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

Should you visit Dubai or Lima?

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

Where Should I go: Dubai or Lima?

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.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Lima is $76. 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 Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Lima $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Lima? 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 Lima


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 Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Lima $5.67
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:

  • 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 Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.37
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.37
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $198
  • Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $176
  • Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
  • Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $134
  • Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
  • Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
  • Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
  • Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Lima city hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $87
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $56
    Lima $17
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

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.30
  • Ice cream
    $3.49
  • Coffee
    $2.95
  • Donut
    $0.94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Lima Market Food Tour: $33
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $34
  • Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
  • Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $40
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $45
  • Lima Food Tour: $45
  • Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
  • Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Lima $8.57
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.28

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
  • The best of Lima walking tour: $198
  •  Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
  • 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
  • 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
  • 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
  • 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
  • 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package: $150
  • 3-Hour Private Scooter Tour through Miraflores with Guide: $50
  • 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Lima $5.57
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.23
  • Beer
    $4.03
  • Cocktail
    $3.22

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
  • Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
  • Local Wine Tour : $39
  • Local Wine Tour: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Lima, 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 Lima?

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 Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Dubai during the summer 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 Lima year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Lima. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is much warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Lima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Dubai usually receives more rain than Lima. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Lima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Lima. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Dubai usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai is cooler than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Lima in the Spring?

Both Lima and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Dubai is June to August. In April, Dubai usually receives more rain than Lima. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Dubai is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Dubai

Dubai Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)