Which place is cheaper, Kerala or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dubai or Kerala?
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 Kerala can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Kerala?
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.
Kerala
Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.
This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.
Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.
The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.
-
Dubai Prices
UAE PricesKerala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Kerala $32
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $32. 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 Kerala in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Kerala $12
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Kerala $24
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Kerala
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Kerala? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Kerala $4.72
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:
- Abu Dhabi City Tour transfer from Dubai Shared Bus : $52
- Burj Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Transfer Optional: $169
- Dining Experience at Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa With Transfers: $185
- Dubai City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $199
- Dubai Frame Admission Tickets With Transfers Option: $24
- Dubai Frame and La Perle Dragon Gold Tickets with Transfers: $205
- Ekart Zabeel Dubai With Transfer: $150
- "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 Self-Drive ATV Experience with Transfer Options: $90
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Private 4-Day Tour in Kerala with Houseboat and Airport Transfers: $193
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Isha Foundation Coimbatore: $170
- Kovalam to Alleppey Private Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118
- Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Marari: Relaxed & Convenient Ride: $83
- Cochin to Vagamon Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Alleppey or Kumarakom Hotel: $79
- Airport to Hotel Transfers Kochi: $68
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Cherai: Hassle-Free Travel: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Kerala?
Prices for flights to both Kerala 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 dayDubai $96Kerala $14
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:
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- Virtual Online Cooking Class - Cook Your Classic Curry with Chef Gomez: $16
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai Al Seef: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & BBQ dinner: $18
- Red Dune Desert Safari with Camel Riding Sand Boarding BBQ Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dubai Desert Safari With4x4 Pick/Drop camel ride BBQ dinner shows: $18
- Desert Safari With Camel Ride and Dinner: $19
- Vip Red Dune Safari with 4x4 Pick & Drop, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner: $19
- Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sandboarding: $19
- Golden Dune Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & live BBQ Dinner: $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
- Private candle light dinner: $21
- Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $21
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
- Biryani Cooking class with Chef firoz: $23
- Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $23
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $37
- Traditional Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home in Kochi: $76
- Private Authentic Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home: $79
- Tour of Kochi with Lunch: Kathakali and Dinner With Evening Tour.: $110
- Kathakali Classical Dance Performance with Dinner: $124
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Kerala $9.25
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.
- The Palm Monorail Ticket Dubai: $9.21
- Global Village Tickets : $10
- Dubai Global Village Entry Ticket: $11
- Dubai Global Village Entry Ticket with Optional Transport : $11
- Dubai's Global Village Admission Ticket: $12
- Al Noor Island Sharjah Entry Ticket: $15
- Dubai Miracle Garden Tour with Transportation: $15
- Dubai Frame Golden Gate Ticket with optional transport: $16
- AL Shindagha Museum Admission Tickets: $16
- Dubai Half Day City Tour with Blue Mosque Creek and Souks: $16
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Admission Ticket: $16
- Skip-The-Line Ticket to Butterfly Garden: $17
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Exclusive Kochi Tuk Tuk Tour Including Pickup from Cruise Ships: $14
- Half Day Hiking in Munnar Trekking Tour: $14
- Munnar Tea Trail Tour , Tea factory visit & Tea Tasting: $17
- Sunrise Tour in Top Station, Munnar ( By Munnar Info): $62
- Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Tour(munnar valley Trekking): $58
- "Day Trip to Varkala from Trivandrum (Guided Full Day City Tour)": $139
- 05 Days Kerala Tour: $28
- 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
- 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $127
- 2 Days in Cochin (Kochi) Private Tour: $250
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $119
- 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $310
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Kerala $4.89
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:
- JBR Walk Historic Pub Crawl with Guide and Drinks: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Kerala, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Kerala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Kerala 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 Kerala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kerala 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 Kerala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Kerala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Dubai or Kerala?
Kerala has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Kerala, 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.