Al Raffa vs Bur Dubai:
Which Is Better to Live In?
Data-driven comparison of two popular Dubai areas. Compare rent prices, property values, yields, lifestyle, and commute to make an informed decision.
1BR rents in Al Raffa are 7% lower than in Bur Dubai (DLD Ejari, Jan 2026 – Nov 2026, 8,058 leases).
Our Verdict
Al Raffa is about 7% cheaper to rent: a 1BR costs AED 55K a year, against AED 59K in Bur Dubai.
Al Raffa
- Median 1BR Rent/Year
- AED 55K
- Median Home Price
- Data not available
- Transactions
- 291
Bur Dubai
- Median 1BR Rent/Year
- AED 59K
- Median Home Price
- AED 1.79M(apartments)
- Transactions
- 919
Quick Comparison
| Metric | Al Raffa | Bur Dubai | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median 1BR Rent/Year | AED 55K | AED 59K | Al Raffa lower |
| Rental Yield | Data not available | 3.8% | — |
| Median Home Price | Data not available | AED 1.79Mapartments | — |
| Transactions | 291 | 919 | Bur Dubai higher |
| Lifestyle | N/A | Modern | — |
| Metro Access | Data not available | Sharaf DG metro station, 0.5 km | — |
Rent by Apartment Size
| Size | Al Raffa | Bur Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Studiounder 50 sqm | AED 45K | AED 46K |
| 1BR50-90 sqm | AED 55K | AED 59K |
| 2BR90-145 sqm | AED 70K | AED 80K |
| 3BR145-230 sqm | AED 95K | AED 105K |
| 4BR+230+ sqm | AED 67K | AED 73K |
Median annual rent of registered Ejari leases, 2026-01-02 to 2026-11-02. Ejari does not record bedrooms for apartments, so rents are grouped by floor area; the bedroom type shown is the usual one at that size.
Median Sale Price by Year
Median price of all sales registered with the Dubai Land Department each year. Years with fewer than 20 sales are left out.
Lifestyle & Commute
Al Raffa
Bur Dubai
Lifestyle: Modern
Metro: Sharaf DG metro station, 0.5 km
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Which is better to live in: Al Raffa or Bur Dubai?
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Data Methodology
Rental Yield: Gross yield = median annual rent of registered residential leases ÷ median apartment sale price, both from Dubai Land Department data. Shown for Dubai areas only.
Average Rent: Median annual rent of registered Ejari residential leases for 50–90 m² flats (the typical 1-bedroom size). Shown for Dubai areas only.
Transaction Data: Sourced from Dubai Land Department. Transaction counts may be zero for areas with limited direct reporting, even where rental activity exists.
Anomaly Flagging: Values marked ⚠ are statistically unusual for the area and may reflect premium property mixes, data aggregation errors, or limited sample sizes.
Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Property prices, rents, and yields are based on 2026 market data and may vary. Always consult a licensed real estate advisor before making investment decisions.