A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Eilat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubai or Eilat?

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

Where Should I go: Dubai or Eilat?

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.

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 Israel, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel.


Which place is cheaper, Eilat or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Eilat is $140. 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 Eilat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Eilat $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Eilat $186
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Eilat

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Eilat? 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.

Hotels in Dubai


Hotels in Eilat


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 Eilat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Eilat $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $12
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Sea Taxi
    $0.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Zipline Experience in Dubai Marina with 1 Way Private Transfers: $265
  • Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
  • Xline Dubai Marina Zip line Experience With Transfers Option: $243
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark with One-Way Transfer: $140
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark tickets with Private transfer: $154
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Ticket With Private Transfer: $125
  • Wild Wadi Water Theme Park with Ticket & Transfers: $175
  • Wild Wadi Water Park Ticket with Transfer from Dubai: $131
  • Wild Wadi Dubai Water Park Tickets With Transfers Option: $99
  • Wild Wadi Adventure Waterpark Tickets With Transfers From Dubai: $105
  • Wild Wadi - Dubai Theme Water Park Tickets With Transfers Option: $98
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Dubai Airport (DXB) - Dubai City: $36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Eilat?

Prices for flights to both Eilat 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dubai $56
    Eilat $35
Typical Food Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:


  • French bread
    $0.95
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    $10
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    $4.36
  • Coffee & Cake
    $6.54
  • Smoothie
    $5.45
  • 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:

  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
  • Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Dubai Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet: $15
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $15
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
  • Cruising With Dinner And Live Shows At Dubai Creek: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Eilat $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 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.

  • 30-Minutes Jet Ski Burj Al Arab Tour of Dubai: $125
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour in 4x4 Private Vehicle, Dubai Pickup Option: $299
  • Admission ticket for IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai: $95
  • Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
  • Burj Khalifa At the Top & Sky Views Ticket: $167
  • Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
  • Burj Khalifa Tour - Top Sky Ticket 124, 125 & 148 Floor Level Access : $165
  • Dibba Full Day Cruise Trip: $191
  • Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Entrance Ticket: $48
  • Dubai City Sightseeing Tour In A Private Vehicle ( Full-day ) : $289
  • Dubai City Tour + Burj Khalifa + Dubai Frame + Desert Safari (one day tour): $271

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $64
  • Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
  • Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Eilat $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • 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 Tour: $67


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Eilat, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Eilat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Eilat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Eilat 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 Eilat.

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Eilat?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Eilat, 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 Eilat?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Eilat in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Eilat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. In July, Dubai usually receives more rain than Eilat. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Eilat. It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is around the same temperature as Eilat in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Eilat fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Eilat 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Eilat in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Eilat. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year.

Dubai usually gets more rain in October than Eilat. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Dubai is a little warmer than Eilat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Eilat averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Eilat 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Eilat in the Winter?

Both Eilat and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. In January, Dubai usually receives more rain than Eilat. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Eilat. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Eilat fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Eilat 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Eilat in the Spring?

Both Eilat and Dubai during the spring 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 Eilat year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets more rain in April than Eilat. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai is around the same temperature as Eilat in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Eilat fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Eilat 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Eilat and Dubai

Dubai Eilat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)