studio apartment: 68,086 AED
- One-bedroom: 91,901 AED
- Two-bedroom: 129,856 AED
Downtown Dubai:
-
Apartment
Listed 5 months ago
2,500,000 AED/year
High Floor | Burj Khalifa View | Italian Furniture
IL Primo, Opera District, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
4
5
5,176 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
265,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Vacant | Imperial Avenue
Imperial Avenue, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
2
1,624 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
150,000 AED/year
ELEGANT NEW APT | MESMERIZING COMMUNITY VIEW
Vida Dubai Mall Tower 2, Vida Residences Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
1
2
782 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
260,000 AED/year
FULLY FURNISHED | BURJ KHALIFA VIEW | NO AGENTS
South Ridge 4, South Ridge, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,663 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
185,000 AED/year
Highest Floor | Large Layout | Unfurnished
Downtown Views II Tower 1, Downtown Views II, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
2
1,284 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
319,999 AED/year
Best Priced | Huge Layout | Burj Views | Maids
The Residences 4, The Residences, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
3
4
2,599 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
320,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Spacious Home | View Today
Forte 1, Forte, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
3
4
1,722 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
350,000 AED/year
Vacant | Burj Khalifa View | Ready To Move In
The Address Residence Fountain Views 2, The Address Residence Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,505 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
220,000 AED/year
Upgraded | Close to Dubai Mall | High Floor
Downtown Views II Tower 1, Downtown Views II, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
2
1,156 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
219,999 AED/year
High Floor | Corner 1BR Layout | AVAILABLE
Kempinski BLVD, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
1
2
905 sqft
- Studio apartment: 80,569 AED
- One-bedroom: 120,039 AED
- Two-bedroom: 190,716 AED
Jumeirah Lake Towers:
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
174,999 AED/year
3 + Maid | Closed Kitchen | Chiller Free | Vacant
Al Waleed Paradise, JLT Cluster R, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
3
4
1,956 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
175,000 AED/year
Amazing View | High Floor | Vacating Nov 1st
Madina Tower, JLT Cluster O, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
2
4
2,030 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
168,000 AED/year
High Floor | Chiller Free | Negotiable
MAG 214, JLT Cluster R, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
2
3
1,557 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
169,995 AED/year
Available in Nov | Plus Maids | Lake View
MBL Residence, JLT Cluster K, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
2
3
1,337 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
449,999 AED/year
Landmark View | Exclusive Building | Corner Unit
Uptown Tower, Uptown Dubai, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
3
4
1,739 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
84,990 AED/year
Furnished | Prime Location | Luxury Amenities
Me Do Re Tower, JLT Cluster L, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
studio
1
447 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
90,000 AED/year
SPACIOUS 1BR | HIGH FLOOR | MULTIPLE CHEQUES
Jumeirah Bay X1, JLT Cluster X, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
1
2
991 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
150,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Best view | View Today
Banyan Tree Residences Hillside Dubai, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
1
2
927 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
450,000 AED/year
Exclusive | Panoramic City Views | Available
Uptown Tower, Uptown Dubai, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
3
4
1,739 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
165,000 AED/year
Spacious Chiller free Close to metro Lake view
Green Lakes Towers, JLT Cluster S, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
2
4
1,657 sqft
- Studio apartment: 57,726 AED
- One-bedroom: 81,965 AED
- Two-bedroom: 119,488 AED
Other renowned communities also depict high rental averages per annum. These include:
Dubai Hills Estate:
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
180,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Chiller Free | Pool View
Park Point Building C, Park Point, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
2
2
1,022 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
189,999 AED/year
Kitchen Appliances | Chiller Free | Park View
Mulberry 2, Park Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
2
3
1,359 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
140,000 AED/year
Chiller Free | Emaar | Vacant | Ready to Move
Park Heights 1, Park Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
2
2
959 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
209,900 AED/year
Chiller Free | Near Park | Family Living
Park Heights 1, Park Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
3
3
1,610 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
210,000 AED/year
Partial Park View | Well Maintained | Ready/Vacant
Mulberry 1, Park Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
2
3
1,361 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
140,000 AED/year
High Floor | Unfurnished | Vacant Now | Spacious
Park Heights 2, Park Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
2
2
956 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
110,000 AED/year
Luxury Furnished | Prime Location | 4th November
Pinnacle, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
2
832 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
150,000 AED/year
Exclusively Managed | Villa View | Spacious
Ellington House, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
2
794 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
85,000 AED/year
Sidra Villa View | High Floor | Unfurnished
Collective Tower 1, Collective, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
1
476 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
85,000 AED/year
Mid Floor | Partially Furnished | Pool View
