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 2 months ago
350,000 AED/year
Luxury 3Bedroom Apartment with Full Sea View
Amber, Tiara Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3
4
2,400 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 23 hours ago
210,000 AED/year
Upgraded | 2 Bed + Maids | Large Layout | Vacant
Marina Residences 3, Marina Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
3
1,735 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 20 hours ago
400,000 AED/year
Beach Access | Dual View | Spacious | High Floor
Oceana Pacific, Oceana, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3
4
2,280 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
700,000 AED/year
Exclusive | Fully Upgraded | High Floor
Aquamarine, Tiara Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3
3
1,677 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
175,000 AED/year
Cozy unit | Low Floor | Furnished | Vacant
Serenia Residences North, Serenia Residences The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
1
2
900 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
360,000 AED/year
3BR+MAID | UNFURNISHED| VACANT
The Fairmont Palm Residence North, The Fairmont Palm Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3
5
2,174 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
225,000 AED/year
2 BR+Maid | Fully Upgraded | Vacant Now
Al Khushkar, Shoreline Apartments, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
4
1,586 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
799,000 AED/year
Sea View | Branded furniture | Luxurious | Vacant|
Raffles The Palm, The Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
2
2,102 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
230,000 AED/year
Modern | Fully Furnished | Luxury
Golden Mile 7, Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
4
2,096 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
360,000 AED/year
Upgraded | Largest Layout | Sea View
Al Khushkar, Shoreline Apartments, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3
4
2,186 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 5 days ago
100,000 AED/year
Vacant Soon | Low Floor | Furnished | Modern Unit
Marina Quays West, Marina Quays, Dubai Marina, Dubai
1
2
793 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
240,000 AED/year
Marina View | Upgraded | Chiller Free
Al Yass Tower, Emaar 6 Towers, Dubai Marina, Dubai
2
3
1,576 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
165,000 AED/year
Marina view | Vacant Now | White Goods Included |
Ariyana Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai
2
2
1,854 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
300,000 AED/year
Vacant | Chiller Free | Unfurnished
5242 Tower 2, 5242, Dubai Marina, Dubai
3
5
1,727 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 24 hours ago
80,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Prime Location | Vacant
Sparkle Tower 3, Sparkle Towers, Dubai Marina, Dubai
studio
1
406 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 20 hours ago
110,000 AED/year
Full Marina View | Mid floor | Vacant Soon
Bay Central West, Bay Central, Dubai Marina, Dubai
1
2
696 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
239,999 AED/year
Largest Lay Out | Full Marina View | All En-Suite
Marina Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai
3
5
1,854 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
270,000 AED/year
Fully Upgraded | Huge Unit | Available Now
Azure, Dubai Marina, Dubai
3
3
2,028 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
95,000 AED/year
Furnished | Next to Tram | Move In Ready
Sparkle Tower 3, Sparkle Towers, Dubai Marina, Dubai
1
2
584 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
195,000 AED/year
Full Sea View | Chiller Free | Spacious
Ocean Heights, Dubai Marina, Dubai
3
5
1,869 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 6 days ago
55,000 AED/year
CLOSED KITCHEN - LAST UNIT LEFT - READY TO MOVE IN
Alza 11, Dubai Land, Dubai
1
2
681 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
65,000 AED/year
LAST UNIT LEFT - READY TO MOVE IN - DEWA ONLY AC!!
Flamingo Z2 Tower, Arjan, Dubai
1
2
666 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
63,000 AED/year
LAST UNIT LEFT - READY TO MOVE IN - FAMILY/COUPLE!
