Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesHangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Hangzhou $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $84. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Hangzhou $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Hangzhou $50
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Hangzhou $8.68
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 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
- 1 Hour Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Transfer: $45
- 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $140
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
- 3-Hour Ice Skating Experience in Dubai with optional Transfer: $70
- 4 Hour Dubai Layover Tour with Private Airport Transfers On Time: $126
- A Guided Tour To Quranic Park and Jumeirah Mosque With Transfer: $95
- AYA Universe Dubai Entry with Optional Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $55
- AYA Universe Dubai Ticket with Transfer option: $33
- AYA Universe Dubai with Transfer Option: $42
- AYA Universe Light and Sound Park in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- 2-Day Private Tour with Lunch and Airport Transfer: $459
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $269
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer: $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake: $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $96Hangzhou $33
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 Self Drive Desert Safari Experience with BBQ dinner: $10
- Dubai Red Dunes Desert Safari with Dinner, Camel, Shows & Pickup: $11
- Dune Bashing Red Dunes 4x4 Pick & Drop Shows Dinner Camel: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ Dinner Camelride sandbord: $15
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ/Dinner Camelride Sandbord: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride,BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike: $15
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $16
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $16
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Creek with pickup drop option: $16
- Dinner Dhow Cruise with Live Entertainment Al Seef: $16
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.51
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Pizza Hut Lunch$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $170
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Hangzhou $21
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: $5.85
- A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.80
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk Entry Ticket: $6.81
- Global Village Dubai Ticket with optional transport: $9.00
- The Palm Monorail Ticket Dubai: $9.21
- Maze Mirror Inside Creek Park Entry Ticket: $9.77
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Ticket Deals: $10
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Tickets: $13
- Al Shindagha Museum Tickets: $13
- Al Shindagha Museum Ticket: $13
- Al Shindagha Museum Entry Ticket: $14
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $131
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park including Fishing experience: $205
- AI Robot Experience Tour in Hangzhou with West Lake Cruise: $221
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $179
- Coach Day Tour: Shaoxing Ancient Town with Lunch from Hangzhou: $162
- Customized Hangzhou Guided Tour Based on Your Interests: $249
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Hangzhou $11
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 Tour: $62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Hangzhou, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Hangzhou. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Hangzhou. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 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)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
Dubai is much warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou 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.
It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 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)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.
In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 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)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Dubai
| Dubai | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.