Abu Dhabi’s rental market has been growing steadily, with prices moving differently across neighborhoods.
Broadly, “affordable” means areas where studios and smaller apartments offer lower annual rents while still giving you reasonable access to daily amenities and key roads.
Based on current market trackers, the most budget-friendly clusters tend to be in and around the mainland suburbs (Khalifa City, MBZ City, Shakhbout City, Al Shamkha, Madinat Al Riyadh), plus a few older-but-central pockets inside the city (Al Muroor, Al Mushrif, Al Nahyan).
Recent data shows suburban hotspots like Khalifa City and Al Shamkha consistently leading the affordable apartment segment for studios and 1-beds, while mid-tier areas such as Al Reem Island and the Corniche skew higher.
Because listed prices change with building age, finishes, plot location, and supply in a given month, you’ll see ranges rather than single “true” numbers.
Still, the patterns are clear: mainland suburbs deliver the most space per dirham; older central corridors offer convenience at fair value; and newer island communities usually cost more. Here are the 10 most affordable neighbourhoods for renting a property in Abu Dhabi:
1. Al Mushrif
Al Mushrif is one of the older, more established neighbourhoods in Abu Dhabi. It’s a green, leafy neighborhood with a mix of villas and low-rise apartments.
Compared to the Corniche or downtown, Mushrif feels more traditional, more residential. There are also a lot of embassies and cultural centres in the area, which gives it a more traditional feel.
Lifestyle and amenities in Al Mushrif:
The highlight is Mushrif Park, a large green space where families go for picnics and weekend activities.
There’s also Mushrif Mall, which makes shopping easy. Schools, clinics, and community centers are nearby, so you won’t have to go far for daily needs.
Rental Prices in Al Mushrif:
Studio apartments for rent in Al Mushrif can be found for around AED 30,000 to AED 35,000, though if you’re lucky, you might find an older unit for less, closer to AED 20,000. One-bedroom flats cost AED 40,000 to 50,000.
Villas in Al Mushrif are the most common type of housing here, and as expected, more space often comes with more money, yet it is still very affordable.
2. Shakhbout City (Khalifa City B)
Shakhbout City is newer compared to some of Abu Dhabi’s older neighborhoods. A lot of new housing developments are popping up here, which means more options and relatively lower rents.
It’s calm and still developing in some pockets, and not as busy as Khalifa City A. You’ll see brand new villas and apartment complexes, and some areas feel almost suburban-rural because of how spread out they are.
Facilities & Amenities in Shakhbout City:
There are schools, mosques, and medical centers, but not as many shopping malls or entertainment hubs yet. You may need to drive to other parts of Abu Dhabi for larger errands.
The region is adjacent to the main Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway and the airport, and it connects immediately to the highway. Like Khalifa and MBZ, there isn’t much public transport, thus most people rely on their own cars.
Rental Price Range in Shakhbout:
Studio apartments in Shakhbout City are quite affordable, often between AED 17,000 and AED 22,000 per year, which makes it one of the most affordable on this list.
3. Al Muroor
Al Muroor is closer to the city, which makes it attractive if you want affordable rent but still easy access to downtown.
It’s a practical area, with busy roads, residential blocks, and a mix of older and newer buildings. It doesn’t feel suburban like Khalifa City or MBZ; it feels like you’re still in Abu Dhabi proper.
Supermarkets, schools, clinics, and small shopping complexes are all nearby. It’s a very convenient neighborhood to live in if you don’t want to spend time commuting long distances.
Rental Prices in Al Muroor:
Studios in Al Muroor usually cost between AED 30,000 and AED 46,000, but smaller, older flats can sometimes be found starting at AED 20,000.
4. Mussafah
Mussafah is often seen as an industrial area, but if you’re really on a budget, it’s one of the cheapest places to live in Abu Dhabi.
Don’t expect glamour here. It’s straightforward, functional, and very busy. But if saving money is your top priority, Mussafah delivers. Housing is basic, but that’s reflected in the price.
Facilities & Amenities in Mussafah:
Lots of supermarkets, workshops, eateries, and small shops. For bigger shopping trips, you’ll head out to nearby malls like Dalma Mall. Studio apartments in Mussafah start at AED 25,000 and usually go up to around AED 38,000.
5. Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club Area)
Al Zahiyah, or the old Tourist Club Area, is a lively, busy neighborhood that still offers relatively affordable housing right in the city.
