Which place is cheaper, Dubai or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut 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 Beirut 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: Beirut or Dubai?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Dubai $248
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Dubai is $248. 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 Beirut and Dubai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Dubai $170
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Dubai $340
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Dubai
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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.
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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Dubai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Dubai $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
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:
- Yellow Boat Tour Dubai With Private Transfers: $102
- Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
- Xline Experience Dubai Marina With Transfers Option: $243
- Xline Dubai Marina Zip line Experience With Transfers Option: $243
- Wild Wadi tickets with Transfers: $100
- Wild Wadi Waterpark with One-Way Transfer: $140
- Wild Wadi Waterpark tickets with Private transfer: $154
- Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Ticket With Private Transfer: $125
- Wild Wadi Dubai water park Ticket with 1 way transfer in Dubai: $110
- Wild Wadi Dubai Water Park Tickets With Transfers Option: $99
- Wild Wadi Adventure Waterpark Tickets With Transfers From Dubai: $105
- Wild Wadi - Dubai Theme Water Park Tickets With Transfers Option: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Dubai?
Prices for flights to both Dubai and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Dubai $56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private Lebanese Home Cooking Class in Byblos with a Local Family: $86
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142
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:
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Deira Creek: $15
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Creek: $15
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
- Cruising With Dinner And Live Shows At Dubai Creek: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek with pickup & drop off: $19
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner Deira Creek: $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Dubai $19
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
- Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
- Beirut : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour With Guide: $66
- Beirut Downtown, Corniche and National Museum Tour: $80
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
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.
- 30-Minutes Jet Ski Burj Al Arab Tour of Dubai: $125
- Abu Dhabi Private Tour with Ferrari World Entry Ticket: $98
- Abu Dhabi Private tour with professional drive : $289
- Burj Khalifa At the Top & Sky Views Ticket: $167
- Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
- Burj Khalifa Tour - Top Sky Ticket 124, 125 & 148 Floor Level Access : $165
- DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
- Dubai Autodrome Experience: $84
- Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
- Dubai City Tour Half Day: $45
- Dubai Combo: Dubai Frame with Global Village Admission Tickets: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Dubai $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in The Bekaa Valley: $50
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Private Wine Tasting Tour: $65
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $80
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $100
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $102
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
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:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
- Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Dubai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Dubai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Dubai?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut 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 Beirut or Dubai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Dubai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut 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, Beirut usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dubai. Beirut 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, Beirut is cooler than Dubai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beirut in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Dubai averages at about 35°C (95°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Dubai 35°C (95°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Dubai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Dubai. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
Beirut usually gets more rain in October than Dubai. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Beirut is generally cooler than Dubai. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 25°C (77°F), and Dubai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Dubai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Dubai in the Winter?
Both Dubai and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut 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 Beirut. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Dubai. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Beirut is cooler than Dubai in the winter. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Dubai fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Dubai 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Dubai in the Spring?
Both Dubai and Beirut during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut 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. Beirut usually gets more rain in April than Dubai. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Beirut is much colder than Dubai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beirut in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Dubai averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Dubai 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Dubai and Beirut
| Beirut | Dubai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
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.