Monthly Serviced Apartments in Dubai: Cost of Living for Remote Workers

Remote workers often prefer Dubai because it offers a zero income tax regime, top-notch digital infrastructure, and a prime location strategically between Asia and Europe. The favourable tax regime helps high-earning remote workers and freelancers build up their savings. High-speed, reliable internet and mobile networks are other advantages, along with a wide selection of co-working spaces, cafes, and technology hubs like Dubai Internet City. 

Flexible visas like the Virtual Work Visa and Green Visa are other draws, along with lower crime rates, clean public spaces and world-class infrastructure. Demand for serviced accommodation in Dubai is naturally high among remote workers and digital nomads. However, understanding the cost of living there is essential. Let us look at them closely below. 

Monthly Serviced Apartment Costs in Dubai: What You Should Know 

Monthly serviced apartments in Dubai may cost anywhere from AED 3,000 to AED 18,000+ per month, depending on the season, size, and location. Here’s a look at the monthly rental costs by type: 

• Studio units: AED 3,500-7,500 per month. 
• 1-bedroom units: AED 8,000- 12,000 per month. 
• 2-bedroom units: AED 13,000-18,000 per month. 
• Luxury waterfront units: AED 17,500+ and upwards per month. 

Cost Breakdown by Neighbourhood: 

Here is an average cost breakdown for monthly aparthotels in Dubai by neighbourhood. 

• Budget Neighbourhoods (Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Village Circle and Deira): AED 3,000-7,700 per month for basic or studio units. Expect tranquil environments with premium amenities. 
• Mid-Range Neighbourhoods (Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Al Barsha): AED 4,000-10,000 per month. These localities are popular with remote workers, offering accessible public transit and great views. 
• Premium Neighbourhoods (Dubai Marina, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai): AED 10,000-18,000+ per month. You’ll have convenient access to co-working spaces, cafes, nightlife, and several attractions. 

Are Serviced Apartments More Affordable than Traditional Rentals Or Hotels?

Choosing serviced accommodation in Dubai may be more cost-effective than traditional unfurnished rentals and hotels. This makes them ideal options for freelancers, remote workers and digital nomads. Some reasons include: 

• Standard inclusions: Full furnishings, kitchens, on-site laundry, workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, utilities, and housekeeping (all bundled into a single payment). 
• On-site amenities: Fitness centres, swimming pools, concierges, housekeeping and more. 
• Flexible leases: Conveniently extendable monthly or weekly leases with discounts for extended stays. 
• Zero furniture and setup costs: Remote workers don’t have to buy or ship heavy furniture or set up utilities. No moving costs and no long-term risk if the work location changes. 
• Affordability: Hotels have higher nightly rates, while unfurnished rentals are more affordable upfront but require high moving costs. Serviced apartments have all-inclusive weekly or monthly rates that cut the per-night cost considerably. In-built kitchens and on-site laundry also help save costs, and there are no hidden fees like hotels. 
• More Space: You get more space and a home-like feel for the money, plus multi-bedroom layouts with great amenities. 

Best Areas for Remote Workers to Live in Dubai 

Which neighbourhoods are best for remote workers to live in Dubai? Let us take a closer look below. 

• Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is the city’s luxurious tourism and commercial hub. It offers gorgeous skyscraper views and premium apartment interiors. Connectivity is top-class, with taxis, walkable boulevards, and access to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station. It is ideal for remote workers, executives, and digital nomads seeking premier networking and in-house workspaces. 

Nearby tourist landmarks include the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Nearby business hubs include the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Emaar Square. 

• Dubai Marina & JBR

The Dubai Marina and JBR are a vibrant waterfront neighbourhood that is dotted with skyscrapers and a 7-kilometre promenade. It also offers a beach-friendly lifestyle at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence). It has its own transportation grid, with two metro stations and easy access to the Dubai Tram network. 

It is ideal for remote workers looking to balance beach access and water sports activities with nightlife and work sessions. Nearby tourist landmarks include JBR Beach, Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island, and the Dubai Marina Walk. Nearby business hubs include Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. 

• Business Bay

Business Bay is a densely concentrated corporate area along the Dubai Water Canal. It has several high-rise apartments tailored for business travellers. There is direct access to the Business Bay metro station and Sheikh Zayed Road. The canal’s marine transport stations also connect directly to various parts of Dubai. 

It is an ideal neighbourhood for professionals who want more productivity, quicker commutes to corporate offices and a fast-paced urban lifestyle. Nearby tourist landmarks include the Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk, while nearby business hubs include corporate offices in Downtown, the DIFC and the Dubai Design District (D3). 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

JLT sits directly across the highway from Dubai Marina. The neighbourhood has several cluster formations beside three man-made lakes. It is accessible via dedicated metro stations (Sobha Realty and DMCC) and offers direct access over bridges into the Marina grid. It is ideal for technology professionals, SaaS founders and solo digital nomads. They will get more value, along with great walkability and access to several restaurants, cafes and co-working spaces. 

Nearby tourist landmarks include Emirates Golf Club and leisure cum retail districts of Dubai Marina. Nearby business hubs include the DMCC Free Zone headquarters and the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ). This makes it a preferred destination for remote professionals.

Conclusion 

Ideally, book your serviced apartments in advance to get better deals and higher availability. TheSqua.re is a great place to find serviced accommodation in Dubai that suits your needs at fair and competitive rates. Enquire about discounts for long-stay packages if you’re staying for an extended duration.

Dubai Travel Tour Packages You Should Try

Klook.com

Follow and subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube  for more Travel-related updates.

Read:

• Secret Corners of Dubai Most Visitors Never Discover
• Unlock Singapore: 12 Essential Tips for First-Timers in Singapore
• Don’t Get Bazaared: 15 Essential Tips for First-Timers in Istanbul
• From Sand to Skyline: 12 Essential Tips for First-Timers in Dubai