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

Should you visit Dubai or Havana?

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

Where Should I go: Dubai or Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Havana? 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 Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Havana $19
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:

  • Banana Boat Ride Dubai With Transfer: $190
  • Burj Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Private Transfers: $147
  • Dubai Frame & La Perle Dragon Dubai (Bronze) With Transfer: $210
  • Dubai Maktoum DWC to Al Ain Private Limo-Van Transfer: $67
  • Dubai Private Transfer to The Outlet Village: $92
  • Jet Ski Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfers: $109
  • 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
  • 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $61
  • 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
  • 2 Dives for Certified Divers in Fujairah with lunch & transfer: $167
  • 2 Hour View at The Palm Ticket and One Way Monorail with Transfer: $65
  • 20 Minute Jet Car Ride Near Burj Al Arab with Optional Transfers: $230

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $10
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
    $6.53
  • 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:

  • Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
  • 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
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Havana $11
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.

  • Tourist eSIM/SIM Card with Data and Minutes: $2.50
  • Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
  • Ticket to Muséum of the futuré: $5.30
  • Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.34
  • 4G Data Roaming eSIM Card for Tourists: $6.46
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Souks, Abra Ride & Snacks: $8.00
  • Old Walking Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $8.17
  • Old Dubai, Walking Tour, Souk Shopping, and Abra Ride: $8.85
  • Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah: $8.99
  • Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour: $9.53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Havana $5.76
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 Tours: $66
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

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


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Havana, 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 Havana?

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 Havana in the Summer?

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

Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Havana. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Havana in the Autumn?

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

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Havana. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Dubai is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Havana. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Havana in the Spring?

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

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Havana. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

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


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

Typical Weather for Havana and Dubai

Dubai Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)