Moving to Dubai is exciting — new job, new lifestyle, new weather, but the serious question everyone eventually faces is where to live.

As an expat, navigating Dubai’s housing market can be confusing. The city is full of options — from skyscraper studios to cozy villas, colivings, ready-to-move-in apartments, and long-term Ejari rentals. Each format comes with its own rules, prices, amenities, and levels of commitment.

This guide simply breaks everything down. And if you want a shortcut that removes all the headaches (documents, utilities, maintenance, agents…), you’ll see why many expats end up choosing Colife.

Tax-free income
One of the biggest perks: no income tax. More salary stays in your pocket and more convenience in your housing choices.

Safety & infrastructure
Dubai consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world. Transport, supermarkets, cafés, gyms, and coworking spaces are everywhere.

Straightforward visa pathways
There’s an option for everyone: golden visas, remote work visas, freelance permits.

High demand for furnished rentals
Most newcomers don’t bring furniture, so ready-to-move apartments are extremely popular.

A breakdown of the main types of housing in Dubai, including who they suit and what to expect.

For most newcomers, furnished apartments are the easiest way to start life in Dubai. You arrive with a suitcase and walk into a fully equipped home. These apartments usually sit inside modern buildings with pools, gyms, coworking rooms, and 24/7 security. You don’t need to worry about bed, appliances, or setting up Wi-Fi.

The only real drawback is the price: convenience costs more, especially in central areas. But for remote workers, digital nomads, and couples who want comfort from day one, this format is usually the most stress-free beginning.

Pros:

• Move in instantly
• No furniture shopping
• Gyms, pools, coworking areas in many buildings

Cons:

• Higher monthly cost
• Minimum stay may apply

Coliving became popular thanks to young professionals and students who want to keep expenses low while staying social. You get your own bedroom, but the living room and kitchen are shared with other residents. It’s affordable, flexible, and a great way to meet people quickly, especially if you’re moving alone and want to build a circle of friends right away.

The down side is obvious: less privacy and the daily unpredictability of shared kitchens. Some people love the community vibe; others quickly realize they prefer quiet evenings and clean countertops.

This is where Colife stands out. It keeps the sense of community, but gives you a private, fully furnished apartment. Essentially, all the fun of coliving without its downsides.

Pros:

• Most budget-friendly option
• Easy way to make new friends
• Flexible terms

Cons:

• Shared kitchens and noise
• Varies by roommates

Traditional long-term rentals are the most cost-effective option for expats who already know they’re staying in Dubai for at least a year. You sign a 12-month Ejari contract and usually pay the rent in several cheques. This gives you stability and access to a wide range of unfurnished apartments and villas.

The catch? Unfurnished means really unfurnished. You’ll need to buy furniture, set up utilities, arrange Wi-Fi, and handle maintenance yourself. It’s perfect for families or long-term professionals, but less ideal for anyone trying to avoid big upfront costs or long commitments.

Pros:

• Cheapest monthly rate
• Great for long stays
• Full freedom to design your home

Cons:

• Must buy furniture
• DEWA deposit, Wi-Fi setup, maintenance
• Early contract break penalties

Serviced apartments feel like living in a hotel: weekly cleaning, towels, reception, sometimes even breakfast. Everything is included, from Wi-Fi to DEWA, so there’s almost nothing to manage. Many corporate relocations choose this option because it’s safe, predictable, and hassle-free.

However, this lifestyle comes with a premium price tag. You’re paying for convenience, and it shows on the invoice. It’s an excellent short-term solution but rarely the most budget-friendly one.

Pros:

• Zero setup
• Weekly cleaning
• Central locations

Cons:

• Premium cost
• Less “homey”

If you need ultimate flexibility, holiday homes are ideal. These are fully furnished, Airbnb-style apartments you can rent by the month. They’re popular with digital nomads, people testing areas before committing, or expats between jobs.

The freedom is fantastic, but there are two things to keep in mind: cleaning fees and seasonal pricing. During winter (Dubai’s peak season), prices can rise quickly. As a temporary solution, though, it’s hard to beat the convenience.

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility
• Fully furnished
• Easy move-in

Cons:

• Cleaning fees
• Tourist-season price spikes

With Colife Dubai, expats get privacy, a fully furnished apartment in best locations, built-in community, and an opportunity to choose: in Colife catalog you can find rooms and beds in modern colivings, studio apartments, serviced apartments in the best towers, short-term rentals, and ejari-apartments.

DEWA Deposit — 2,000 AED for apartments, 4,000 AED for villa;.
Chiller Fees — Some buildings offer free cooling; others bill separately;
Internet Setup — 300–500 AED activation, around 300 AED/month;
Agency Fee — Usually 5% of annual rent;
Ejari Registration — 155 AED.

• No setup costs
• Utilities, Wi-Fi, AC already active
• Maintenance handled for you
• Flexible stay length
• No need to commit for a full year
• Faster, easier move-in process

For a smooth start in a new country, this is the most stress-free option.

Colife combines the convenience of serviced apartments, the privacy of your own home, and the community vibe of coliving without the downsides of any format.

Moving to a new country is easier when you’re not alone. Colife creates an instant social circle.

• Meet people from tech, finance, marketing, hospitality, startups
• Join brunches, hikes, game nights, sports
• Connect instantly through building WhatsApp groups
• Get help, recommendations, and friendly support anytime

Many residents say this community feeling is what helps them adapt to Dubai the fastest.

• Is Ejari provided?
• Is chiller included?
• Who handles maintenance?
• What utilities are included?
• How is the building rated?
• Any construction nearby?
• Is parking included?
• Any deposits or hidden fees?

If this all feels like too much — Colife handles the entire process for you.

Dubai offers a wide range of housing options for expats: coliving, furnished apartments, holiday homes, serviced units, and long-term Ejari rentals. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

But if you want a smooth, transparent, stress-free move-in with flexible terms, fully furnished interiors, and zero paperwork headaches, Colife makes renting in Dubai easy from day one.

Ready to find a stress-free home in Dubai?
Explore Colife’s curated apartments and move in fully furnished without agents or hidden fees.