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.
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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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesKerala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Kerala $29
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $29. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Kerala $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Kerala $22
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Kerala $4.36
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:
- 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
- 1 Hour Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Transfer: $45
- 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $140
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
- 2 Dives for Certified Divers in Fujairah with transfer: $195
- 20 Minute Jet Car Ride Near Burj Al Arab with Optional Transfers: $230
- AYA Universe Dubai Entry with Optional Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $55
- AYA Universe Dubai with Transfer Option: $42
- AYA Universe Light and Sound Park in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $64
- AYA Universe and Dubai Frame Tour with Private Transfer: $155
- Abu Dhabi City Tour with Grand Mosque Including Transfers: $56
- Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Museum With Free shuttle Transfer: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
- Private 4-Day Tour in Kerala with Houseboat and Airport Transfers: $179
- 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 from Cochin to Alleppey or Kumarakom Hotel: $79
- Athirappilly Waterfalls Day Trip from Kochi with Transfers: $67
- Airport to Hotel Transfers Kochi: $53
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Cherai: Hassle-Free Travel: $48
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Cochin Port Cruise Ship Terminal: $45
- Private Transfer from Kochi City to Kochi (COK) Airport: $44
- Affordable transfer from Kochi to Munnar: $40
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
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Food Meals for one dayDubai $96Kerala $13
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$6.54
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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 and BBQ Dinner: $11
- VIP Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $14
- Vip Red Dunes Safari with 4x4 Pick/Drop Camel Dinner Shows: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ Dinner Camelride sandbord: $15
- Dubai desert safari with BBQ dinner, camel ride & dune Bashing: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,BBQ Dinner,Quad bike Optional: $15
- VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ/Dinner Camelride Sandbord: $15
- Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $16
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Creek with pickup drop option: $16
- Dubai:VIP Desert Safari with Pick/Drop, Camel Ride, Dinner & Show: $16
- Dubai Desert Safari | Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $19
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $34
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Biryani Cooking class with House Chef: $54
- Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $54
- Kerala Muslim Cooking Class with a Riverfront View in Kochi: $69
- Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
- Authentic Kerala Syrian Christian Cooking Class in a Cochin Home: $79
- Tour of Kochi with Lunch: Kathakali and Dinner With Evening Tour.: $110
- Cooking experience in Kochi, a half day tour: $128
- Kochi Over View: Kathakali, Dinner, Pick & Drop Included Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Kerala $8.55
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.
- Dubai's Hidden Gems: Self Guided City Tour: $3.49
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Dubai: $5.82
- A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
- Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.81
- Dubai Walking Tour 1h00 and 9 audio reviews: $7.26
- Miracle Garden and Global Village Entrance Ticket: $9.77
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Tickets: $11
- Al Shindagha Museum Tickets: $13
- Al Shindagha Museum Ticket: $13
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Ticket Deals: $14
- Premium Dubai Property Investment Tour in Half-Day: $14
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
- 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $118
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $111
- 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $310
- 21hrs Houseboat Tour through Alleppeys Serene Canals & Local Life: $167
- 3 Nights Private Deluxe Tour- Cochin/Munnar/Houseboat/Cochin: $258
- 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
- 4 Days - Munnar, Alleppey Houseboat & Kochi sightseeing: $286
- 4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car: $185
- 4 Days Private Kerala Tour -Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady with 3* Hotel: $193
- 4 Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochi From Cruise terminal: $14
- 4 Hours Private Village Life Experience in Kochi with Pickup: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Kerala $4.52
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
- Pub Crawl Private Events & Birthdays: $126
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.