Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai or Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Dubai
Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a ritzy, colorful, and sinful entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.
Dubai and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Dubai
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for students
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to Burj Khalifa
- Less popular with couples
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
Is there more to do in Dubai or Las Vegas?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Dubai. While Dubai is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is better known for its theatre productions and food, while Dubai is more popular for its skiing, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Dubai and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style.
How is Dubai different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Skiing?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.
Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.
Las Vegas is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Las Vegas?
Dubai
Las Vegas
You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Las Vegas and Dubai.
Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Las Vegas can be an interesting and educational experience. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Dubai is not a theatre destination.
The theater scene in Las Vegas is world-class. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Dubai is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Dubai or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Las Vegas has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Dubai
Las Vegas
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find first-rate options in both Dubai and Las Vegas.
People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.
The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Dubai and Las Vegas are both destinations where visitors can find first-rate live music.
Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.
Las Vegas is a world class music destination. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Dubai and Las Vegas.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Dubai is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Las Vegas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.
Las Vegas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Beaches?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Dubai is a good destination for its beaches. However, Las Vegas is not a beach destination.
Dubai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.
Las Vegas is not a beach destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Las Vegas?
Dubai
Las Vegas
If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Las Vegas both offer plenty of first-rate spots.
Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.
Las Vegas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Families?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Dubai is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Students?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Dubai is very popular for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Dubai is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.
Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.
Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Dubai or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Dubai
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable entertainment capital. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.
For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Dubai?
How long in Dubai or Las Vegas?
Both Dubai and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Dubai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dubai than Las Vegas. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Dubai than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Dubai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas than Dubai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Las Vegas.
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How many days in Dubai or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayDubai 3-7Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Dubai or Las Vegas?
People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Las Vegas, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this sinful big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Dubai or Las Vegas?
People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Dubai or Las Vegas?
People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. In Las Vegas, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
A week in Dubai or Las Vegas?
Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
In Las Vegas, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this ritzy big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Las Vegas $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Las Vegas $53
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:
- Global Village Dubai Skip the Line Tickets with Transfer Option: $9.15
- Global Village Dubai Ticket with Optional transfer: $10
- Global Village Dubai Tickets with Transfers Option: $11
- Private Dubai Airport Transfer DXB to Anywhere in Dubai: $13
- Sharing Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa, VR Parks, DAUZ): $18
- Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Aquaventure/Lost Chamber: $18
- Dubai Frame Ticket with Optional Transfer: $19
- Airport Transfers to/from all Terminals: $19
- Dubai Global Village All Days Ticket With Shared Transfer: $20
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket With Optional Transfer: $20
- Dubai Frame Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $20
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Dubai Airport (DXB): $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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24 Hr Bus Pass$15
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24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
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Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Los Angeles: Private Transfer to/from Las Vegas: $2,000
- West Grand Canyon Helicopter Ticket with Transfer: $509
- Las Vegas to Los Angeles Transfer in SUV: $440
- Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
- Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $240
- Las Vegas Airport LAS Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $213
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport LAS in Business Car: $203
- Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $202
- From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
- Manila ATV Mountain Trail Adventure(with Transfers***): $175
- Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $175
- Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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 $56Las Vegas $80
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$6.53
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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:
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Coffee$5.00
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Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
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Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
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Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
- Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
- Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
- Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
- Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
- Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
- Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
- Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Las Vegas $78
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.
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Wedding Chapel$139
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Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
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Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
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Monorail Ride$5.00
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NY NY Rollercoaster$14
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Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
- Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
- Manila Street Food Walking Experience ( Shared ) : $70
- Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
- Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
- 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $239
- 1 Day Tour at Valley of Fire and Zion Park: $209
- 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
- 1-Day Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $249
- 1.5 Hr Las Vegas Strip Limo Tour with Champagne and Photos: $549
- 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
- 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Las Vegas $55
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: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $45
- Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
- Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas is more expensive. And not only is Dubai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Las Vegas is in North America, 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 Dubai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubai 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas than you might in Dubai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Las Vegas?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Las Vegas, 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.