Cost To Visit Dubai: Complete 2025 Budget Guide
Wondering about the cost to visit Dubai? This travel budget guide breaks down what you’ll spend on food, hotels, and attractions year-round.
Dubai is known for luxury and excess, and in this Dubai travel cost guide, we’ll break down what it really costs to visit, depending on the time of year and your travel style.
💡 Is Dubai Expensive to Visit?
Yes — Dubai is one of the more expensive cities in the Middle East. While budget travelers can find affordable options, it’s known for luxury resorts, upscale shopping, and extravagant experiences. Compared to U.S. cities, Dubai is similar in cost to places like Miami or Los Angeles.
The good news? Taxis and public transport are affordable, food prices range widely, and many sights — including beaches and cultural areas — are free or low-cost if you know where to go.
🗓️ Seasonal Cost Breakdown
Dubai has distinct travel seasons that can dramatically affect your budget. Temperatures range from scorching in summer to pleasantly warm in winter, and prices shift accordingly.
🔥 Peak Season (November – March)
- Why it's expensive: Perfect weather, major events, winter getaways from Europe and North America
- Expect: High hotel and flight prices, crowded tourist areas
- Tips: Book hotels at least 2–4 months ahead for best rates
🌼 Shoulder Season (April – mid-May, mid-October)
- Why it’s ideal: Fewer tourists, warm but not unbearable weather
- Savings: Hotel prices drop 20–30% from peak
- Best for: Desert tours, beach stays, and city sightseeing without extreme heat
☀️ Off-Season (June – September)
- Why it’s cheapest: Extreme summer heat (100°F+/38°C+)
- Best for: Indoor attractions and luxury hotel deals
- Watch out: Outdoor activities are limited; some desert tours are not offered
Most Expensive Times to Visit Dubai
- Late December through New Year’s Eve (Dec 24 – Jan 2): Sky-high hotel rates for holiday travelers
- Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan – Feb, dates vary): Influx of shoppers and tourists
- Ramadan (shifts each year): Not expensive, but limited daytime activity and altered restaurant hours
Ramadan lasts for a month and shifts about 10–11 days earlier each year. It's a unique cultural experience, but not ideal for first-timers looking for nightlife or beach clubs.
Cheapest Months to Visit Dubai
- June to early September: Lowest hotel rates (up to 60% off peak)
- Mid-May to mid-June & mid-September to mid-October: Transitional weather with good deals on accommodations
- After New Year to mid-January: A brief dip before festival season kicks in
🏨 Where You Stay in Dubai Matters
Dubai has everything from luxury resorts and seven-star hotels to desert hostels — but location heavily impacts price. Two hotels with the same star rating can differ by hundreds of dollars depending on the area.
Most Expensive Areas to Stay
Downtown Dubai
- Why it's costly: Near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and fountains
- Pros: Luxury hotels, walkable to major sights
- Cons: High prices for everything
- Nearby Attractions:
- Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Fountain
Palm Jumeirah
- Why it's costly: Man-made island with resorts and villas
- Pros: Beachfront properties, upscale dining
- Cons: Far from old Dubai and traffic-heavy
- Nearby Attractions:
- Atlantis Aquaventure
- The Pointe
Affordable Areas to Stay
Al Barsha
- Why it's cheaper: Mid-range hotels and furnished apartments
- Pros: Good metro access, near Mall of the Emirates
- Cons: Less scenic
- Nearby Attractions:
- Ski Dubai
- Mall of the Emirates
Business Bay
- Why it's affordable: Residential/commercial area
- Pros: Cheaper than Downtown, still close to main attractions
- Cons: Less walkable
- Nearby Attractions:
- Dubai Water Canal
- Restaurants & lounges
Cheapest Areas to Stay
Deira & Bur Dubai
- Why it's cheapest: Old Dubai with budget hotels and hostels
