Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer?
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 Jaisalmer can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Jaisalmer?
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.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
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 India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesJaisalmer Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Jaisalmer $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $41. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Jaisalmer $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Jaisalmer $24
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Jaisalmer
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Jaisalmer $11
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:
- Private Dubai Shopping Tour with Transfer: $300
- Private Transfer to/from Dubai Airport for Up to 6 People: $300
- Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
- Dubai Jet Car and Self Drive Tour with Private Transfer: $285
- X Line Ride in Dubai Marina with Optional Private Transfers: $270
- Burj Khalifa The Lounge - Levels 154, 153, 152 with Transfers: $270
- Afternoon High Tea at Atmosphere Burj Khalifa with Transfer: $259
- Burj Khalifa Lounge at Levels 152, 153 & 154 + Optional Transfers: $259
- Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $255
- Dubai Desert Safari With Dune Buggy Options and Shared Transfer: $249
- Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Adventure with Transfers Options: $245
- Atlantis Water Park Admission Pass With Private Transfers: $237
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $62
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $55
- Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $50
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $45
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Jaisalmer?
Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 $96Jaisalmer $21
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$6.53
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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 Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $8.75
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $15
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $16
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Vip Red Dune Desert Safari Dubai, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner, Shows: $18
- Vip Desert Safari Dubai With BBQ Buffet Dinner: $19
- VIP RED DUNE SAFARI with Pick/drop,Quad,Camel, BBQ Dinner & Shows: $19
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Deira Creek: $20
- Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & BBQ dinner: $21
- Dubai Desert Safari With4x4 Pick/Drop camel ride BBQ dinner shows: $21
- Dubai Creek Dhow Dinner Cruise with Buffet & Live Entertainment: $21
- Vip Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ dinner&shows-Pick&Drop(Optional): $22
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
- Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $24
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $29
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $30
- Half-Day Camel Tour with Dinner: $34
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $36
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Shahi Half day non touristic sand dune camel safari with dinner: $38
- Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $42
- Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Jaisalmer $11
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.
- "Explore Dubai's Highlights: 6-Hour Guided City Tour: $41
- 1 HR - Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour: $20
- 1 Hour Private Luxury Yacht Experience in Dubai: $70
- 1 hour Dubai Marina Riviera Leisure Cruise: $111
- 1-Hour Jet Ski Tour – Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, & Dubai Skyline: $155
- 10 Hours Private Abu Dhabi City Tour: $181
- 12 mins Helicopter Tour & The View at The Palm Observatory Deck: $282
- 1Hour 2000cc Dune Buggy Adventure: Ultimate Milehah Desert Thrill: $215
- 2Hrs private Sea escape Cruise, Swim, Tan & Sightsee!: $229
- 30 Minutes Flyboard Experience in Dubai JBR: $125
- 30 minutes Private Jet Car Experience with Burj Al Arab View: $259
- 3000cc,V6 (Automatic) Dune Buggy+Sandboarding - Private Adventure: $295
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.18
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- 1 night 2 days Thar Desert Experience Jaisalmer: $41
- 1-Night and 2-Days Thar Desert Safari Tour: $41
- 2 Days Non-Touristic Overnight Thar Desert Camel Safari Tour: $28
- 2-Night Desert Experience with Luxury Camp from Jaisalmer: $228
- 3 Days Private Jaisalmer Tour: $180
- 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $179
- 3-Day Private Tour of Jaisalmer with Desert Camp Experience: $173
- 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $209
- 8 Days Private Tour Colors of Rajasthan from Jaisalmer: $217
- Adventure Night With Cultural Show: $50
- Adventure non touristic camel safari: $24
- Agra: Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour w/Fatehpur Sikri: $4.50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Jaisalmer $8.18
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 Tours: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Jaisalmer, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Jaisalmer Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Jaisalmer?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Jaisalmer, 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.
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.