"Don't Convert to Rands": Sa Woman Living in Dubai Reveals True Cost of Renting a Studio Apartment

• A South African property consultant based in Dubai broke down the real upfront costs of renting a studio apartment in the city
• Her annual rent came with a 10% deposit, two months upfront, and an agent's fee before she could move in
• South Africans who converted the figures into rands were left in shock in the comments section

A South African woman living in Dubai is giving her followers an unfiltered look at what it actually costs to rent in one of the world's most expensive cities. @yolzchannel posted the video on 7 September 2026, filming from inside her high-rise Dubai apartment with the city skyline visible behind her.

She works as a property consultant in Dubai, which means she understands the local rental market better than most newcomers. Her studio apartment costs 70,000 dirhams a year, but she was quick to point out that the biggest financial pressure hits before you even get the keys.

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Before @yolzchannel could move in, she had to cover a 10% deposit of R30 581,59 (7,000 dirhams). On top of that came two months' rent upfront, which worked out to 48 048,43 (11,667 dirhams), based on her annual rent split across six payments. Then there was the agent's fee, typically set at 5%, though she was fortunate enough to work with a colleague who did not charge her the full amount. All in, she paid roughly R87 360,78 (20,000 dirhams) before stepping through the door. She also noted that air conditioning and utilities are not included in that figure. Watch the video below:

Mzansi stunned by Dubai rental costs

Watch the full breakdown in her TikTok video below.

South Africans in the comments did not hold back once they started running the numbers:

@Ayva🦋 wrote:

"Sana I just converted in rands 💀😭"

@Zuri said:

"So, rent is roughly around 25k?😭 for a studio apartment?😭😭"

@Dimpho Sekonya reacted:

"That's like R86862,36, I fell to the floor."

@Sammy added:

"A car is really needed ngoba [because] paying 70k per year for a studio, it's too much."

@Sheilla Lavinia Impressions joked:

"Please don't convert siyanazi phela lina [we know what you're like] 🤣abo curious, curiosity killed a cat🥰"

@Ntombooo shared:

"Exactly what I've been looking for!"

@keamh6 said:

"She's always been a property girl 🔥"

Other Briefly News stories about housing

• Content creator @Garfieldzar posted a viral video comparing housing, grocery, fuel, and minimum wage figures between the United States and South Africa.
• Corporate lawyer Tshidi Vilakazi posted a TikTok detailing the high cost of living in London, specifically her R55,900 (£2,500) monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment.
• A South African expat who lived abroad for six years took to social media to ask how much money is needed to live comfortably back home.

Source: Briefly News