Dubai Travel Budget Guide: How Much Does a Trip Really Cost?

Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering how much money you’ll need? You’re not alone. Many travelers think the city is only for the ultra‑rich, but with the right info you can enjoy the skyline, beaches and souks without blowing your budget.

First, ask yourself what kind of experience you want: a cheap backpacker vibe, a comfortable mid‑range stay, or a full‑blown luxury escape. Your answer will set the baseline for flights, accommodation and daily spending.

Breakdown of Common Expenses

Flights: In 2025 round‑trip tickets from major US or European cities average between $600 and $1,200 depending on the season. Book early, use price alerts and consider nearby airports to shave off up to 20%.

Accommodation: Hostels and budget hotels start at about 150 AED ($40) per night. Mid‑range 3‑star hotels hover around 350‑500 AED ($95‑135). Luxury resorts can easily exceed 1,200 AED ($325) per night. For a 7‑day stay, expect roughly 1,050 AED ($285) for budget, 2,800 AED ($760) for mid‑range, or 8,400 AED ($2,300) for high‑end.

Food & Drink: Street food, like shawarma or falafel, costs 15‑30 AED ($4‑8) per meal. A sit‑down lunch at a mid‑range restaurant averages 60‑100 AED ($16‑27). Alcohol is pricey; a beer can be 45‑70 AED ($12‑19). Budget about 150 AED ($41) per day if you mix cheap eats with occasional restaurant meals.

Transportation: The Metro is the cheapest way to move around – single rides start at 4 AED ($1) and daily passes are around 20 AED ($5.5). Taxis start at 12 AED ($3.30) and add 2 AED per km. For a week, budgeting 200 AED ($55) for transport is realistic.

Attractions: Many public beaches are free. Entry to major attractions (Burj Khalifa, desert safari, theme parks) ranges from 150‑300 AED ($41‑$82). If you plan three paid activities, set aside 600 AED ($165).

Adding these up, a budget traveler can manage a 7‑day Dubai trip for roughly 4,500 AED ($1,230), a mid‑range visitor around 8,000 AED ($2,190), and a luxury seeker easily exceeds 15,000 AED ($4,100).

Smart Ways to Stretch Your Money

Look for combo tickets. Many tour operators bundle desert safari, dhow cruise and city tours for a discount compared to buying each separately.

Use the Dubai Metro for airport transfers and city hops. It’s clean, safe and far cheaper than a private car.

Eat where locals eat. The Al Fahidi area and Deira have countless eateries where a filling meal costs less than half of tourist‑centric spots.

Shop during the Dubai Shopping Festival (usually January‑February). You’ll find deep discounts on fashion, electronics and even some hotel deals.

Consider staying in a serviced apartment or Airbnb outside the main tourist zones. A short metro ride can get you to the downtown area while saving 30‑40% on lodging.

Finally, keep an eye on currency conversion fees. Using a no‑fee card or withdrawing cash at local ATMs can shave off a few extra dollars each day.

Dubai offers something for every wallet. By planning ahead, choosing the right mix of cheap and splurge experiences, and using the tips above, you can enjoy the city’s glitter without draining your bank account.