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

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.


Which place is cheaper, Dubai or Beirut?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.78, while the average daily cost in Dubai is $289. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beirut $1.26
    Dubai $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beirut $2.52
    Dubai $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.

Hotels in Beirut


Hotels in Dubai


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beirut $0.44
    Dubai $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut

Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $200
  • Paragliding in Lebanon with Hotel Transfer From Beirut: $192
  • Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $48
  • Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $25
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
  • BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $13
  • Private Departure Transfer | Beirut Hotel to Airport: $10
  • Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
  • Private Airport Arrival Pick Up & Transfer to your Beirut Hotel: $10
  • Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
  • Private Departure Transfer: From your hotel in Beirut to Airport: $10
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Beirut Airport to Your Hotel: $10

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:

  • Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
  • Wild Wadi Dubai Waterpark Day Pass with Private Hotel Transfers: $172
  • Wild Wadi Adventure Waterpark Tickets With Transfers Option: $93
  • VR Park Dubai Ticket with Transfer: $86
  • VIP Dubai Desert Safari,Camel Ride,Quad,Sand Board,BBQ, &Transfer: $21
  • Ultimate Dubai Helicopter Tour with Optional Transfers: $241
  • Try Scuba Diving & snorkeling in Fujairah with Transfer: $167
  • Toyota Previa Private Airport Transfer To OR From Dubai Airport: $80
  • Toyota Previa Private Airport Transfer To OR From Dubai Airport: $59
  • Top of Burj Khalifa & Sky Views Dubai Tour with Transfers: $184
  • The View at the Palm with Transfer: $75
  • The View at The Palm Iconic Palm Jumeirah Views with Transfers: $50

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Beirut $1.23
    Dubai $96

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: $35
  • Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
  • Beirut Street Food Tour, Lebanon: $85
  • Private Lebanese Home Cooking Class in Byblos with a Local Family: $86

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:

  • Dubai Private Red Dunes Safari With Quad Biking, Dinner and Shows: $2.95
  • Premium Red Dune Safari, Pick/Drop, BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike Option: $5.58
  • Desert Safari,Premium sofa,Quad Bike,CamelRide,BBQ Dinner,Shows: $6.15
  • VIP Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $7.00
  • Red dune Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & optional Quad bike: $7.45
  • VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $8.00
  • Dubai 6 Hour Red Dune Desert Safari With Buffet Dinner: $8.09
  • Premium Desert Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride, Quad bike & Dinner: $8.16
  • Premium Desert Safari with VIP Lounge, Quad, Camel Ride & Dinner: $8.33
  • Luxury Red Dune Safari Dubai with Quad Bike, Camel Ride & Dinner: $8.70
  • Budget-Friendly Evening Desert Safari + BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $8.99
  • Desert Safari Dubai Tour: Free Transfer Red Dunes Camel & Dinner: $9.21

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beirut $0.26
    Dubai $19

Tours and Activities in Beirut

For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $264
  • 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
  • ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $195
  • ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
  • ATV Adventure Half Day Guided Tour: $120
  • Afternoon Tour | Beiteddine Palace & Deir el Qamar | Small Group: $75
  • Anjar baalback & Ksara tour: $130
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Semi-Private Tour | Max 10 · Lunch Incl: $55
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Winery Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: $55
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Winery | Budget Small-Group Tour Beirut: $45
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Winery | Small-Group Guided Tour Beirut: $45
  • BEYOND CHOUF mountains - Hidden Gems Mountains Day Tour: $250

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.

  • “Dubai City Tour – Old & Modern Highlights with Hotel Pickup.: $209
  • "Discover Abu Dhabi: A Captivating 6-Hour Guided Tour": $69
  • 1 Day Dubai City Tour: $80
  • 1 Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai Ticket: $43
  • 1 Hour Private 800cc Buggy Tour Good for 2 persons: $223
  • 1 Hour Private Videography Tour of Aya Universe in Dubai: $215
  • 1 Hour Shared Desert Horse Riding Experience: $50
  • 1 hour Jetski Tour - Burj Al Arab Tour: $165
  • 1-Hour Desert Buggy Self-Drive Adventure: Camel Ride & Sandboard: $249
  • 1-Hour KTM 450CC Dirt bike Desert Adventure Tours in Dubai: $154
  • 1-Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai: $47
  • 1Hour 2000cc Dune Buggy Adventure: Ultimate Milehah Desert Thrill: $239

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beirut $0.23
    Dubai $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut

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

  • Private Wine Tour | Chateau Musar, Ixsir & Batroun Day Trip: $75
  • Private Baalbek Temples & Ksara Wine Tour | From Beirut: $100
  • Private Bekaa Wine Tour | 3 Wineries · St Thomas, Kefraya & Ksara: $100
  • Private Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Beirut: $100
  • Private Wine Tour | Chateau Musar & Ixsir Winery from Beirut: $100
  • Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
  • Private Cedar Hike & Bekaa Wine Tour | Kefraya & Ksara: $150
  • Discover Wine Tasting Lebanese Tour Experience: $170
  • Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $179
  • Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $224

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:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $38


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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beirut 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beirut 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beirut 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beirut 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)