Continents Tower, District 13, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
800 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 19 hours ago
170,000 AED/year
2 Bedroom | Prime Location | Vacant Now
Vida Residence 2, Vida Residence, The Hills, Dubai
2
2
1,298 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 23 hours ago
210,000 AED/year
Upgraded | 2 Bed + Maids | Large Layout | Vacant
Marina Residences 3, Marina Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
2
3
1,735 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 19 hours ago
299,000 AED/year
Maids Room | Ready to Move In | Panoramic View
Mulberry 2, Park Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
3
4
1,947 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 22 hours ago
119,999 AED/year
High Floor | Burj View | Prime Location
UPSIDE Living, Business Bay, Dubai
studio
1
474 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 20 hours ago
400,000 AED/year
Beach Access | Dual View | Spacious | High Floor
Oceana Pacific, Oceana, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
3
4
2,280 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 24 hours ago
80,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Prime Location | Vacant
Sparkle Tower 3, Sparkle Towers, Dubai Marina, Dubai
studio
1
406 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
85,000 AED/year
Vacant Unit | Fully Furnished | Luxury Home
Laya Heights, Dubai Studio City, Dubai
1
2
742 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 4 months ago
110,000 AED/year
Furnished | All Bills Included | Well Maintained
DAMAC Maison Aykon City Hotel Apartments, Business Bay, Dubai
studio
1
420 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
70,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished Studio| Prime Location |Canal View
Waters Edge, Business Bay, Dubai
studio
1
400 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
85,000 AED/year
Exclusive | Canal View | Spacious | High Floor
Mayfair Tower, Business Bay, Dubai
1
1
573 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
230,000 AED/year
Vacant Now | Unfurnished | Maid Room and Balcony
Meera, Al Habtoor City, Business Bay, Dubai
3
4
1,947 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 22 hours ago
119,999 AED/year
High Floor | Burj View | Prime Location
UPSIDE Living, Business Bay, Dubai
studio
1
474 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
175,000 AED/year
Luxurious | Fully Furnished | Panoramic Burj Views
SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Business Bay, Dubai
1
2
1,296 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
115,000 AED/year
MULTIPLE CHEQUES | SMART HOME | LUXURY AMENITIES
Trillionaire Residences, Business Bay, Dubai
1
1
602 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
119,999 AED/year
High Floor | Vacant | Prime Location
Aykon City Tower C, Aykon City, Business Bay, Dubai
2
3
897 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
105,000 AED/year
Community View | Modern | Spacious
The Bay Residence, Business Bay, Dubai
1
1
844 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
94,999 AED/year
U-BORA | Vacant | Great Location
Ubora Tower 1, Ubora Towers, Business Bay, Dubai
1
1
695 sqft
- Studio apartment: 68,086 AED
- One-bedroom: 91,901 AED
- Two-bedroom: 129,856 AED
Downtown Dubai:
-
Apartment
Listed 3 months ago
345,000 AED/year
High Floor | Middle Unit | Bills Includes
The Address Residence Fountain Views 2, The Address Residence Fountain Views, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,452 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
349,999 AED/year
FULLY UPGRADED I FURNISHED I BURJ KHALIFA VIEW
Yansoon 3, Yansoon, Old Town, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,405 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
195,000 AED/year
Upgraded | Luxurious | Video Available
South Ridge 6, South Ridge, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,488 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
209,999 AED/year
Burj View | Modern Design | Ready to Move
Burj Royale, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
2
1,045 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
340,000 AED/year
Best Price | Bigger Size | Ready To Move In
The Address Sky View Tower 1, The Address Sky View Towers, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,543 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
139,999 AED/year
Burj Views | Upgraded | Luxurious and Spacious
Burj Views podium, Burj Views, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
1
1
906 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
409,000 AED/year
Burj Khalifa View | Fully Furnished | High Floor
Burj Vista 1, Burj Vista, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
3
4
1,816 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
235,000 AED/year
High Floor | Full Burj Views | Quiet
South Ridge 1, South Ridge, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,635 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
400,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Stunning Downtown Views
