Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesGuangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Guangzhou $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $110. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Guangzhou $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Guangzhou $122
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Guangzhou $15
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:
- "Airport Transfers to or from Dubai with SUV Car": $95
- 1 Hour Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Transfer: $45
- 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $140
- 2 Dives for Certified Divers in Fujairah with transfer: $167
- A Japanese Business Lunch Experience in Dubai with Transfer: $119
- AYA Universe Dubai Entry with Optional Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $55
- AYA Universe Dubai Tickets with Transfer Option: $37
- AYA Universe Dubai with Transfer Option: $42
- AYA Universe Experience with Private Transfers: $73
- AYA Universe and Dubai Frame Tour with Private Transfer: $155
- AYA Universe and Dubai Miracle Garden Private Tour With Transfer: $195
- Abu Dhabi City Tour transfer from Dubai Shared Bus: $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
- Foshan Elite Private Transfer & Executive Support: $199
- Guangzhou Indoor Ski Experience with Private Guide & Transfer: $199
- Guangzhou Airport Layover: Private Transfer & City Highlights: $199
- Guangzhou & Greater Bay Area Private Transfer & Executive Support: $199
- Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $175
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Guangzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $120
- Guangzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $102
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Shenzhen private Transfer service.: $100
- Fast Train Ticket from Guangzhou to Hong Kong with Station Transfer in Guanghou: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $96Guangzhou $36
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:
- VIP Dubai Desert Safari 4x4 Pick/drop Dinner Shows Camel: $8.93
- Dubai Self Drive Desert Safari Fun with BBQ dinner: $13
- VIP Red Dune Safari with 4x4 Pick/Drop,CamelRide,BBQ Dinner,Shows: $13
- Dhow Cruise With Dinner at Al Jaddaf Dubai: $14
- Dubai Desert Safari, sand boarding , BBQ dinner & Entertainment: $14
- Dubai desert safari with BBQ dinner, camel ride & dune Bashing: $14
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ/Dinner Camelride Sandbord: $15
- Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & BBQ dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride,BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $15
- Dubai Premium Desert Safari – Red Dunes, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Private Cantonese Cooking Consultation and Custom Menu Planning: $19
- Guangzhou Local Life Street Food Tour Hidden Spots and Markets: $39
- Xíhuá Road Private Food Tour, Guided by a Local: $64
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Guangzhou Night Walking and Food Tour: Led by Local Cantonese: $82
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Guangzhou $19
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.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Dubai: $5.92
- A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
- Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- The Palm Monorail Ticket Dubai: $9.21
- Miracle Garden and Global Village Entrance Ticket: $9.77
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Ticket Deals: $10
- Dubai Frame Admission Ticket : Choose your Option: $11
- Al Noor Island Sharjah Entry Ticket: $11
- Old Dubai Walking Tour with Local/souks, boat, and local tasting.: $11
- Entry Ticket to Sharjah Al Noor Island: $13
- Al Shindagha Museum Ticket: $13
- Dubai Burj Khalifa Lake Ride and Fountain Show Experience: $14
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Guangzhou City Highlight Layover Tour from Airport: $276
- 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
- 1 Day Relaxing Exploring Tour in Guangzhou: $156
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour in Your Way: $100
- 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience: $118
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
- 7-Hour Customised Private Guangzhou Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $180
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou: $229
- Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
- Baiyun Mountain Canton Tower Iconic City Landmarks Private Tour: $180
- Bruce Lee Hometown Martial Art Culture Lion Dance Private Tour: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Guangzhou $15
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 Private Events & Birthdays: $126
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Guangzhou, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Guangzhou. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Guangzhou. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
In October, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Dubai is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Guangzhou. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.
In the spring, Dubai is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Dubai
| Dubai | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.