International City has long been known as one of Dubai’s most affordable and diverse residential communities. In 2025, rental activity remains strong, with thousands of contracts recorded across studios, apartments, townhouses, and villas. To help renters and investors understand the true cost of living in this area, this guide breaks down actual rental figures based solely on researched data. These figures give a reliable snapshot of what people are really paying in 2025, rather than relying on fluctuating listings or estimates.
Disclaimer: All rental data presented in this article reflects contracts recorded from the start of 2025 up to 22nd November 2025.
2. Overview of the Total Rental Market in International City
The rental market in International City is remarkably active. In 2025, the community recorded a total of 20,780 contracts, reflecting high demand across all property types.
Overall yearly rent collected reached AED 803,807,693, which shows just how sizable the rental economy is in this compact district.
The total built-up area rented out amounted to 14,861,907 sq ft, and with this volume, the average rent price across all properties comes to AED 38,682 annually.
When looking at value for space, International City still stands out as affordable, with an average rent of AED 57 per sq ft. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly communities in Dubai for tenants seeking practical, reasonably priced homes.
3. Apartment Rental Prices in International City
Apartments represent the core of International City’s housing stock, and naturally, they make up the majority of rental activity. In 2025, apartments accounted for 20,401 contracts, which is nearly the entire market.
The total yearly rent from apartments reached AED 760,813,815, showing strong and consistent demand for smaller and mid-sized units. These homes covered a total built-up area of 14,136,241 sq ft, giving tenants plenty of options across various clusters.
The average apartment rent price is AED 37,293, making apartments the most economical type of home available in the community. The average rent per sq ft for apartments is also AED 57, matching the overall community average.
4. Rent Breakdown by Apartment Type
4.1 Studio Apartments
Studio apartments remain the most in-demand unit type due to their affordability. In 2025, studios generated a total rent of AED 242,031,822 across 8,476 contracts, making them the highest-volume category.
The average rent for a studio is AED 28,555, and tenants typically pay AED 61 per sq ft, which reflects strong value for the compact living space.
4.2 One-Bedroom Apartments (1 Bed)
One-bedroom units also experience strong demand. These units brought in AED 361,484,203 in total rent from 9,139 contracts, making them the most frequently rented unit size in the community.
The average annual rent for a 1-bed apartment is AED 39,554, with an average of AED 54 per sq ft, offering an excellent balance between cost and space.
4.3 Two-Bedroom Apartments (2 Bed)
Two-bedroom homes are ideal for small families and those needing extra living space. In 2025, these units generated AED 135,747,758 from 2,518 contracts.
The average rent for a 2-bed is AED 53,911, with tenants paying AED 55 per sq ft on average.
4.4 Three-Bedroom Apartments (3 Bed)
Three-bedroom units, although fewer in number, still play a significant role for larger families seeking extra space within International City. In 2025, 607 contracts were recorded for 3-bedroom apartments, contributing a total of AED 60,653,161 in yearly rent.
These units come with an average rent of AED 99,923, showing the jump in cost that accompanies larger layouts. Even with the higher total price, the average rent per sq ft remains at AED 54, keeping them relatively affordable compared to similar-sized units in other parts of Dubai.
4.5 Four-Bedroom Apartments (4 Bed)
Four-bedroom units are the rarest category in International City, with only 8 contracts recorded in 2025. Despite their limited number, they still contributed AED 721,626 in total rent.
The average rent for a 4-bedroom apartment is AED 90,203, which is surprisingly lower than 3-bedroom units due to the very small sample size and specific property variations. Their average rent rate is AED 61 per sq ft, making them similar in cost structure to studio units on a per-square-foot basis.
5. Townhouse Rentals in International City
Townhouses provide a middle ground between apartments and villas, offering more space while staying relatively affordable. In 2025, International City recorded 361 townhouse rental contracts, generating AED 39,590,262 in total yearly rent.
These homes collectively span 715,605 sq ft, giving families access to larger, more comfortable living spaces. The average rent price for a townhouse is AED 109,668, which is significantly higher than apartment averages but still far below villa pricing in other Dubai neighborhoods.
The average rent per sq ft for townhouses is AED 57, matching the overall trend for the community.
6. Villa Rentals in International City
Villas are the least common and most premium rental option in International City. Only 18 villa contracts were recorded in 2025, with a total yearly rent of AED 3,403,616.
Despite the small number of transactions, villas cover 10,061 sq ft in built-up area and cater to residents seeking privacy and spacious layouts. These properties come at an average rent price of AED 189,090, making them the highest-priced units in the entire community.
Their average rent per sq ft is AED 55, which is slightly lower than the community average, reflecting the larger space offered at a more favorable rate per square foot.
7. Average Rent per Square Foot Across Property Types
One of the most effective ways to compare value across different home types is by looking at the rent per square foot. In International City, the data shows a surprisingly consistent pricing pattern, regardless of whether a tenant chooses an apartment, townhouse, or villa.
- Overall community average: AED 57 per sq ft
- Apartments: AED 57 per sq ft
- Townhouses: AED 57 per sq ft
- Villas: AED 55 per sq ft
Although villas have the highest annual rents, their price per square foot is slightly lower, reflecting the larger sizes and varied layouts typical of villa properties. Similarly, apartment rents hold steady at AED 57 per sq ft across most bedroom types, making International City one of Dubai’s most stable and predictable rental markets.
Studios and four-bedroom apartments, however, stand out with a rate of AED 61 per sq ft, which is driven by their specific unit configurations and relative demand.
8. What These Numbers Mean for Tenants and Investors
The rental landscape in International City presents a compelling mix of affordability and high activity. For tenants, the numbers clearly show that this community remains one of the best-value areas in Dubai. With average annual rents ranging from around AED 28,555 for studios to AED 99,923 for 3-bedroom units, renters can find options that fit a wide range of budgets.
Investors benefit from the remarkable consistency in price per square foot, which helps maintain predictable returns. The high number of contracts, over 20,000 in 2025 alone, indicates steady rental demand, particularly for studios and one-bedroom apartments. With an average rent of AED 38,682 across the entire market, International City continues to generate strong yearly rental income relative to property purchase costs.
Townhouses and villas, though representing smaller portions of the market, offer higher annual returns per unit due to their significantly higher average rents, AED 109,668 for townhouses and AED 189,090 for villas. These segments appeal to families seeking more space while staying within a reasonable rental budget.
9. Conclusion: Is International City Affordable in 2025?
Based on the numbers, the answer is a clear yes. International City remains one of Dubai’s most affordable and competitive rental markets. With average rents staying within accessible ranges and rent per square foot remaining stable, the community continues to attract singles, families, and investors who appreciate value and practicality.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly studio or a spacious villa, International City offers a variety of choices backed by a strong rental market and consistent demand. The 2025 data reflects a community that remains dynamic, affordable, and well-positioned for continued growth.