- Pros: Cultural landmarks, street food, great value
- Cons: Farther from beaches and nightlife
- Nearby Attractions:
- Dubai Creek
- Gold Souk
- Al Fahidi Historic District
💵 Dubai Vacation Costs (Daily)
| Traveler Type | AED (د.إ) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 180–280 | $49–$76 |
| Mid-Range | 500–800 | $136–$218 |
| Luxury | 1,200+ | $326+ |
🏨 Average Accommodation Costs
| Travel Style | Per Night AED | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | AED 100–200 | $27–$54 |
| Mid-Range | AED 350–600 | $95–$165 |
| Luxury | AED 1,000+ | $270+ |
🍽️ Food Costs Per Day
| Meal | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | AED 10–20 ($3–$5) | AED 25–40 ($7–$11) | AED 75+ ($20+) |
| Lunch | AED 25–35 ($7–$10) | AED 50–80 ($14–$22) | AED 120+ ($33+) |
| Dinner | AED 30–50 ($8–$14) | AED 70–120 ($19–$33) | AED 200+ ($55+) |
🚇 Transportation Costs
- Metro single ride: AED 3–8 ($1–$2)
- Day pass: AED 22 ($6)
- Taxi (5km): AED 20–30 ($5.50–$8)
- Airport to Downtown (metro): AED 8.50 ($2.30)
- Car rental per day: AED 100–150 ($27–$41)
- Rideshare (Careem or Uber): AED 25–60 ($7–$16)
🏛️ Popular Attractions & Entry Costs
| Attraction | Price (AED) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa – At The Top | AED 179 | $49 |
| Dubai Aquarium | AED 155 | $42 |
| Desert Safari with BBQ | AED 150–250 | $41–$68 |
| Dubai Frame | AED 50 | $14 |
| Global Village | AED 25 | $7 |
| Museum of the Future | AED 149 | $41 |
| Atlantis Aquaventure | AED 299 | $82 |
🌍 Day Trips from Dubai
| Destination | Distance | Transport | RT Cost | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 90 min | Bus or car | AED 50–100 ($14–$27) | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi |
| Hatta | 90 min | Car only | AED 100+ ($27+) | Mountain scenery, kayaking, heritage village |
| Sharjah | 30 min | Taxi or bus | AED 20–40 ($5.50–$11) | Art museums, heritage area, no alcohol laws |
| Al Ain | 2 hrs | Car or tour | AED 150+ ($41+) | Oasis, camel market, zoo |
💸 Daily Budget Cost
| Budget Type | Lodging | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $30+ | $15 | $6 | $10 | $61+/day |
| Mid-Range | $130+ | $45 | $15 | $30 | $220+/day |
| Luxury | $300+ | $100 | $40 | $80 | $520+/day |
📅 Weekly Budget Estimates (7 Days)
| Traveler Type | Lodging | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $210 | $105 | $42 | $70 | $427 |
| Mid-Range | $910 | $315 | $105 | $210 | $1,540 |
| Luxury | $2,100 | $700 | $280 | $560 | $3,640 |
✈️ Flight Costs to Dubai (Round Trip from U.S.)
| Season | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Peak (Nov–Mar) | $900–$1,400 |
| Shoulder (Apr–May, Oct) | $650–$950 |
| Off-Season (Jun–Sep) | $500–$800 |
💡 Save on flights by signing up for Jetsetter Alerts cheap flight alerts, and get notified when there is an amazing deal on a flight to Dubai.
Is January a good time to visit Dubai?
January is part of Dubai’s peak travel season thanks to mild weather and major events.
- Hotel rates are among the highest of the year.
- Flights from the U.S. range from $900–$1,400 USD round-trip.
- Mid-range travelers can expect daily costs of $200–$250 USD.
Is $2,000 enough to visit Dubai?
Yes — $2,000 USD is enough for a 7-day trip to Dubai if you travel on a mid-range budget.
- Hotels: $600–$900 total
- Meals: $250–$300 total
- Transportation + Attractions: $200–$300 total
What is the cheapest area of Dubai to stay in?
The cheapest areas to stay in Dubai are:
- Deira: Budget hotels and hostels from 100–200 AED per night ($27–$54 USD)
- Bur Dubai: Close to historic sites and cheap street food, with similar pricing
What is the average daily cost to visit Dubai?
On average, travelers in Dubai can expect to spend:
- Budget traveler: 180–280 AED ($49–$76 USD)
- Mid-range traveler: 500–800 AED ($136–$218 USD)
- Luxury traveler: 1,200+ AED ($326+ USD)