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

Should you visit Dubai or Lahore?

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

Where Should I go: Dubai or Lahore?

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.

Lahore

As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.

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 Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Lahore or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Lahore is $67. 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 Lahore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Lahore $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Lahore $74
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Lahore

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Lahore? 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 Lahore


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 Lahore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Lahore $9.95
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:

  • Private Transfer to/from Dubai Airport for Up to 6 People: $300
  • Private Dubai Shopping Tour with Transfer: $300
  • Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
  • Al Rafisah Dam Tour near Dubai with Private Transfers: $295
  • Dubai Jet Car and Self Drive Tour with Private Transfer: $285
  • Dubai Dune Buggy Safari - Private Transfer: $280
  • Jabel Jais High Mountain Private Tour with Transfers From Dubai: $279
  • X Line Ride in Dubai Marina with Optional Private Transfers: $270
  • Dubai Dune Buggy Selfdrive & Private transfer: $260
  • Afternoon High Tea at Atmosphere Burj Khalifa with Transfer: $259
  • Dubai Prime Attractions Privat Tour with Entry & Hotel Transfer: $258
  • Bollywood Park Ticket With Pvt Return Transfer: $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore

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

  • Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $30
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Lahore?

Prices for flights to both Lahore 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 $96
    Lahore $24
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:

  • Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $11
  • Dhow Cruise With Dinner at Al Jaddaf Dubai: $14
  • Dubai Desert Safari | Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $14
  • VIP Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $14
  • 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
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ/Dinner Camelride Sandbord: $15
  • VIP Red Dune Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride,BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike: $15
  • Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $16
  • Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Creek with pickup drop option: $16
  • Virtual Online Cooking Class - Cook Your Classic Curry with Chef Gomez: $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore

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

  • Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City: $85
  • Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
  • Ganda Singh Border Flag Ceremony 1-day Tour with Dinner: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Lahore $5.07
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.

  • “Dubai City Tour – Old & Modern Highlights with Hotel Pickup.: $209
  • "Explore Dubai's Highlights: 6-Hour Guided City Tour: $41
  • (Private) Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Tour from Dubai: $195
  • 1 Hour Burj Khalifa Ticket with Cafe Treat: $67
  • 1 Hour Private Videography Tour of Aya Universe in Dubai: $215
  • 1 hour Dubai Marina Riviera Leisure Cruise: $111
  • 1 hour Jetski Tour - Burj Al Arab Tour: $165
  • 1-Hour Dune Buggy Self-Drive, Camel Ride & Sandboarding Adventure: $150
  • 1001 Adventure Tour: $71
  • 12 Minute Helicopter Ride Tour From Atlantis Dubai: $238
  • 12-Minute Helicopter Tour & Desert Safari in Dubai combo: $297
  • 1Hour 2000cc Dune Buggy Adventure: Ultimate Milehah Desert Thrill: $215

Tours and Activities in Lahore

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

  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Lahore: $240
  • 2-Day Historical and Cultural Tour of Lahore with Local Guide: $250
  • 2-Perfect Days in Lahore with a Local Tour Guide: $300
  • Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour: $95
  • Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore: $90
  • Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Sahib Yatra Guided Tour: $150
  • Katas Raj Temple and Khewra Salt Mines in Kalar Kahar Day Tour: $250
  • Khewra Salt Mines & Katas Raj Temple One Day Guided Tour: $190
  • Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $40
  • Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
  • Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Guided Tour: $149
  • Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Lahore $4.88
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Lahore?

Lahore has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Lahore, 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 Lahore?

Lahore has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Lahore in the Summer?

Both Lahore and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.

Lahore can become quite hot in the summer. The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is around the same temperature as Lahore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Lahore averages at about 33°C (91°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lahore. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Lahore. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Lahore 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Lahore in the Autumn?

Both Lahore and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Lahore. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Lahore fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Lahore. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Lahore 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Lahore in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Lahore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.

Dubai is a little warmer than Lahore in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Lahore fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Lahore. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Lahore 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Lahore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Lahore. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Lahore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Lahore averages at about 28°C (83°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Lahore. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Lahore 28°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Lahore and Dubai

Dubai Lahore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 35°C (96°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (90°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)