Which place is cheaper, Chennai 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 Chennai?
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 Chennai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Chennai?
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.
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
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 Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesChennai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Chennai $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Chennai is $30. 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 Chennai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Chennai $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Chennai $28
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Chennai
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Chennai? 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 Chennai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Chennai $2.30
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:
- Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
- Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
- Fujairah Dam Tour with Private Transfers: $299
- Dubai Helicopter 12-Minute Scenic Flight with Transfer Option: $290
- Dubai Dune Buggy Safari - Private Transfer: $280
- Dubai Iconic Helicopter Ride 12 Minutes with Private Transfers: $275
- Dubai City Tour + Burj Khalifa 148 Floor (Prime) with Transfer: $267
- Private Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Transfer: $265
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Fujairah Tour with Private Transfers: $260
- Dubai Dune Buggy Tours with Private Transfers: $260
- Dubai Dune Buggy Selfdrive & Private transfer: $260
- Afternoon High Tea at Atmosphere Burj Khalifa with Transfer: $259
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,094
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Vellore: Comfortable Travel: $156
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Private Arrival Transfer Chennai Airport MAA to Mahabalipuram: $55
- Private Transfer from Mahabalipuram Hotel to Chennai Airport(MAA): $50
- Chennai Airport: Layover City Guided Tour with Transfers: $48
- From Chennai Mylapore walking trail with Guide & Transfers: $45
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $44
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Chennai Hotels: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Chennai?
Prices for flights to both Chennai 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 $96Chennai $9.75
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 Private Red Dunes Safari With Quad Biking, Dinner and Shows: $2.95
- Dubai Desert Safari Tour Hotel Transfer, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $4.90
- Dubai Desert Safari - Free Pick&Drop Red Dunes Live Shows Dinner: $4.90
- Royal Desert Adventure with BBQ dinner: $5.00
- VIP Desert Safari Dubai with Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $5.40
- Desert Safari,Premium sofa,Quad Bike,CamelRide,BBQ Dinner,Shows: $6.16
- Dubai Red Dune Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner: $6.65
- VIP Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $7.00
- Red dune Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & optional Quad bike: $7.45
- VIP Desert Safari Camel Ride Live Shows & BBQ Dinner with pick up: $7.81
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $8.00
- Dubai 6 Hour Red Dune Desert Safari With Buffet Dinner: $8.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ayurvedic or South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with an Author: $40
- Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Vidhya: $48
- PRIVATE Chennai Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class near Chennai Airport: $62
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $71
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Demo in Chennai in Tara's Home: $76
- Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
- Neighborhood Market Tour & South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Chennai $2.44
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
- (Private) Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Tour from Dubai: $195
- 05 Hours Dubai Night City Tour: $61
- 1 Day Dubai City Tour: $80
- 1 HR - Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour: $20
- 1 Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai Ticket: $43
- 1 Hour Private 800cc Buggy Tour Good for 2 persons: $223
- 1 Hour Private Videography Tour of Aya Universe in Dubai: $215
- 1 Hour Shared Desert Horse Riding Experience: $50
- 1 hour Jetski Tour - Burj Al Arab Tour: $165
- 1-Hour KTM 450CC Dirt bike Desert Adventure Tours in Dubai: $154
- 1-Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai: $47
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram: $267
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Both Side Commercial Flights: $254
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Both side Commercial Flights: $276
- 2-Days Private Udaipur City Tour with Boat Ride: $116
- 6-Day Classical Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $250
- 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $526
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
- All Inclusive Chennai Full & Half-Day Tour with Hotel Pickup: $48
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
- Auto Rickshaw Tour of Mahabalipuram: $82
- Best of Chennai and Mahabalipuram Full Day Private Guided Tour: $99
- Best of Guided Half Day City Tour with a local: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Chennai $2.71
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: $38
- Pub Crawl Private Events & Birthdays: $126
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Chennai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Chennai 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 Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Chennai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Chennai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Chennai?
Chennai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Chennai, 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.