Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dubai or Ankara?
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 Ankara can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Ankara?
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.
Ankara
Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.
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 Budget Tours to Turkey, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesAnkara Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Ankara $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $97. 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 Ankara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Ankara $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Ankara $78
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Ankara
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Ankara? 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 Ankara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Ankara $26
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:
- "Airport Transfers to or from Dubai with SUV Car": $95
- 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
- 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $140
- 3-Hour Ice Skating Experience in Dubai with optional Transfer: $70
- 4 Hour Dubai Layover Tour with Private Airport Transfers On Time: $125
- AYA Universe Dubai Tickets with Transfer Option: $37
- AYA Universe Light and Sound Park in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $64
- AYA Universe and Dubai Frame Tour with Private Transfer: $155
- Abu Dhabi City Tour with Grand Mosque Including Transfers: $56
- Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Museum With Free shuttle Transfer: $55
- Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour with Hotel Transfer: $50
- Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Ferrari World Tour and Transfers: $169
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:
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Metro Ride$0.03
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Short Taxi Ride$0.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $111
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $111
- Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
- Ankara Airport Transfer: Ankara by Private Luxury Vehicle: $63
- Ankara Airport & Hotel Transfers: $56
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $52
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $52
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $50
- Ankara Esenboga Airport to City Hotels Transfer: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Ankara?
Prices for flights to both Ankara 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
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Food Meals for one dayDubai $96Ankara $39
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:
- Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $11
- Dhow Cruise With Dinner at Al Jaddaf Dubai: $14
- Dubai Desert Safari | Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $14
- VIP Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $14
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ Dinner Camelride sandbord: $15
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ/Dinner Camelride Sandbord: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride,BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike: $15
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $16
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Creek with pickup drop option: $16
- Virtual Online Cooking Class - Cook Your Classic Curry with Chef Gomez: $16
Typical Food Prices in Ankara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:
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A Quick Lunch$0.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ankara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ankara.
- Baklava Cooking Class: $61
- Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class at Local Home with Family: $70
- Sustainable Home Cooking Class in Ankara: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Ankara $23
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.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Dubai: $5.82
- A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.86
- Dubai Walking Tour 1h00 and 9 audio reviews: $7.26
- Global Village Dubai Ticket with optional transport: $9.00
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Tickets: $11
- Al Shindagha Museum Ticket: $13
- Al Shindagha Museum Tickets: $13
- Dubai Burj Khalifa Lake Ride and Fountain Show Experience: $14
- Al Shindagha Museum Dubai Admission Ticket: $14
- Dubai Global Village Tickets: $15
- AL Shindagha Museum Admission Tickets: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara
Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Underground City$0.17
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $34
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $35
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Local: $27
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $233
- Ankara Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $39
- 6-Hour Private Tour with Guide, Car, and Lunch: $175
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $35
- Private Walking Tour with a Local: $41
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Full Day Cappadocia Private Tour: $300
- Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $185
- Private Ankara Sightseeing Tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Ankara $10
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Ankara, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Ankara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Ankara is in Europe, 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 Ankara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ankara 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 Ankara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Ankara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Ankara?
Ankara has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Ankara, 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.