A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Boston for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Boston?

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

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Boston

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Dubai and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Boston?

Both Boston and Dubai have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Dubai is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Boston is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities.

How is Dubai different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boston and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Boston is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Boston is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Boston?

Boston is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Dubai is not a theatre destination.

Boston has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Dubai is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Boston both to be high quality destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

Dubai is a world class music destination. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Boston is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Boston is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Boston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a good destination for its beaches. However, Boston is a mediocre city for the beache.

Dubai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

You can check out the beach in Boston. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Boston is revered around the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Boston?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Dubai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Dubai does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is a very popular destination during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Dubai does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a great city for visiting Christmas markets. However, Dubai does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Dubai does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Boston are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boston is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Boston is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Boston are first-rate places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Is Dubai or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Boston can get you around easily. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Boston?

In either Dubai or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Boston because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

Families should spend more time in Boston than Dubai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Dubai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Boston.

One day in Dubai or Boston?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Boston, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this proud big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Boston?

Dubai is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a fun place to experience. In Boston, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Boston?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the traditional big city of Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dubai is in Middle East and Boston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Boston?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Boston, 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 Boston?

Boston has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Boston. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Boston. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. Dubai is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Boston. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Boston and Dubai