Bigger Home, Lower Rent: One Family's Move From Dubai To Sharjah

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Why We Chose to Move from Dubai to Sharjah

Our decision to relocate from Dubai to Sharjah stemmed from several key factors, all revolving around improving our family's quality of life and financial well-being. The Dubai vs Sharjah comparison, specifically regarding cost of living and property prices, played a significant role.

• Rising rental costs in Dubai: The ever-increasing rental costs in Dubai, especially for larger properties, were becoming unsustainable. We found ourselves paying a premium for a relatively small apartment, limiting our family's space and comfort.

• Desire for a larger property (villa instead of apartment): We dreamt of a villa with a garden, offering our children more space to play and grow. This was simply unattainable within our budget in Dubai.

• Improved value for money in Sharjah's real estate market: Research revealed that Sharjah offered significantly better value for money. We could afford a much larger property – a spacious villa – in Sharjah for a fraction of the cost of a smaller apartment in Dubai.

• Better schools and family-friendly environment in certain Sharjah areas: Sharjah boasts several excellent schools, and certain areas offer a more family-oriented atmosphere than some parts of Dubai. This was crucial in our decision-making process.

• Easier access to specific amenities (e.g., parks, beaches): We found that certain areas in Sharjah offered easier access to parks, beaches, and other family-friendly amenities.

• Reduced commuting time to work for one parent: While commuting times are a consideration for any Dubai to Sharjah move, in our case, the relocation actually reduced one parent's commute to work.

The Challenges of Relocating from Dubai to Sharjah

While the benefits of moving from Dubai to Sharjah were significant, the relocation process wasn't without its challenges. These are common hurdles for those considering a UAE relocation.

• Finding the right property that met our needs: The sheer number of properties available in Sharjah required careful research and comparison to find a villa that met our specific criteria, including location, size, and amenities.

• Navigating the Sharjah rental market (documentation, agents): Understanding the nuances of the Sharjah rental market, including the necessary documentation and the role of real estate agents, initially proved challenging.

• Increased commuting time for one parent: Although one parent's commute decreased, the other experienced a slight increase. Proper planning and consideration of commuting routes are crucial.

• Adjusting to a slightly different pace of life: Sharjah offers a slightly calmer pace of life compared to Dubai's frenetic energy. Adjusting to this difference required time and adaptation.

• Transferring utilities and other services: Transferring utilities and other services, such as internet and phone lines, involved some administrative work but was ultimately straightforward.

• Enrolling children in a new school: This proved to be one of the more complex tasks, requiring research, applications, and coordination with the school administration.

The Benefits of Living in Sharjah Compared to Dubai

The advantages of our move to Sharjah far outweighed the challenges. The improved lifestyle and significant cost savings made the transition worthwhile.

• Significantly lower rent for a much larger property: We now pay AED 80,000 annually for a 4-bedroom villa with a garden, compared to AED 120,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in Dubai. This represents a massive difference in both square footage and rental cost.

• More space for children to play and family activities: The extra space has dramatically improved our family life. The children have a dedicated play area, and we can enjoy outdoor activities in our garden.

• Access to affordable yet high-quality amenities (e.g., supermarkets, healthcare): Sharjah offers a wide range of affordable supermarkets and healthcare facilities, comparable in quality to those in Dubai.

• Closer proximity to specific attractions (e.g., beaches, parks): Our new location provides easier access to beaches and parks, enhancing our leisure time.

• Quieter and less congested environment: Sharjah's generally quieter and less congested environment is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Dubai.

• Increased savings on monthly expenses: The combined effect of lower rent and more affordable amenities has resulted in substantial monthly savings.

Finding the Perfect Property in Sharjah

Our successful property search involved several key strategies:

• Utilizing online property portals: We extensively used online portals to browse available properties, filtering by our specific requirements.

• Working with a reputable real estate agent: A knowledgeable agent guided us through the process, assisting with paperwork and negotiations.

• Considering different areas of Sharjah based on our needs and preferences: We explored different areas of Sharjah to find a location that balanced proximity to amenities and schools with our budget.

• Thoroughly researching properties before signing a lease agreement: We carefully inspected each property before signing a lease, ensuring it met our standards.

• Negotiating rental terms and conditions: Our agent helped us negotiate favorable rental terms and conditions, ensuring a fair agreement.

Conclusion

Relocating from Dubai to Sharjah was a significant but ultimately rewarding decision for our family. While there were challenges, the benefits of a larger home and significantly lower rent far outweigh them. The improved quality of life, increased space, and financial savings have transformed our family's daily routines for the better.

Are you considering a move from Dubai to Sharjah to achieve bigger home, lower rent? Start your search today and discover the possibilities! Explore Sharjah's diverse neighborhoods and find the perfect property to fit your family's needs. Embrace a more affordable and fulfilling lifestyle in Sharjah.