The Address Sky View Tower 1, The Address Sky View Towers, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
2
3
1,699 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
320,000 AED/year
Burj Khalifa View | High Floor | Chiller Free
Boulevard Point, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
3
4
1,821 sqft
- Studio apartment: 80,569 AED
- One-bedroom: 120,039 AED
- Two-bedroom: 190,716 AED
Jumeirah Lake Towers:
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
81,999 AED/year
Lake View | Unfurnished | Vacant
V3 Tower, JLT Cluster V, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
1
2
805 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
110,000 AED/year
Furnished | Upgraded | Near Metro | Spacious 1BHK
MAG 214, JLT Cluster R, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
1
2
722 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
85,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Prime Location | Next to Metro
Goldcrest Executive, JLT Cluster C, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
1
1
639 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
120,000 AED/year
MAG 214 | JLT Cluster R |AMAZING UNIT | IDEAL HOME
MAG 214, JLT Cluster R, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
1
2
722 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
85,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Chiller Free | Near to Metro
Concorde Tower, JLT Cluster H, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
1
2
743 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 month ago
425,000 AED/year
Best Location | Best Facilities | Negotiable
Uptown Tower, Uptown Dubai, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
3
4
1,739 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 months ago
215,000 AED/year
2 BR + Maid| Immaculate Apartment| Furnished
Me Do Re Tower, JLT Cluster L, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
2
2
1,292 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
180,000 AED/year
Luxurious semi-furnished 2BR in JLT
Madina Tower, JLT Cluster O, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
2
3
2,030 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
145,000 AED/year
Comfortable 2BR | with Balcony | for Rent
Global Lake View, JLT Cluster E, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
2
3
1,018 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 months ago
235,000 AED/year
Rare Duplex with Skyline Views | 3BR | Vacant
Laguna Tower, JLT Cluster A, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
3
3
2,329 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 6 months ago
100,000 AED/year
Stylish 1BR | Pool View | Chiller Free | Bright
Socio at Dubai Hills Estate Tower 2, Socio at Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
1
488 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 19 hours ago
299,000 AED/year
Maids Room | Ready to Move In | Panoramic View
Mulberry 2, Park Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
3
4
1,947 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
200,000 AED/year
Vacant | 4 Cheques | Brand New
Park Field Tower 2, Park Field, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
2
2
1,013 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
120,000 AED/year
PET Friendly | High Floor | Negotiable Cheques
Park Field Tower 1, Park Field, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
1
647 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
150,000 AED/year
Exclusive | Brand New | Fully Furnished
Park Field Tower 1, Park Field, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
1
647 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
190,000 AED/year
Park View | Dubai Hills | Family Oriented
Park Field Tower 2, Park Field, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
2
2
1,037 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
120,000 AED/year
Lime Gardens | Spacious 1BHK | Excellent Amenities
Lime Gardens, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
1
674 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
125,000 AED/year
Modern Unit | Fully Furnished | Available Now
Park Point Building C, Park Point, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
1
693 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
120,000 AED/year
Available Now | Brand New | Community View
Park Horizon Tower 1, Park Horizon, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
1
1
655 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
235,000 AED/year
Chiller Free | Unfurnished | Garden View
Park Heights 1, Park Heights, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai
3
3
1,610 sqft
- Studio apartment: 56,819 AED
- One-bedroom: 91,899 AED
- Two-bedroom: 146,361 AED
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC):
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
185,000 AED/year
Closed Kitchen-With Appliances-Spacious Layout
Westview Garden, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
3
4
1,859 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
63,000 AED/year
LAST UNIT LEFT - READY TO MOVE IN - FAMILY/COUPLE!
