There is the possibility that I might be coming back to Dubai and was wondering what accommodation rental costs are like these days. I have heard that they are on the rise.

I left in June 2012 but I owned an apartment in the Old Town then and haven't actually rented anything since 2006, hence I'm a bit clueless as to current rental costs. I would be looking for a one bed unit.

do a quick search on Dubizzle, you should find out what you need there.

Downtown / Old Town you're looking at about 100-130 maybe?
Marina, 90-110 probably.
Business Bay 70-110

Thanks, I'll do that.

Thanks Scamp.

I largely agree with Scamp’s assessment of prices. Also consider JLT which is around 70-90k.

Watch out for bigger agent firms (such as Better Homes) bumping up prices – the higher the cost the more commission they get.

I’m moving out of my 1 bedroom apartment in Downtown at the start of March. As far as I know the landlord hasn’t got anyone else lined up for it. Happy to put you in contact with them which might avoid agent fees if nothing else. Drop me a PM if that’s of any interest.