Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dubai or Kingston?
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 Kingston can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Kingston?
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.
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Kingston $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $107. 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 Kingston in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Kingston $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Kingston $126
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Kingston
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Kingston? 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 Kingston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Kingston $29
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:
- Banana Boat Ride Dubai With Transfer: $190
- Burj Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Private Transfers: $147
- Dubai Frame & La Perle Dragon Dubai (Bronze) With Transfer: $210
- Dubai Maktoum DWC to Al Ain Private Limo-Van Transfer: $67
- Dubai Private Transfer to The Outlet Village: $92
- Jet Ski Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfers: $109
- 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
- 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $61
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
- 2 Dives for Certified Divers in Fujairah with lunch & transfer: $167
- 2 Hour View at The Palm Ticket and One Way Monorail with Transfer: $65
- 20 Minute Jet Car Ride Near Burj Al Arab with Optional Transfers: $230
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Kingston: $388
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $280
- Norman Manley Airport Private Round-trip Transfer to Kingston : $255
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport (KIN) To & From Sandals South Coast : $240
- Private Airport Transfer Sangster Airport to Kingston: $230
- NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer to Accommodation in Montego Bay: $215
- Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
- Kingston Airport to & From Sandals Ocho Rios Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer Kingston Airport to Jewel Grande Montego Bay: $187
- Kingston : Private Airport Transfer to Montego Bay: $168
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer : $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Kingston?
Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 $56Kingston $26
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$6.53
-
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:
- Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
- 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
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Kingston $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.
- Tourist eSIM/SIM Card with Data and Minutes: $2.50
- Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
- Ticket to Muséum of the futuré: $5.30
- Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.34
- 4G Data Roaming eSIM Card for Tourists: $6.46
- Old Town Walking Tour with Souks, Abra Ride & Snacks: $8.00
- Old Walking Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $8.17
- Old Dubai, Walking Tour, Souk Shopping, and Abra Ride: $8.85
- Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah: $8.99
- Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour: $9.53
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise, Blue Hole with Snorkeling, free beverages: $174
- 4x4 Jeep Safari & Blue Hole Adventure from Ocho Rios: $158
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $85
- Blue Hole and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $99
- Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Kingston: $231
- Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Runaway Bay: $142
- Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
- Bob Marley Museum Tour Skip the Line Tickets: $45
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $83
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Runaway Bay: $258
- Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $368
- Bob Marley Museum and Devon House Kingston Day Tour: $318
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Kingston $11
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:
- Ocho Rios Pub Crawl and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $185
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Kingston, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Kingston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Kingston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Kingston?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Kingston, 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.
When is the best time to visit Dubai or Kingston?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Dubai or Kingston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Kingston. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.
Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Kingston. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Kingston in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Kingston 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Kingston in the Autumn?
Both Kingston and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Kingston. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Dubai is around the same temperature as Kingston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Kingston averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Kingston 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Kingston in the Winter?
Both Kingston and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.
January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Kingston. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Dubai is generally cooler than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Kingston 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Kingston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Kingston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
June to August in Dubai is the dry season. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Kingston. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Dubai is around the same temperature as Kingston in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Kingston 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Kingston and Dubai
| Dubai | Kingston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
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.