Background Transit oriented developments (TOD's) are a type of urban development that emphasize diversity in land use and concurrence of more sustainable modes of transport. Particular emphasis in TOD is given to active (Waling and Cycling) and semi-active (Transit) transport modes. The aim of the study is two-fold: demonstrates the advantages of transit-oriented developments including benefits to public health, and demonstrate a suitable analysis framework and structure for conducting similar studies. Methods A residential area at the outskirts of Dubai is used as a case study. Travel demand forecasting models were used to estimate changes in trip generation, distribution, mode choice, and route assignment brought about by the relocation of destinations. To account for normal variation and uncertainty, three travel mode choice shift scenarios and corresponding changes in distances walked and cycled were estimated based on published rates, local conditions and culture. Changes were mapped to health, environmental, energy, and economic benefits. On health, reductions in obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, and heart attach were estimated based on published rates. Economic benefits (reduced mortality) were evaluated using HEAT (Health Economic Assessment Tool). Aggregate reductions in energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, travel time and operating costs (of private vehicles) were all estimated. Health benefits due to reductions in pollution were not estimated. Results A framework quantifying the health benefits of TOD was proposed and implemented. Travel demand changes were mapped to health benefits. The walk/cycle plus transit (to reach destination) scenario and yearly benefits due to reduced mortality was $1,797 and $8,343 for the conservative and optimistic scenarios, respectively; for the Walk/Cycle the values are $10,973 and $50,941. That a specific amount of health-induced economic gain may be estimated in conjunction with TOD's using the proposed framework is the more relevant outcome. Conclusions Estimating health gains, environmental improvements, and economic benefits of TOD implementation were possible using standard travel demand forecasting models. Mapping travel changes to health and other benefits is key to quantifying different benefits of TOD's. Normal variation and uncertainty precipitated by variations in policies, local environments and cultures may be accounted for by considering a range of scenarios.