A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Dubai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amman or Dubai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Dubai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Amman or Dubai?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

Dubai

Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Dubai or Amman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Dubai is $289. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amman and Dubai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Dubai $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Dubai $340
Compare Hotels in Amman and Dubai

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Dubai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in Dubai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Amman Hotel Prices and Dubai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Dubai $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Amman to Petra, Wadi Musa: $259
  • Transfer to Petra from Amman /Amman Airport: $250
  • Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $235
  • Petra Transfer From Or To Amman: $230
  • Private Transfer From Amman Airport To Petra: $190
  • From Dead Sea and Petra Day Trip with Transfers: $187
  • From Amman Transfer to Petra: $169
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Araba Border: $153
  • Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Aqaba Airport: $153
  • Petra Transfer to and from Airport: $150
  • Amman Private Transfer To Jerusalem With VIP Service: $150
  • Full-Day Private Round-Trip Transfers to Petra from Amman: $135

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $12
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Sea Taxi
    $0.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Zipline Experience in Dubai Marina with 1 Way optional Transfers: $228
  • Yellow Boat Tour Dubai with Private Transfers: $95
  • Yellow Boat Tour Dubai With Transfer Option: $90
  • Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
  • Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Adventure with Transfers Options: $260
  • Xline Dubai Marina Shared Experience with Private Transfers: $284
  • Xline Dubai Marina Experience with Transfers: $250
  • XLine World Longest Urban Zipline with Transfers Option: $279
  • X Line Ride in Dubai Marina with Optional Private Transfers: $270
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Ticket With Private Transfer: $125
  • Wild Wadi - Dubai Theme Water Park Tickets With Transfers Option: $159
  • View at The Palm Jumeirah Dubai Tickets With Optional Transfers: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Dubai?

Prices for flights to both Dubai and Amman change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Amman $58
    Dubai $96
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $106
  • Private Panoramic Amman Tour and Local Lunch or Dinner-Wine Taste: $107
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Amman with Return Hotel Transfers: $118
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140

Typical Food Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:


  • French bread
    $0.95
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    $10
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    $4.36
  • Coffee & Cake
    $6.54
  • Smoothie
    $5.45
  • Shawarma
    $1.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • Virtual Online Cooking Class - Cook Your Classic Curry with Chef Gomez: $16
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai Al Seef: $17
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & BBQ dinner: $18
  • Red Dune Desert Safari with Camel Riding Sand Boarding BBQ Dinner: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Dubai Desert Safari With4x4 Pick/Drop camel ride BBQ dinner shows: $18
  • Desert Safari With Camel Ride and Dinner: $19
  • Vip Red Dune Safari with 4x4 Pick & Drop, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner: $19
  • Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sandboarding: $19
  • Golden Dune Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & live BBQ Dinner: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Dubai $19

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Um Qais Private Tour Enjoy The History And Stunning Scenery.: $130
  • 1 Day Tour to Amman Jerash and Ajloun castle : $136
  • 1-Night Private Overnight Dead Sea Independent Tour from Amman : $145
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Private Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Amman : $215
  • 2 Day Tour Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $300
  • 2 Day Tour of Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $250
  • 2 Day Tour to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman: $200
  • 2 Days Group Tour From Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead sea: $395
  • 2 Days Ma'in Hot Springs Private Tour: $95
  • 2 Days Petra Private Guided Tour: $225

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Visit to the Dubai Museum
    $0.82

Tours and Activities in Dubai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.

  • Abu Dhabi City Tour Sheikh Zayed Mosque & Heritage: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Day Tour with Qasr al Watan: $53
  • Abu Dhabi Sightseeing City Tour including Grand Mosque: $60
  • Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel Ride Tickets: $63
  • Desert Safari, City Tour & Dhow Cruise in Marina Enjoy In Dubai: $110
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
  • Dubai Buggy and Camel Riding Tour: $279
  • Dubai Butterfly Garden Admission Ticket: $42
  • Dubai City Tour Half Day: $45
  • Dubai Desert Safari Tour by 4WD with Options: $62
  • Dubai Mall to JLT Private Transportation Tour.: $250
  • Dubai Motiongate & Legoland Water Park Ticket with Pick and drop: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Dubai $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Amman and Boulevard Walking Tour: $93
  • Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting : $127

Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:

  • JBR Walk Historic Pub Crawl with Guide and Drinks: $29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amman and Dubai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Amman much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Amman would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amman and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Amman.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is Dubai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amman or Dubai?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Dubai, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Amman or Dubai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Amman or Dubai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Dubai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. In July, Amman usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dubai. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Amman is cooler than Dubai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amman in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Dubai averages at about 35°C (95°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Dubai 35°C (95°F)

Should I visit Amman or Dubai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amman as well as Dubai. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.

Amman usually gets more rain in October than Dubai. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Amman is generally cooler than Dubai. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 20°C (68°F), and Dubai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Dubai 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Amman or Dubai in the Winter?

Both Dubai and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. It's quite rainy in Amman. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Dubai. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Amman is much colder than Dubai in the winter. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Dubai fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Dubai 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Amman or Dubai in the Spring?

Both Dubai and Amman during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Amman usually gets more rain in April than Dubai. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Amman is much colder than Dubai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amman in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Dubai averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Dubai 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Dubai and Amman

Amman Dubai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)