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

Should you visit Dubai or Delhi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Delhi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Delhi?

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.

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

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


Which place is cheaper, Delhi or Dubai?

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

  • Dubai Prices
    UAE Prices
    Delhi Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dubai $289
    Delhi $53

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $53. 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 Dubai and Delhi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Delhi $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Delhi $44
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Delhi

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Delhi? 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 Dubai


Hotels in Delhi


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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Delhi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Delhi $4.64
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:

  • Abu Dhabi City Tour transfer from Dubai Shared Bus : $52
  • Burj Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Transfer Optional: $169
  • Dining Experience at Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa With Transfers: $185
  • Dubai City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $199
  • Dubai Frame Admission Tickets With Transfers Option: $24
  • Dubai Frame and La Perle Dragon Gold Tickets with Transfers: $205
  • Ekart Zabeel Dubai With Transfer: $150
  • "Airport Transfers to or from Dubai with SUV Car": $95
  • 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
  • 1 Hour Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Transfer : $45
  • 1 Hour Self-Drive ATV Experience with Transfer Options: $90
  • 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.11
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.82
  • Subway
    $0.36
  • Uber Cab
    $0.91
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.70
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • 3-Days Amritsar tour from Delhi Includes Hotel,Train tickets & Transfers: $200
  • 3-Day Fast Train Jaipur-Delhi Tour with Tickets & Transfers: $190
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar: $165
  • Private Transfer New Delhi To Shimla: $160
  • One-Way Private Transfer From Delhi To Pushkar: $144
  • One Way Private Transfer Delhi to Manali: $130
  • Private Transfer Delhi to Agra Discover the Agra with Comfort: $130
  • Private Transfer Delhi to Jaipur: $127
  • One Way Private Transfer Delhi to Agra Including Guided Tour: $120
  • Private Transfer Delhi to Jaipur: $115
  • One Way Delhi To Pushkar Transfer: $112
  • Private Transfer From Delhi To Pushkar: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Delhi?

Prices for flights to both Delhi and Dubai 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
    Dubai $96
    Delhi $20
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

Typical Food Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:


  • McDonalds
    $3.33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.

  • Old Delhi Food Tour Safari - The Capital of Flavors: $8.22
  • Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $18
  • Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $28
  • Food Tour in Delhi: $29
  • Connaught Place Street shopping & food tour in Delhi: $39
  • Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi home (7 meal): $39
  • Private Half-Day Street Food Tour in Old Delhi : $40
  • Evening Food Tour: $40
  • Discover Old 4-Hour Evening Walking Tour includes Guide & Dinner: $40
  • Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $42
  • The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk: $43
  • Delhi Private Cooking Class: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Delhi $19
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.

  • The Palm Monorail Ticket Dubai: $9.21
  • Global Village Tickets : $10
  • Dubai Global Village Entry Ticket: $11
  • Dubai Global Village Entry Ticket with Optional Transport : $11
  • Dubai's Global Village Admission Ticket: $12
  • Al Noor Island Sharjah Entry Ticket: $15
  • Dubai Miracle Garden Tour with Transportation: $15
  • Dubai Frame Golden Gate Ticket with optional transport: $16
  • AL Shindagha Museum Admission Tickets: $16
  • Dubai Half Day City Tour with Blue Mosque Creek and Souks: $16
  • Dubai Butterfly Garden Admission Ticket: $16
  • Skip-The-Line Ticket to Butterfly Garden: $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi

Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Red Fort
    $9.88

Tours and Activities in Delhi

Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Self Guided Audio Tour in Delhi with Ticket Option: $10
  • 3 Day Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $132
  • 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $199
  • 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $139
  • 5-Days Private Luxury Golden Triangle Tour Agra Jaipur New Delhi: $229
  • 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
  • Agra Private Luxury Car Sightseeing Tour: $65
  • Agra Same Day Private Tour From Delhi: $82
  • All Inclusive Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj Tour From Delhi : $50
  • Bharatpur Birding adventure from Delhi: $159
  • Delhi : Private Day Tour Of Tajmahal And Shopping At Agra: $100
  • Delhi Food Walk: Rickshaw Ride, Street Eats & Market Tour: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Delhi $8.23
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi

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

  • Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Delhi, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Delhi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Delhi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delhi 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 Delhi.

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Delhi?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Delhi, 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 Dubai or Delhi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Dubai or Delhi in the Summer?

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

Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Delhi. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Delhi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Delhi this time of the year. Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Delhi. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Delhi fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Delhi 31°C (88°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Delhi in the Autumn?

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

In October, Dubai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Delhi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Dubai is a little warmer than Delhi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Delhi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Delhi 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Delhi in the Winter?

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

January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Delhi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Dubai is a little warmer than Delhi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Delhi averages at about 15°C (59°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Delhi 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Delhi in the Spring?

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

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Delhi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Dubai is generally cooler than Delhi. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Delhi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Delhi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Delhi and Dubai

Dubai Delhi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)