Cost of Housing in Abu Dhabi

The cost of housing in Abu Dhabi is definitely more expensive than in Dubai, but it's becoming more of a tenant's market. A recent article in the National quoted prices as dropping by 9 percent in the second quarter, specifically in the Corniche area and central Abu Dhabi. Some neighbourhoods won't have lower prices though, so it just depends where you're looking.

A two-bedroom in the Corniche will go for between 140,000 and 170,000 AED a year
A two-bedroom in Central AD will go for between 120,000 and 140,000 AED a year

Also, massive new apartment complexes have just been completed - Al Zeina in Al Raha, so perhaps hold tight and see if you can find something decent in Abu Dhabi. The twice daily 90-minute commute to Dubai can wear on you.