Which place is cheaper, Melaka or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dubai or Melaka?
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 Melaka can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Melaka?
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.
Melaka
Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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 in Malaysia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia.
-
Dubai Prices
UAE PricesMelaka Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Melaka $33
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Melaka is $33. 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 Melaka in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Melaka $9.51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Melaka $19
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Melaka
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Melaka? 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 and Melaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Melaka $2.09
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:
- Private Dubai Shopping Tour with Transfer: $300
- BAPS Temple Visit with Private Transfer: $300
- The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers: $299
- Fujairah Dam Tour with Private Transfers : $299
- Al Rafisah Dam Tour near Dubai with Private Transfers : $295
- Dubai Afternoon High Tea in the Iconic Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $295
- XLine Dubai Marina Zipline Ride with Transfers Options: $293
- Dubai Jet Car and Self Drive Tour with Private Transfer: $285
- Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Experience With Transfers Option: $281
- Afternoon High Tea in Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $275
- Dubai Sky High Combo Tour with Private Transfer: $271
- Burj Khalifa The Lounge - Levels 154, 153, 152 with Transfers: $270
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:
-
Taxi$4.75
-
Bus Ride$0.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka
Also for Melaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $281
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Johor Bahru city: $251
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Shah Alam City: $239
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Mersing Transfer [Car]: $212
- Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $165
- Private Transfer : National Park Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $165
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Kuala Lumpur city : $120
- Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $99
- ~Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $81
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $80
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $80
- Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Malacca Port: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Melaka?
Prices for flights to both Melaka 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 dayDubai $96Melaka $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:
- Virtual Online Cooking Class - Cook Your Classic Curry with Chef Gomez: $16
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai Al Seef: $17
- 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
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $18
- Dubai Luxury Canal Dinner Cruise with Shows: $18
- Desert Safari With Camel Ride and Dinner: $19
- Vip Red Dune Safari with 4x4 Pick & Drop, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner: $19
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner, Shows: $19
- Golden Dune Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & live BBQ Dinner: $19
- Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Riding & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $21
Typical Food Prices in Melaka
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:
-
Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$7.13
-
Dinner at the Market (for Two)$3.09
-
Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)$1.43
-
Taiwanese Noodle Soup$1.19
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$7.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Peranakan and Malay Cooking Class in Malacca: $90
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Melaka $4.03
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 Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour : $200
- Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel Ride Tickets: $63
- Burj Al Arab Tour + Wild Wadi Water Park Tickets Only: $137
- Desert Adventure with ATV and Camel Ride and Live Shows: $100
- Desert Safari, City Tour & Dhow Cruise in Marina Enjoy In Dubai: $110
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Admission Ticket: $42
- Dubai City Sightseeing Tour In A Private Vehicle ( Full-day ) : $299
- Dubai City Tour + Burj Khalifa + Dubai Frame + Desert Safari (one day tour): $271
- Dubai City Tour With English Speaking Guide: $300
- Dubai City Tour- Half-Day : Private Experience with Abra Ride: $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Maritime Museum Entrance$0.71
-
Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance$4.75
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$11
-
Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance$2.38
-
Melaka Zoo Entrance$1.66
-
Low Cost Kite$0.71
-
Malacca Duck Tour$9.51
-
Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)$2.38
Tours and Activities in Melaka
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.
- *13 Hrs Best of Melaka Full Day Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $84
- A'Famosa Safari and Water Park in Melaka Ticket (Only Malaysian): $28
- Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
- From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
- Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $48
- Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur City Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Top Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $328
- Malacca Shore Excursion with Professional Tour Guide & Lunch: $228
- Malacca Shore Excursion with Tour Guide & Baba Nyonya Lunch: $228
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Melaka $8.25
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: $36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Melaka, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Melaka 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 Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka 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 Melaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Melaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Melaka?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Melaka. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Melaka, 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.