Should I rent or buy in Dubai?

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Dubai?

As of 2026, buying usually wins if you stay past the break-even point, typically 5 to 7 years, because rent growth (around 5% a year on average) and the equity you build with each payment compound in your favor. For shorter stays, renting often costs less since you skip roughly 7 to 8% in purchase fees. The calculator below computes the break-even year for your exact numbers.