Dubai Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

In only a couple decades, Dubai has earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest shopping destinations as well as a great place to soak up some sunshine in the winter months. There may not be much history to speak of in Dubai, but there is actually a lot more to see and do here than you might expect.

Is Dubai Expensive or Cheap?

While Dubai would not be considered a ‘cheap destination,’ it’s far more affordable than some people imagine. It’s true that Dubai has some of the world’s nicest and most expensive hotels, yet the huge city also has hundreds of more modest hotels, many of them apartment-style with multiple rooms, and prices can be surprisingly affordable.

Alcoholic drinks cost a fortune in Dubai so stocking up at the Duty Free on the way in is wise. Food can be quite affordable if you follow the local service workers instead of the other tourists.

Dubai City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Dubai

Population 2,300,000
Area 3,500,000
Timezone UTC+4
Currency UAE dirham
Airports Dubai International Airport (DXB)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$77.03
1 USD = 3.6700 AED
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Dubai

Dubai Hotel Seasons

Dubai Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar40.00 - 72.00
starstarstarstarstar47.00 - 99.00
starstarstarstarstar47.00 - 161.00
starstarstarstarstar51.00 - 332.00
starstarstarstarstar75.00 - 501.00

Dubai Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed19.00 - 22.00

Dubai Attractions Prices

Best tours in Dubai

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Burj Khalifa observation deckThe world's tallest building, by far, offers views of the city and surrounding desert. For quadruple the price you can skip the queue and go right up.
adults
108.72
Indoor skiingThis indoor slope is one of Dubai's most famous attractions. It's not cheap and children pay the same rate as adults.
2-hour pass
49.05
Dubai MuseumLearn the history of the region and of the city's recent boom at this popular museum.
adults
children
0.82
0.27

Dubai Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastYour hotel is likely to include breakfast, otherwise you'll have options in all price ranges nearby.4.09 - 6.81
Budget lunchShawarmas are everywhere and usually cheap, and many Western fast food options are there as well.5.18 - 8.17
Budget dinnerProper sit-down restaurants can range from incredibly cheap Indian places on up to the sky. You might have to look around for the best values.8.72 - 12.26
Beer (pint)Only licensed night clubs and hotel bars serve alcohol in Dubai, and it's always expensive.7.63 - 10.90
ShawarmaThese local sandwiches are hard to miss and make a great budget meal or snack.1.63 - 2.45

Dubai Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center6.81 - 20.44
Metro from airport to city center0.54 - 1.09
3km taxi ride in Dubai2.18 - 3.27
Metro ride in Dubai0.54 - 4.63
Ferry across Dubai Creek0.27

Getting to Dubai

Getting around Dubai

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When to visit Dubai

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January75580.6
February78601.0
March83640.8
April91690.3
May100760.0
June103810.0
July105860.0
August106860.0
September102820.0
October96750.0
November87680.1
December79610.6

Dubai Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:22am6:30pm
21 Jun5:29am7:12pm
21 Sep6:07am6:17pm
21 Dec7:00am5:34pm

Where to go before and after