The Grove by Iman, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
studio
1
417 sqft
- Studio apartment: 56,819 AED
- One-bedroom: 91,899 AED
- Two-bedroom: 146,361 AED
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC):
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
73,000 AED/year
Open View I Bright Unit I Ready to Move
RMT Residence, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
727 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
64,000 AED/year
LAST UNIT LEFT - READY TO MOVE - FOR FAMILY/COUPLE
Continents Tower, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
888 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
89,999 AED/year
Homely 1 BR |Kitchen Appliances | Ready to Move
West View Terraces, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
932 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
85,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Best Location | Spacious Layout
Eleganz by Danube, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
886 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
76,000 AED/year
Bright 1BR | Modern Finishes | Vacant Soon
Binghatti Corner, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
737 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
52,999 AED/year
Luxury Quality | 12 Cheques | Ready To Move
Dar Al Jawhara, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
studio
1
413 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
56,499 AED/year
Brand New | Free Wifi | Unfurnished
Herad Tower, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
studio
1
550 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
65,000 AED/year
Spacious 1-Bedroom Apartment | Cozy Balcony
The Manhattan Tower, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
892 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
64,995 AED/year
Fully Furnished | High End | Garden View | Vacant
Luma 22, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
studio
1
466 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 months ago
100,000 AED/year
Newly Furnished | Prime Area | Spacious Layout
Belgravia 2, Belgravia, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
1
873 sqft
- Studio apartment: 47,562 AED
- One-bedroom: 67,568 AED
- Two-bedroom: 95,807 AED
Dubai Sports City:
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
80,000 AED/year
Bright and Sunny I Well maintained I Furnished
The Bridge, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
2
2
986 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
56,000 AED/year
Canal View, High Flr. I Furnished I Spacious Unit
The Matrix, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
601 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
48,000 AED/year
Executive Studio I Bus stop in Front I Furnished
The Spirit, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
398 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
46,000 AED/year
FULLY UPGRADED / AMAZING LAYOUT / SPACIOUS
Elite Sports Residence 2, Elite Sports Residence, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
413 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
50,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Golf Course View | Inquire Now
Giovanni Boutique Suites, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
454 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
60,000 AED/year
Unfurnished 1 BDR I Bright I Well Maintained
The Diamond, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
1
2
824 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 months ago
75,000 AED/year
1 bhk Apartment | with best ammenities | Road view
The Medalist, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
1
2
861 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
65,000 AED/year
Spacious Layout l Chiller Free | Fully Furnished
Cricket Tower, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
1
2
809 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
60,000 AED/year
Fully Upgraded Furnished With Golf Course View
Elite Sports Residence 8, Elite Sports Residence, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
491 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
51,000 AED/year
Hera Tower | Prime Studio Apartment
Hera Tower, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
397 sqft
- Studio apartment: 39,692 AED
- One-bedroom: 53,717 AED
- Two-bedroom: 76,386 AED
Dubai Creek Harbour:
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
120,000 AED/year
Available NOW | High Floor | Flexible Cheques
Summer, Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
666 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
135,000 AED/year
2 BHK | HIGH FLOOR | SPACIOUS I
Creekside 18 B, Creekside 18, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
2
1,129 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
105,000 AED/year
Harbour view | Burj Khalifa view | chiller free
Creek Crescent, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
684 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
180,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Spacious | Ready to Move in
Creek Rise Tower 1, Creek Rise, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
3
1,256 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
170,000 AED/year
Canal View | Unfurnished | Mid Floor |Vacant 05.11
Creek Edge Tower 1, Creek Edge, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
2
1,079 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 months ago
190,000 AED/year
Stunning View | Elegant | Fully Furnished
Rosewater Building 2, Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
2
1,063 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
115,000 AED/year
Pool View 1BR | Corner Unit | Lagoon access
Bayshore, Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
684 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 months ago
120,000 AED/year
1 bedroom | Spacious Apartment | Park+Canal View
17 Icon Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
765 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
125,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Brand New Funiture | Canal View
17 Icon Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
770 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 weeks ago
169,999 AED/year
Community View | Largest Layout | Chiller Free
Creek Rise Tower 1, Creek Rise, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
2
1,256 sqft
- One-bedroom: 95,966 AED
- Two-bedroom: 147,812 AED
For expats coming to Dubai, your choice of location to reside will determine your monthly expenses.
