How much does it cost to travel to Dubai

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/24/2023. Last updated: 11/17/2024

Is Dubai Expensive?

Travel budget planning
A person calculates travel expenses with money, a smartphone, and a map on the desk, symbolizing budget management for a trip.

Buckle up my amigos because we're about to embarking on a numeric journey to the land of glitz and glamour, Dubai! Now, that little voice in your head might be asking, "But is Dubai expensive?" Well, it's a bit like asking about the weight of a camel – it all depends on what it's carrying and where it's headed! The cost of a Dubai vacation can wildly fluctuate from minimal to unashamedly luxurious, depending on your style and preferences.

Average Costs in Dubai

Starting with the backbone of any trip, let's dissect the average costs in Dubai. For minimal budgets, expect to spend around $50 per day. The economy budget scales a bit higher at about $100 a day, while the standard range treads the line of $200 to $250 per day. Now, for those with a penchant for the finer things in life, the luxury lane starts at $500 per day and the sky is your limit!

Cost of Flights to Dubai

Coins in jar
A transparent jar labeled 'TRAVEL' packed with coins and topped with a small globe, representing saving for a travel budget.

Our next stop in our financial voyage is the cost of flights to Dubai. On the minimal end of the spectrum, savvy fliers can snag a deal for around $400, though this might involve a few layovers or less popular departure times. Bump it up to the economy budget and we're talking about $600 to $800 per round trip, with likely more desirable timings and fewer layovers. For the standard budget, prepare to dish out around $1,000 for a smoother, more comfortable journey. As for the luxury fliers, the lofty price of $3,000 to $5,000 offers you an experience above the clouds that's every bit as opulent as Dubai itself!

Cost of Transport in Dubai

Next, we need to talk about getting around in Dubai. If you're on a minimal budget, Dubai's public transport options, especially the metro, are your friend, costing about $5 per day. For an economy comfort, taking taxis or Careem (local Uber) will roughly part you from $20 a day. Let's shift gears to the standard budget, which takes you on a spacious ride with premium taxi services for about $40 to $60 per day. Lastly, for a luxurious roaming experience in a private chauffeured vehicle, require a cool $200 per day.

Cost of Accommodation in Dubai

Let's talk about where you'll rest your weary head at the end of the day. For minimal budget travellers, budget hotels and hostels are available from $30 a night. The economy budget range offers 3-star hotels and Airbnb apartments, running around $70-$100 per night. Moving to the standard budget, 4-5 star hotels welcome you for around $200 to $350 per night. Step into the luxury lane, and we're talking suites in high-end hotels and resorts that stretch from $1,000 to $5,000 per night, sometimes even more. Remember, we're in Dubai - the home of the Burj Al Arab!

Cost of Activities in Dubai

Dubai is a city teeming with fun-filled activities. With a minimal budget, enjoy free or very nominal cost local sights and markets (like the Gold Souk) for about $10 per day. An economy budget offers desert safaris and dhow cruises at around $30 to $50 per day. Next, for a standard budget, enjoy a broader range of activities, like visiting the Burj Khalifa or skiing in the Mall of Emirates, costing about $100 to $150 per day. Lastly, in the luxury sphere, charter a yacht, helicopter tour or private desert safari, costing upwards $500 per day.

Cost of Restaurants, Food and Wine in Dubai

Now, let's dig into the delicious part - food and wine! For those on a minimal budget, relish in local eateries and street food, only setting you back around $15 a day. With an economy budget, dine at mid-range restaurants or hotel buffets with a cost of around $30 to $50 per day. For a standard budget, savour the gastronomic delights of fine dining running at $100 to $200 per day. Finally, the luxury budget lets you feast in the city's most glamorous restaurants, with a pair of meals likely costing upwards of $500 per day.

And there we have it, folks. Like riding a camel in the desert, there can be highs and lows, but at the end of the day, the cost of a trip to Dubai really depends on your style, your tastes, and your desire for luxury!


Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

Follow on Twitter