It is no secret that Dubai is among the most desired destinations in the United Arab Emirates. This place has good weather, welcoming locals, and breathtaking beauty. You can enjoy a round trip to this island while staying on a budget and having unique experiences.
It’s safe to say that Dubai is perfectly adequate for budget travelers as it offers a good wifi connection, various outdoor activities, and affordable living.
If this dreamy place has captured your attention and convinced you to move here, go over this detailed guide and learn all the basics.
Keep reading to estimate a travel budget!
What is the Cost of Traveling (air travel)
Since Air travel is one of the most common ways of getting to Dubai, we will consider that as the primary form of travel. Flights are expected to be the most expensive part of your trip to Dubai so it is always recommended to book cheap flights in advance. If you have any miles available, make sure to use them.
The ticket cost will ultimately depend on your current destination (where you are flying from), your specific airline, the availability of miles, and the time of the year.
What Are the Costs of Local Transportation
There is a plethora of local transportation available in Dubai and the costs will vary based on the mode you choose. For instance, if you employ standard public transportation options such as the bus, dubai metro, and tram, the costs will be incredibly budget-friendly. The ticket price for an adult (standard adult ticket) is AED 4 for 1 zone (under 3 km), AED 6 for 2 zones, and AED 8.50 for 3 or more zones. A pre-paid ticket for an adult will cost you AED 3 for 1 zone, AED 5 for 2 zones, and AED 7.50 for 3 and more.
If you are not in favor of these options, you may also access taxis as they are a good form of transport in Dubai and readily accessible. Your fare will depend on the final destination, stops (if any), and distance traveled but an average trip may cost around AED 12.
Operated by roads and transport authorities, water taxis are another great way of traveling in Dubai. This form of public transportation runs on the waterways and offers a great level of comfort. You can expect to spend a maximum of AED 15 for this scenic ride.
For more budget-friendly options, you can access Abra to cross the Dubai creek. The cost of that is as low as AED 1. The average local transportation costs will fall between a price range of $20-30 USD for 7 days.
For further information and accurate ticket costs, you can check out the road and transport authority’s official website.
What Are the Costs of Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Dubai mainly depends on your travel style, money-spending patterns, lifestyle, and the duration of your trip. Let’s draw up a rough estimate for different categories.
For budget travelers who are looking to spend as little as possible, the cheapest rates start from $30 a night per room at inexpensive budget hotels. Mid-range hotels have an average price of $80-200 per night in Dubai and luxury hotels can even go up to $1000, depending on your choice of residence.
Some other factors that will influence the price of accommodation are the location of the residence; well-developed and high-end areas like Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai will have higher rates, time of year; hotels will levy higher prices during peak seasons like summer months when tourist influx is high and demand is increasing, amenities; the more modern amenities and facilities they offer, the more it will cost.
For a one-week trip, here’s what you can expect to pay.
Inexpensive hotel room: $210
Mid-range hotels: $560-1400
Luxury resorts and hotels: $5000+
If you are traveling for a longer period, consider renting an apartment to decrease the average cost. That will be way cheaper than hotels.
What is the Cost of Food and Activities
Food
Again, the average prices will vary based on your dining habits and where you eat (street food, home, fine dining). On average, a single person can expect to spend $44 on food in one day. Let’s delve deeper into this subject and analyze different categories.
- Street food: if you only eat street food in Dubai, it can cost $10-20 per day. There are plenty of street food vendors, food trucks, and a variety of food available. You’ll roughly be spending $3-4 per meal. For a 7-day trip and 3 meals a day, the estimate is $70-140 in this category.
- Home: for those of you who prefer home-cooked meals over fast food, you can purchase groceries and sustain them for the week. The price of groceries will depend on the location of the store (high-end supermarket or local markets). Upon calculations, a single person can expect to spend $100-150 on 1 week’s worth of grocery shopping in Dubai.
- Fine dining: when it comes to fine dining, there are subcategories. Depending on the type of restaurant you go to, prices are bound to change. You can spend a minimum of $96 per day if you eat the meals at a mid-range restaurant. For a 7-day trip, that will amount to $672. Remember that high-end restaurants will cost more than this.
Activities
Dubai has various tourist attractions, perfect for a fun time. This place offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, catering to different interests. The cost of activities will change based on the number of activities you engage in and the category they fall under.
You can find cheap activities like going to the parks, Global Village, Dubai Frame, Dubai Mall, and even some museums. The average ticket to these places costs $7-14.
Meanwhile, high-end activities like visiting the tallest building i.e. the world-famous Burj khalifa, skydiving, Dubai aquarium, desert safaris, and hot air balloon rides are way more expensive. Their tickets start from $100 and only go higher from there.
You can smartly plan activities by pairing up some cheap ones with popular attractions. For instance, going to the water parks and shopping malls while choosing 1-2 high-end options. On average a person can expect to spend $300-500 on activities for 7 days in Dubai but this is only if you engage in budget-friendly activities and high-end alike. It all comes down to how much you are willing to spend.
How Much is a Trip to Dubai on Average
We can say that the precise cost of a Dubai vacation will depend on personalized details such as where you are flying from, how long you wish to stay, where you stay, the level of services you acquire, and how much you are “willing” to spend. Either way, these general estimates can help you draw an average budget.
Taking everything into account, it’s safe to say that you can have a 7-day holiday in Dubai with a minimum of $600 (excluding flight tickets). However, the average cost would be $2000-2500 per person. Here’s a rough breakdown regarding Dubai trip cost:
Transportation costs: $20-$30
Accommodation costs: $210-5000
Local food: $70-672
Activities: $300-500
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you tip in Dubai?
In Dubai, you should tip 10-15% on the bill. This is customary and you can tip based on the quality of services.
How much will it cost to go to Dubai for a week’s trip?
Upon general estimates, if you remain on an extremely tight budget you can get by on a budget of $600. However, if you want to enjoy at least mid-range facilities, your budget should be $2000. The total cost will change based on how you spend your money and the level of services you acquire. Travelers will find prices to be a lot higher during the high seasons and peak tourist seasons.
How much money do you need for a single day in Dubai?
On a budget trip, you can spend under $100 in a single day in Dubai including transportation, food, accommodation, and some activities. If you want to spend less, visit Dubai during the off-season as that is the best time for budget-travelers.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering visiting this popular destination, familiarise yourself with the overall costs and see if it aligns with your budget. This article explored the cost of living in Dubai and talked about all the relevant aspects.
From the beautiful beaches and scenic beauty to the warm weather and laid-back lifestyle, Dubai offers a perfect time.
We hope this article helped you understand how much a trip to Dubai is and answered all the questions. If you have any further lingering doubts, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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