- Waterfront apartments attract premium prices.
- JVC and Sports City present more reasonable alternatives for families seeking a balance between comfort and pricing.
Bahrain rental market
The Bahrain rental market tells a different story. Prices remain on a lower spectrum, even in some prime locations. Hence, it is especially favourable for expats considering a long-term stay.
Manama, Bahrain’s capital, is the most expensive city to reside in. However, rentals are comparatively cheaper here than in Dubai.
A furnished apartment measuring about 85 m² in an expensive location will command an average rent of 4,701 AED per month. In Dubai, an equally sized unit in a premium location can be rented for around 15,025 AED per month.
Apartments in Manama of a similar size in a normal area will, on average, cost 3,110 AED to rent each month. In a comparable area in Dubai, the monthly rental would be around 9,534 AED. That is a striking difference of about 67%.
For smaller apartments, the same trend prevails.
- A 45 m² furnished studio in a costly Manama location will average about 3,236 AED a month to rent.
- In Dubai, if it is a high-end locality, you can rent a similar space for around 8,412 AED per month.
- In regular Manama areas, a furnished studio apartment will cost 2,280 AED per month to rent.
- In Dubai, a similar 45 m² furnished studio apartment in a regular locality will cost approximately 5,513 AED to rent each month.
Hamad Town and other suburban areas in Bahrain have more affordable living options. Hence, Bahrain is a viable choice for families seeking a comfortable living space without breaking the bank.
Evident Rental Contrasts
The monthly rental differences are most evident when comparing the rents levied in Dubai against those in Bahrain.
In the most premium communities in Bahrain, the yearly rent is almost always lower than in the mid-range localities in Dubai. So, families in Bahrain find it easier to get a bigger home without stretching their budget.
For expats deciding between Dubai and Bahrain, rent is often the primary aspect.
Dubai attracts people who prioritise:
- Global opportunities
- Lifestyle amenities
Bahrain attracts people who value:
- Financial stability
- Affordability
- Manageable monthly commitments
Groceries
Groceries are more expensive in Dubai. On average, groceries are 13.1% higher in Dubai than in Manama, Bahrain.
Although the monthly difference may seem insignificant, the savings can add up to thousands of dirhams over time. Families will value these savings because costs on daily essentials are inevitable.
Transportation
In Manama (Bahrain), transportation costs are about 48% cheaper than in Dubai.
Dubai is known for its efficient transport, but it comes at a cost. In Dubai, a monthly pass costs 320 AED. However, in Bahrain, you pay 117 AED for a similar monthly pass.
For local transportation, too, Dubai is expensive. A one-way ticket for local transport will cost you 6 AED in Dubai and roughly 3 AED in Bahrain.
Taxis are cheaper in Dubai. A normal taxi tariff starts at 12 AED in Dubai. It is relatively expensive in Bahrain at 19.48 AED. Even the taxi cost per km is 2.5 AED in Dubai and 12.66 AED in Manama.
Gas is marginally expensive in Dubai. It costs 2.74 AED per litre in Dubai and 2.03 AED per litre in Manama.
For families who need to commute regularly, the cost difference between using public transport and refuelling your vehicle can result in significant savings in Bahrain.
Utilities
As an expat, you will end up spending more on monthly utility bills in Dubai than in Bahrain.
If you live in an 85-m² apartment in Dubai, your monthly utility bill may amount to 764 AED. This includes your outgoings towards water, electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage clearance. While in Bahrain, your basic monthly utility outgoings work out to 462 AED.
