Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dubai or Lijiang?
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 Lijiang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Lijiang?
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.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesLijiang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Lijiang $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $55. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Lijiang $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Lijiang $32
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Lijiang? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Lijiang $5.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Private Transfer from Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) to Dali : $149
- Ethnic Costume Photoshoot with Hotel Transfers: $131
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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
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Food Meals for one dayDubai $96Lijiang $30
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.54
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Smoothie$5.45
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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 Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Lijiang $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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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
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Baisha Village Private Tour: $245
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- 1-Day Private Tour to Lijiang Highlights: $297
- 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
- 3days Dali Lijiang highlights tour start from Kunming: $700
- 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $72
- 7-Day Yunnan Culture & Nature Tour: $1,008
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang: $221
- Beautiful Country road Biking tour to Xinhua village Heqing start from Lijiang: $173
- Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $50
- Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $208
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Lijiang $7.98
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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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 Dubai and Lijiang, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Lijiang 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 Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Lijiang?
Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Lijiang, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.