A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Yogyakarta for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Dubai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dubai travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Dubai and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Yogyakarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Yogyakarta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Yogyakarta is known for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Yogyakarta is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yogyakarta and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Yogyakarta is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Yogyakarta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Yogyakarta has many famous sights for visitors. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Yogyakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Yogyakarta both to be great destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yogyakarta makes for a great culinary experience. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Yogyakarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Music?

Dubai is renowned for its live music scene. However, Yogyakarta is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Yogyakarta is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Resorts?

Dubai is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Yogyakarta?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Yogyakarta both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Yogyakarta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta More Beautiful?

Dubai is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Dubai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its many skyscrapers and high end resorts, this is a beautiful city to visit.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

Dubai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dubai is very family-friendly. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Yogyakarta are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Yogyakarta is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Students?

Dubai is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Dubai has some public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Dubai or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Dubai or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dubai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Yogyakarta.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Yogyakarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dubai than Yogyakarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Dubai or Yogyakarta?

When visiting Dubai, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Yogyakarta?

When visiting Dubai, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Yogyakarta?

Dubai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Yogyakarta?

Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Yogyakarta, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Yogyakarta?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Yogyakarta, 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.