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

Should you visit Dubai or Jakarta?

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

Where Should I go: Dubai or Jakarta?

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.

Jakarta

As Indonesia's capital and largest city, Jakarta rests on the northwest coast of the island of Java. It is the country's economic, cultural, and political center with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment.

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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Jakarta 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 Jakarta is $64. 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 Jakarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Jakarta $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Jakarta $66
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Jakarta

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Jakarta? 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 Jakarta


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 Jakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Jakarta $20
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:

  • Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
  • From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
  • Dubai Parasailing Tour With Private Transfers: $300
  • Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
  • Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
  • Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
  • The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers : $299
  • Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
  • Sky Dining Experience at Dubai Marina with Optional Transfers: $290
  • 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
  • Jet Ski Self Ride in Dubai With Private Transfers: $280
  • Afternoon High Tea in Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $275

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $1.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $211
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $210
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Garut Regency: $168
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $168
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency: $168
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc: $168
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $168
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Garut Regency: $168
  • Private Airport Transfer Jakarta VIP Sedan : $153
  • Private Airport Transfer Jakarta VIP Luxury Van: $141
  • Jakarta Airport CGK to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $126
  • Private Transfer from Benda Sukamulya to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Jakarta?

Prices for flights to both Jakarta 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
    Jakarta $17
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
    $6.54
  • 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:

  • 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
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise 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
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek: $19

Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.73
  • Dinner
    $0.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fun Food Tour Jakarta: $30
  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Cikini Heritage Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Life Tour with highlight and food tour: $54
  • Jakarta Night Tour: Guided Sightseeing & Street food tour: $56
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • 10-Tasting Private Food Tour with a Local Host: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Jakarta $13
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.

  • 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
  • Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
  • Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
  • Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
  • DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
  • Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
  • Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
  • Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.

  • 3 Hours Jakarta City Tour (Jakarta's Iconic Places): $45
  • 4 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Tourist Attractions): $55
  • 5 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Highlights): $65
  • 6 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Must Visit Places): $75
  • 7 Hours Indonesia Cultural & Heritage Park Tour: $110
  • 8 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (All Tourist Attractions): $109
  • Afternoon Guided Chinatown Tour in Jakarta : $53
  • Afternoon city tour Jakarta: $82
  • Baduy Tribal Tracker and Village in Private Tour Full Day & Lunch: $130
  • Bandung City Tour Mountain Volcano and Hotspring ( Start From Jakarta): $154
  • Bandung Private Tour Mountain Volcano and Hotspring ( Overland ): $175
  • Bandung Tour : Volcano, Coffee Fields, Hot Springs Water: $119

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Jakarta $4.23
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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Jakarta, 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.