It’s packed with high-rise apartments, shops, and restaurants. The area has been around for decades, so the buildings are older, but that’s exactly why rents are lower compared to other areas like the Corniche.
Facilities & Amenities in Al Zahiyah:
Almost everything is within walking distance: supermarkets, small malls, hotels, cafés, and even nightlife spots.
It’s a very practical and lively place to live. Studios in Al Zahiyah generally range from AED 30,000 to AED 40,000 per year.
6. Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island isn’t the cheapest on this list, but it’s worth mentioning because it combines affordability with a luxury lifestyle. It comprises high-rise towers with gyms, pools, and sea views. The community feels international and modern, attracting young professionals and couples.
Facilities & Amenities in Al Reem Island:
Al Reem Island has almost everything: schools, hospitals, malls, restaurants, and waterfront promenades. It’s self-contained, so you don’t need to leave the island for most things.
Rent range in Al Reem Island:
Studio apartments for rent in Al Reem Island usually fall between AED 40,000 and AED 55,000 per year.
7. Khalifa City
Khalifa City has built a reputation as one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular suburban districts for affordable living.
It’s located on the mainland, about a 25-minute drive from the city center, and is very well connected to Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Dubai highway.
Lifestyle & Community:
The area is mostly low-rise villas and compounds, giving it a calmer and more spacious vibe compared to central Abu Dhabi.
Families often choose it because of its schools (Al Yasmina Academy, Raha International School, etc.) and parks.
For singles and professionals, it offers a quieter, suburban lifestyle with access to supermarkets, gyms, and cafés without the noise of downtown.
Connectivity:
The road links are excellent, especially if you work near the airport, Masdar City, or even need to commute to Dubai daily.
Rental Prices in Khalifa City:
Studios in Khalifa City typically range between AED 28k – 35k per year, with 1-bedroom apartments starting from AED 40k.
You’ll also find spacious portions of villas that are rented out as independent units, often more affordable than purpose-built apartments.
8. Mohamed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City)
Mohammed Bin Zayed City, or MBZ for short, is located immediately south of Khalifa City and shares a similar suburban feel, although rentals are typically slightly lower. It’s one of the most popular areas to find cheap houses in Abu Dhabi.
Lifestyle and Community:
MBZ feels fairly residential, a mix of apartment buildings and villas. There are numerous local stores, grocery stores, and gyms in the region, making living easy.
You won’t find tourist attractions or luxury shops here, but that’s part of why rents are lower. It’s popular among middle-income families and people who don’t mind being a bit outside the city.
Connectivity:
MBZ is located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, near the E311 and E30 highways. It’s great for people who work in the Mussafah Industrial Area, Khalifa City, or perhaps people who frequently go to Dubai. It takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes to get to the centre of Abu Dhabi by car.
Rental Costs in MBZ City:
Studios in Mohamed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City) normally cost between AED 30,000 and AED 33,000 a year, and one-bedroom apartments cost between AED 38,000 and AED 45,000. Compared to the city center, larger villas are extremely reasonably priced for families.
9. Al Ghadeer
Al Ghadeer is located on the border between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, making it a popular spot for commuters.
It’s a modern, master-planned community with a lot of green spaces, walkways, and newer buildings.
It feels more relaxed than central Abu Dhabi, almost like a small town built for people who value a peaceful and calm environment.
Facilities & Amenities in Al Ghadeer:
Schools, shops, and community facilities are available, but not as developed as the central Abu Dhabi neighborhoods.
Studios in Al Ghadeer cost between AED 25,000 and AED 35,000 per year. Al Ghadeer is mostly preferred by people who work in Dubai but want cheaper rent than Dubai prices.
10. Corniche Road
Finally, Corniche Road. Now, this is one of the more expensive areas on the list, but it still offers relative value compared to other high-end waterfront neighborhoods in the region.
It’s all about sea views, parks, and a lively waterfront promenade. The Corniche is where people go for morning jogs, family outings, and beach days. Housing here is mostly in tall apartment towers with great views.
Facilities & Amenities in Corniche Road:
Restaurants, cafés, gyms, schools, and hospitals are all within reach. Plus, you get direct access to the beach.
Studio apartments in Corniche Road cost between AED 45,000 and AED 65,000 per year. Not the cheapest, but you’re paying for the lifestyle and location.
Leave a Reply