After looking at over twenty houses/apartments, I have come to the conclusion that much of the rental market pricing is based purely on the whim of the owner, with little or no regard to an actual “market” price. This may be because there is really no working “market” to speak of-there is neither enough supply or demand to give owners a good idea of the range their property should rent for, nor potential renters an idea of how much they should pay. Prices are further distorted by the number of international oil companies, multi-nationals, and international organizations willing to pay $1500 or more for large homes; this sector for demand creates another economy which most portions of the population here are entirely priced out of. Those who own those homes that rent for such prices are the very wealthy.

There are a number of houses and apartments in the $800 to $1200 range that are quite nice, but few would comfortably fit a family of four. However, for a couple without kids you can rent a very nice, spacious place in a good neighborhood for under $1000. You could even do well for $600 to $800. We were very lucky to have found a house that would fit a family of four in a decent range; our house could probably fetch $1800 or more, but is priced well below that range.