Continents Tower, District 13, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
800 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
115,000 AED/year
Spacious 2 BHK | Family | Al Barsha South
Golden Homes Building, District 15, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
2
3
1,463 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
75,000 AED/year
FINAL UNITS | NO COMMISSION | BRAND NEW
The Vybe, District 16, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
1
736 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
58,000 AED/year
Modern Elegant | Marina View | Move in Ready
Bloom Towers B, Bloom Towers, District 10, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
studio
1
393 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
65,000 AED/year
Stylish 1BR | Near to Circle Mall | Ready to Move
Diamond Views 4, Diamond Views, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
1
675 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 19 hours ago
76,999 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Spacious | Hot Location
SPICA Residential, District 10, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
858 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
73,000 AED/year
Brand new Building l 2 Bedroom Hall l 12 Cheques
S.S Lootah Residence JVC, District 11, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
2
2
771 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 21 hours ago
105,000 AED/year
Private Pool | High Floor | Spacious
Binghatti Phantom, District 17, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
911 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
140,000 AED/year
Available | Best View | High Floor | Furnished
Binghatti Royale, District 18, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai
1
2
921 sqft
- Studio apartment: 47,562 AED
- One-bedroom: 67,568 AED
- Two-bedroom: 95,807 AED
Dubai Sports City:
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
55,000 AED/year
Spacious Fully Furnished Studio for Rent at The Sp
The Spirit, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
646 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
60,000 AED/year
Luxurious Studio Furnished -Big Balcony -Golf View
The Matrix, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
606 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
72,000 AED/year
Live in Style, Stunning , Big1 BDR with parking
The Matrix, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
1
2
860 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 day ago
48,000 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Ready to Move In | Inquire Now
Giovanni Boutique Suites, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
studio
1
454 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
80,000 AED/year
Modern 2BR Fully Unfurnished Apartment - Diamond -
The Diamond, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
2
3
1,062 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
58,999 AED/year
Spacious Lay out | Elegant | Prime Location
Elite Sports Residence 2, Elite Sports Residence, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
1
2
923 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
75,000 AED/year
Bright and sunny I Cozy 1BR with Canal View
The Spirit, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
1
2
801 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
80,000 AED/year
Chiller Free |Freshly Painted |With Balcony |Ready
Golf View Residence, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
2
3
1,093 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 days ago
110,000 AED/year
Newly Renovated| Fully Furnished| Golf Course View
Giovanni Boutique Suites, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
2
2
881 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
80,000 AED/year
Spacious One Bed I Huge Balcony I Furnished I
The Matrix, Dubai Sports City, Dubai
1
2
1,159 sqft
- Studio apartment: 39,692 AED
- One-bedroom: 53,717 AED
- Two-bedroom: 76,386 AED
Dubai Creek Harbour:
-
Apartment
Listed 2 months ago
160,000 AED/year
Freshly Renovated | Full Sea View | Spacious
Creek Edge Tower 1, Creek Edge, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
2
1,086 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
150,000 AED/year
Ready 2 Beds - Amazing View - High Floor
Creek Horizon Tower 2, Creek Horizon, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
2
1,211 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
139,999 AED/year
Fully Furnished | Creek Beach Access | Great Size
Rosewater at Creek Beach Building 2, Rosewater at Creek Beach, Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
840 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
155,000 AED/year
Brand new | Chiller free | Lagoon Access
Grove at Creek Beach Building 2, Grove at Creek Beach, Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
2
1,165 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
265,000 AED/year
Corner Unit | Canal & Creek Beach Views | Spacious
The Cove Building 1, The Cove, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
3
4
1,840 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 5 days ago
170,000 AED/year
Upcoming | Skyline and Burj View | Luxurious
Address Harbour Point Tower 2, Address Harbour Point, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
2
781 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
110,000 AED/year
Beachside Living | Modern 1BHK | Vacant l Chiller
Surf at Creek Beach Building 1, Surf at Creek Beach, Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
693 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
180,000 AED/year
Brand New | Spacious Layout | Greenery Views
Summer at Creek Beach Building 1, Summer at Creek Beach, Creek Beach, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
2
2
1,171 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
115,000 AED/year
High Floor | Creek and Burj Khalifa View | Vacant
Creek Palace, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
1
1
642 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
315,000 AED/year
Ready To Move | Park View | Best Layout
Address Harbour Point Tower 2, Address Harbour Point, Dubai Creek Harbour (The Lagoons), Dubai
3
3
1,598 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.
