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

Should you visit Dubai or Accra?

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

Where Should I go: Dubai or Accra?

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.

Accra

Accra is the capital city of Ghana, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Popular attractions include the National Museum of Ghana, local beaches, markets, and cultural landmarks like those dedicated to Civil Rights activist W.E.B. DuBois.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ghana, and The Best Adventure Tours to Ghana.


Which place is cheaper, Accra or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Accra is $37. 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 Accra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Accra $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Accra $38
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Accra

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Accra? 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 Dubai


Hotels in Accra


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 Accra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Accra $16
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:

  • Global Village Dubai Skip the Line Tickets with Transfer Option: $9.15
  • Global Village Dubai Ticket with Optional transfer: $10
  • Global Village Dubai Tickets with Transfers Option: $11
  • Private Dubai Airport Transfer DXB to Anywhere in Dubai: $13
  • Sharing Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa, VR Parks, DAUZ): $18
  • Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Aquaventure/Lost Chamber: $18
  • Dubai Frame Ticket with Optional Transfer: $19
  • Airport Transfers to/from all Terminals: $19
  • Dubai Global Village All Days Ticket With Shared Transfer: $20
  • Dubai Frame Entry Ticket With Optional Transfer: $20
  • Dubai Frame Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $20
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Dubai Airport (DXB): $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:

  • Kotoka Airport Exclusive Wheelchair Accessible Transfers!: $130
  • Kotoka Airport Exclusive Wheelchair Accessible Transfers!: $115
  • Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport Accra Ghana (ACC) to Accra city: $109
  • Arrival Transfer From Accra Airport To Hotel: $100
  • Accra Airport Hotel City Transfers: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Accra?

Prices for flights to both Accra 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 day
    Dubai $56
    Accra $9.28
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
    $6.53
  • 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:

  • Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
  • Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Accra.

  • Private Ghanaian Cuisine Cooking Class: $40
  • Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
  • Cooking Class: $75
  • Flavors of Ghana: Food Tour Experience.: $78
  • Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Lessons: $80
  • Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
  • Cooking Class with Auntie KK in Osu: $89
  • Ghanaian Cooking Class Authentic Tour: $100
  • Savor & Learn: Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Experience: $128
  • Quad Biking, Landmark Tours and Dinner in Aburi: $204
  • Ghanaian Local Foods Cooking Class: $216

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Accra $3.32
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.

  • Tourist eSIM/SIM Card with Data and Minutes: $2.50
  • Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
  • Ticket to Muséum of the futuré: $5.30
  • Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.34
  • 4G Data Roaming eSIM Card for Tourists: $6.46
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Souks, Abra Ride & Snacks: $8.00
  • Old Walking Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $8.17
  • Old Dubai, Walking Tour, Souk Shopping, and Abra Ride: $8.85
  • Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah: $8.99
  • Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour: $9.53

Tours and Activities in Accra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Accra are as follows:

  • 1 Day Accra City Tour: $71
  • Accra City Tour: $161
  • Accra E-waste and Recycling experience in Agbogbloshie: $100
  • Accra Zoo, Canopy Walk and Botanical Gardens Private Tour: $145
  • 3 Days Special Tour of Ghana: $950
  • 6 Hours Cape Coast Tour: $210
  • 6-Day Electric Enchantment-Off the grid Tour: $1,650
  • 7 Hours Cape Coast Tour From Accra: $174
  • A Day tour to the Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Pack: $180
  • Aburi Botanic Gardens and Boti Falls Full-Day Private Tour: $180
  • Aburi Botanical Gardens And Boti Falls Private Tour: $220
  • Accra - Guided City Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Accra $4.76
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: $66
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Accra?

Accra has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Accra, 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 Dubai or Accra?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Dubai or Accra in the Summer?

Both Accra and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Accra year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Accra. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Accra receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Accra. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Accra fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Accra 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Accra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Accra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Accra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Accra. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Accra receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Dubai is a little warmer than Accra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Accra fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Accra 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Accra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Accra. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Accra throughout the year.

January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Accra. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Accra receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Dubai is cooler than Accra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Accra averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Accra 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Accra in the Spring?

Both Accra and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Accra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Dubai is June to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Accra. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Accra. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Accra receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Accra. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Accra fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Accra 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Accra and Dubai

Dubai Accra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)