Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya 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 Bodh Gaya?
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 Bodh Gaya can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Bodh Gaya?
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.
Bodh Gaya
Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.
Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.
Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.
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 Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesBodh Gaya Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Bodh Gaya $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $56. 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 Bodh Gaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Bodh Gaya $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Bodh Gaya $38
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Bodh Gaya
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Bodh Gaya? 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 Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Bodh Gaya $20
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:
- Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Adventure with Transfers Options: $245
- X Line Ride in Dubai Marina with Optional Private Transfers: $270
- Wild Wadi Adventure Waterpark Tickets With Transfers Option: $93
- Visit Dubai Frame Tour with Private Transfers: $48
- Visit AYA Universe Light and Sound Park in Dubai with Transfer: $65
- View at The Palm Jumeirah Dubai Tickets With Optional Transfers: $50
- VR Park Dubai Ticket with Transfer: $86
- UAE Private Inter Hotel Transfer: Premium Service with Luggage: $55
- Toyota Previa Private Airport Transfer To OR From Dubai Airport: $59
- Ticket for 3D World Selfie Museum in Dubai With Transfer: $130
- The View at the Palm,non Prime Time With Two Way Private Transfer: $92
- The View at the Palm with Transfer: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 3 Day Private Bodhgaya Sightseeing Tour with Transfer: $120
- Private Airport Transfer Gaya to or from Bodhgaya Hotel: $25
- Gaya Airport (GAY) Private Transfer to Gaya City/Hotels: $25
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Bodh Gaya?
Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya 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 $96Bodh Gaya $24
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
- VIP Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $14
- Vip Red Dunes Safari with 4x4 Pick/Drop Camel Dinner Shows: $15
- 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
- Dubai desert safari with BBQ dinner, camel ride & dune Bashing: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,BBQ Dinner,Quad bike Optional: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ/Dinner Camelride Sandbord: $15
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $16
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Creek with pickup drop option: $16
- Dubai:VIP Desert Safari with Pick/Drop, Camel Ride, Dinner & Show: $16
- Dubai Desert Safari | Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $16
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Bodh Gaya $8.62
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.
- "Discover Abu Dhabi: A Captivating 6-Hour Guided Tour": $69
- "Explore Dubai's Highlights: 6-Hour Guided City Tour: $41
- 1 Day Dubai City Tour: $80
- 1 HR - Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour: $20
- 1 Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai Ticket: $43
- 1 Hour Shared Desert Horse Riding Experience: $50
- 1 hour Dubai Marina Riviera Leisure Cruise: $111
- 1-Hour Dune Buggy Self-Drive, Camel Ride & Sandboarding Adventure: $150
- 1001 Adventure Tour: $71
- 12-Minute Helicopter Tour & Desert Safari in Dubai combo: $297
- 2 Day Dubai Layover, City Tour, Safari & Burj Khalifa 124 Floor.: $279
- 2 Days-Dubai City Tour with Desert Safari and Abu Dhabi City Tour: $175
Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya
For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $30
- Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $63
- Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $52
- Exclusive Guided Tour of Bodh Gaya: $227
- Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $31
- Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $48
- Guided Tour of Bodhgaya Temples and Buddha Sites: $129
- Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
- Half Day Private Guided Tour in Bodh Gaya & Dungeshwari Caves: $88
- Private Bodhgaya Spiritual Tour with Expert Guide: $55
- Private Day Tour to Rajgir and Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $105
- Private Tour of Bodhgaya and Gaya Including Vishnupad Temple: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Bodh Gaya $4.95
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: $42
- Pub Crawl Private Events & Birthdays: $126
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Bodh Gaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Bodh Gaya 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 Bodh Gaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodh Gaya 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 Bodh Gaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Bodh Gaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Bodh Gaya?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Bodh Gaya, 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.