Which place is cheaper, Cebu 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 Cebu?
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 Cebu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Cebu?
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.
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesCebu Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Cebu $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $75. 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 Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Cebu $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Cebu $46
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Cebu? 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 Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Cebu $24
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:
- Global Village Dubai Ticket with Optional transfer: $9.50
- Private Dubai Airport Arrival/Departure Transfer to Dubai City: $13
- Miracle Garden & Global Village with Optional Private Transfers: $14
- Global Village Dubai Tickets with Transfers Option: $16
- Private Dubai Airport Transfer DXB to Dubai City: $17
- Dubai hotel or address to Dubai Airport (DXB) – Departure Private Transfer: $17
- Dubai Private Airport Arrival & Departure To Hotel Transfer: $18
- Dubai Airport: Private One-Way Arrival and Departure Transfer: $18
- Dubai Frame Tickets with Optional Transfer: $19
- Dubai Airports Arrival Transfer Only: $20
- Dubai Airports Departure Transfer Only: $20
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise With or Without Transfers: $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $212
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $204
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $196
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $137
- Private Airport to Hagnaya Going to Bantayan Island Transfer: $122
- Cebu Airport to Maya Port Private Transfer Service: $110
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Shared Joiners Transfer to Maya Port for Malapascua Island: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu 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 $96Cebu $34
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$6.53
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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 & BBQ Dinner: $8.75
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $15
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $16
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Vip Red Dune Desert Safari Dubai, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner, Shows: $18
- Vip Desert Safari Dubai With BBQ Buffet Dinner: $19
- VIP RED DUNE SAFARI with Pick/drop,Quad,Camel, BBQ Dinner & Shows: $19
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Deira Creek: $20
- Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & BBQ dinner: $21
- Dubai Desert Safari With4x4 Pick/Drop camel ride BBQ dinner shows: $21
- Dubai Creek Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Entertainment: $21
- Vip Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ dinner&shows-Pick&Drop(Optional): $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $45
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Cebu $16
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.
- Global Village Dubai Ticket with optional transport: $9.00
- Miracle Garden and Global Village Entrance Ticket: $9.77
- Global Village Tickets: $10
- Global Village Skip the ticket line: $13
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Ticket Deals: $14
- Dubai Layover Private Tour with Choice of Duration: $15
- Dubai Marina Yacht Tour Ain Dubai, JBR and Harbour in 1 hour: $18
- Dubai Frame Ticket: $18
- Old Town, Souks, Street Food, Guided Tour & Abra Ride: $18
- Dubai Marina 2 Hour Sunset Yacht Tour with Alcoholic Drinks: $18
- Dubai 5 Hours Magic Secret New Shopping Tour: $19
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $19
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $61
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $128
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Beginner Scuba Diving in Moalboal | Safe & Easy Experience: $65
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $53
- Boat Diving Two Dive Tour in Olango Island in Cebu: $85
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour w Lunch at Loboc River From Cebu: $142
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City | Private Tour: $187
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Cebu $13
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Cebu, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Cebu 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 Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Cebu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Cebu?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Cebu, 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 Cebu?
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 Cebu in the Summer?
Both Cebu 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 Cebu year-round.
June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Cebu. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Cebu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Cebu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Cebu. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Cebu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Cebu. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dubai is cooler than Cebu in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Cebu in the Spring?
Both Cebu 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 Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Dubai is June to August. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Cebu. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Dubai is cooler than Cebu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Cebu averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Dubai
| Dubai | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
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.