Is Dubai expensive? What to budget & how to save when visiting

With palatial five-star hotels and stunning skyscrapers dominating its skyline, Dubai is known for its glitz and glamor. It’s perceived to be pricier than most cities, but you can still explore the Gulf emirate on a modest budget.

Depending on where you stay and eat, and what you plan to do in Dubai, we’ve got tips to help you stretch your dollar. From flights and accommodation to food and transportation, we’ve broken down each part of your budget to show you how much your trip to Dubai could cost.

Dubai is a popular layover destination, thanks to its sweet spot on the world map. In terms of airfare, a direct flight on Emirates Economy class from New York City to Dubai costs around $1,000. If you’re traveling from New Delhi to Dubai on the same airline, your flight could set you back around $340.

To ensure your airfare remains low, consider non-direct flights or budget airlines like FlyDubai or Air Arabia. Consider traveling between June and August if you don’t mind the heat. The off-peak season coincides with Dubai’s searing summer months, so hotels and flights see steep discounts. Avoid November to April, when prices surge due to the year-end holidays and cooler months.

Dubai has hotel options for all budgets: ritzy 5-star resorts, cozy vacation rentals and hostels. Deira, Bur Dubai, Satwa and Al Barsha are fantastic areas for affordable lodging. A decent 4-star hotel costs about $50 a night on average, while a 5-star hotel comes up to at least $75 per night. Hostels are much cheaper at around $15 a night. If you’re ditching hotels to backpack, connect with the Couchsurfing community and enjoy free lodging.

Besides hotels, Dubai has pocket-friendly apartments in districts like Mirdif—great for those traveling in groups or with kids. For a family of four with two kids, you can get a cozy studio apartment complete with a sofa bed for just $70 a night. Aside from privacy, these residences come with a fully-equipped kitchen and washing machine. Tip: Whipping up your own meals and doing your own laundry are great ways to stretch your budget.

In Downtown Dubai, hotel rates are notoriously high. But if you dislike commuting and want to be near The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, look into Dusit Thani Dubai or DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai - Business Bay (about $128 a night).

There are countless food options in Dubai. In the mood to splurge at posh restaurants like Ossiano or Kohantei Restaurant? Be prepared to shell out at least $273 per person.

To keep your budget in check, go for mouth-watering shawarmas for $1 at hole-in-the-wall joints instead.

If you’re looking for cheap eats around Dubai, head to food courts at the malls. Tuck into a full meal with generous servings for $7. Besides food courts, discover where and what locals eat for an authentic, local culinary experience. Check out Antar Cafeteria, well-known for their burgers and wraps at just $3, or Eat & Drink, which offers fuss-free kebab sandwiches for $2.

Dubai is a conservative Muslim city, hence the strict rules and high taxes on alcohol. If you’re wondering, a pint of beer costs around $11 and a glass of wine starts from $15.

Tip: If you’re planning to enjoy some bubbly, catch Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m, or swing by Ladies Night on Tuesdays. Night clubs and bars such as Barasti Beach Bar and Asia Asia offer great deals. Of course, there’s the convenient option of buying duty-free alcohol at the airport.

With city-sized malls housing everything from a ski slope to the world-class Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai takes shopping to the next level. The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, with 1,200 stores spanning four floors. Plus, it has the highest concentration of designer boutiques. Prices are not necessarily cheaper due to the exchange rate. In fact, most luxury brands and fashion outlets are more expensive in Dubai compared to North America, Europe and Asia.

Similarly, at the Mall of The Emirates, you’ll find luxury and high-street brands. If you’re searching for discounted luxury goods, hitch a 45-minute cab ride from the city to The Outlet Village.

For a real bargain, head to Dubai Creek or Bur Dubai’s local souks. Save up to 30 per cent on items here compared to Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Souk Al Bahar. Snap up pashminas, attars and Arabian sandals, or pack home spices (specifically saffron) from Dubai Spice Souk. And if you love gold, Deira’s Gold Souk is a major draw. Practice your haggling skills for the best deals when you shop at the local markets.

You can navigate around town efficiently with a NOL card (think Oyster Card in the UK). A basic rechargeable NOL card costs $0.50 and grants access to the metro, buses, and water buses.

The two-line metro is the most convenient and cheapest transportation in Dubai, especially for zones such as Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa or Deira. A short trip costs $0.80, while an average ride costs $1.40. For longer distances, combine a metro ride with a taxi.

Taxis are abundant and operate by meter, while rides on Uber or Careem have fixed fares. Although these ride-hailing services tend to be more expensive, their car fleet is better and the drivers more reliable. Also, you won’t have to worry about meter jumps due to traffic congestion.

There are interesting things to do in Dubai’s outskirts and emirates like Fujairah, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. If you’re traveling in a group, consider renting a car for $11 a day. There are many car rentals in Dubai, and gas is only $0.97 per liter.

Dubai has an array of attractions—from theme parks and landmarks to modern museums—waiting to be explored. Some are ticketed, while others are free to enjoy like the city’s pristine beaches, La Mer and Kite Beach.

Entry to Burj Khalifa costs $22, but observing it from the ground is free. Plus, there’s a magical fountain show to boot. Nearby, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo tickets start from $46. And if you’re a theme park lover, entry fees for Motiongate Dubai, LEGOLAND Dubai, and Bollywood Parks are between $80 to $90. To save on attractions, pick up passes such as the Go City Dubai Card or The Dubai Pass to save up to 60 per cent. Several museums here also offer free entry, notably the Etihad Museum and Al Shindagha Museum.

Alternatively, if you’re short on time, visit the major attractions at a go on a package tour. Join a tour of Old Dubai (from $37) and catch the sunset on an $0.30 abra ride across the Dubai Creek. If you prefer to experience Dubai from the waters, a thrilling 90-minute speedboat tour (from $40) will take you across Dubai Marina, Atlantis The Palm, and Burj Al Arab.

Depending on how much you travel within the city, allocate $4 on local transportation (metro) and $19 for three meals a day. An average 3-star hotel will cost around $40 per night. After adding miscellaneous expenses like shopping, you’ll need at least $81 a day if you really watch your budget.

If you’re going for upscale hotels and planning to include more paid activities, set aside at least $250 a day. And for a luxury holiday, be ready to splash out at least $550 a day.

In summary, a one-week trip—including airfare at $600—will cost approximately $1,170 for a solo traveler on a budget. A mid-range traveler can expect to spend $2,350, and if you’re planning to really pamper yourself, you're looking at least $3,000 for a week’s retreat.

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