A monthly mobile phone costs 229 AED in Dubai as against 96 AED in Manama, Bahrain. Similarly, a high-speed internet connection with unlimited data costs way more monthly in Dubai than in Bahrain. In Dubai, you are likely to pay 361 AED for such a connection, while Bahrain rates are more affordable at 148 AED.
Both Bahrain and Dubai experience hot weather, which adds to your basic utility expense. Living in Bahrain is more economical in this respect.
Eating out
Restaurants in Dubai are approximately 38.5% more expensive than those in Manama, Bahrain.
- At an inexpensive restaurant in Dubai, you end up paying roughly 40 AED. In Manama, you will pay approximately 24 AED.
- At a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal for two costs 285 AED in Dubai. A similar meal will cost 195 AED in Bahrain.
- A Dubai fast-food joint charges around 35 AED for a combo meal. However, the same meal will cost you 27.27 AED in Bahrain.
- For a regular cappuccino, you pay 20.76 AED in Dubai versus 19.32 AED in Bahrain.
- Pepsi or Coke in Dubai costs 4.37 AED for a 0.33 litre bottle and 2.95 AED in Bahrain.
Both Dubai and Bahrain have some of the best restaurants. However, in Dubai, the cost of eating out is relatively higher.
Cost of living in Bahrain vs Dubai: Comparison
The table below provides a comprehensive cost-of-living category-wise comparison for 2025. It will give you a clearer picture of the savings from a lifestyle perspective when living in Bahrain.
| Category | Dubai (AED) | Manama, Bahrain (AED) | Difference |
| Rent (85m² furnished apartment) in a normal area | 9,534 / month | 3,110 / month | 67% |
| Clothes (branded jeans) | 299 | 177 | 41% |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | 320 | 117 | 63% |
| Basic utilities (85m² apartment) | 764 | 462 | 40% |
| Dining out (mid-range, two people) | 285 | 195 | 32% |
Currency as of Sept 2025:
1 BHD = 9.74 AED
1 AED = 0.10 BHD
A broad outlook
The distinction becomes more evident when you put it all together.
- Rentals, public transport, utilities, dining out, and clothing are costlier in Dubai.
- Since both Dubai and Bahrain levy a tax on your personal income, you save more when residing in Bahrain than in Dubai.
Pros and cons for expats
| Factor | Dubai | Bahrain |
| Rent | Very high, rising rapidly | Moderate, more stable |
| Groceries | High | Affordable |
| Utilities | High | Affordable |
| Transport | Efficient, but costlier, although taxi rides are cheaper | Good public transport, although taxi rides are more expensive |
| Lifestyle | Modern, vibrant, cosmopolitan | Family-oriented, quiet, expat-friendly |
| Job Market | Extensive opportunities, especially for professionals | Growing, but more limited than Dubai |
Key takeaways
Overall, Dubai delivers a fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle with top-tier amenities and global opportunities, but this comes at a premium. Rising rents, higher utility bills, and dining costs can offset the city’s higher salaries. Bahrain, meanwhile, offers a quieter, more family-oriented life with affordable housing and manageable daily expenses. For expats seeking balance and long-term financial comfort, Bahrain remains the more cost-effective choice in 2025.
Conclusion
When considering the cost of living in Bahrain vs Dubai, Dubai is more expensive. Housing, transportation, basic utilities, clothing, groceries, and eating out cost comparatively more in Dubai.
Salaries are higher, but so are your expenses. Bahrain, however, is the place for families and individuals who value affordability and stability.
Planning to move to Dubai? Explore the different investment and renting options on Property Finder. This portal helps you find the perfect home that best suits your lifestyle.
FAQs
Yes, it is expected that rents will further appreciate, specifically in central and waterfront locations of Dubai. An increase in supply may moderate rental spikes later in the year.
No, residing in Bahrain works out cheaper than Dubai for families with lower rentals and daily expenses.
Yes, utility bills and daily groceries are comparatively cheaper in Bahrain than in Dubai.
Yes, salaries are higher in Dubai, especially for professionals. However, the high cost of living reduces your savings.
Yes, Bahrain offers a stable environment, affordable housing, and a quieter lifestyle for the expat community.
