Which city is cheaper, Istanbul or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Istanbul can help you decide which place is right for you.
Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.
Istanbul is a beautiful, historic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Istanbul and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of museums and attractions in both Istanbul and Dubai.
Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.
Foodies will find both Dubai and Istanbul both to be unique destinations.
Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices.
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find comparable options between Dubai and Istanbul.
People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.
Istanbul offers plenty to do in the evening. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub.
If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Istanbul both offer plenty of spots.
Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.
Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.
You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Istanbul.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.
Istanbul is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks.
Both Dubai and Istanbul are good destinations to visit as a couple.
Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.
Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here.
For students, both Dubai and Istanbul are fairly comparable places to visit.
Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.
Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.
Istanbul has better public transit to get you around.
With a huge network, the transit system in Istanbul can get you around easily. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.
Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.
Istanbul is more walkable than Dubai.
Istanbul is a very walkable destination. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.
Both Dubai and Istanbul have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Dubai is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Istanbul is 3-7 days.
Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
In Istanbul, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Istanbul is a fun place to experience. In Istanbul, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
In Istanbul, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $198, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $43. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dubai and Istanbul in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Istanbul? 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Istanbul, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Istanbul is in Europe, 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.
Both Istanbul and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July are around 35°C (95°F), and Istanbul is about 24°C (74°F).
Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Istanbul. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Istanbul. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Istanbul stays around 16°C (61°F).
In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Istanbul. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Additionally, most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Dubai is much warmer than Istanbul in the winter. The temperature in Dubai is usually 19°C (66°F) in January, and Istanbul stays around 6°C (43°F).
Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.
Both Istanbul and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April are around 26°C (79°F), and Istanbul is about 13°C (55°F).
In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.
Dubai | Istanbul | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
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