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

Should you visit Dubai or Luxor?

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

Where Should I go: Dubai or Luxor?

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.

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Luxor 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 Luxor is $17. 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 Luxor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Luxor $7.62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Luxor $15
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Luxor

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Luxor? 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 Luxor


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 Luxor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Luxor $3.91
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
  • Dubai Maktoum DWC to Al Ain Private Limo-Van Transfer: $67
  • Jet Ski Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfers: $109
  • Wild Wadi Water Park with Round-Trip Transfers: $170
  • 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
  • 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $61
  • 2 Hour View at The Palm Ticket and One Way Monorail with Transfer: $65
  • 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
  • 60 Minute Speed Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfer: $229
  • A Japanese Business Lunch Experience in Dubai with Transfer: $119
  • A visit To Quranic Park & Jumeirah Mosque With Transfer: $120
  • AYA Universe Dubai Ticket with Transfer option: $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $429
  • One Way Transfer From Luxor to Alexandria In A Private Vehicle: $294
  • 2 Night Nile Cruise To Aswan With Transfer: $286
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $280
  • Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $272
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $270
  • Enjoy 2 days Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel includes daily lunch&transfers: $254
  • Shared Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $220
  • Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
  • Private Transfer Luxor City To El Gouna: $196
  • Private Transfer From Luxor City To Makadi Resorts: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Luxor?

Prices for flights to both Luxor 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
    Luxor $5.83
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:

  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
  • Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
  • Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Deira Creek: $15
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Creek: $15
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
  • Cruising With Dinner And Live Shows At Dubai Creek: $18
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner Deira Creek: $19
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek with pickup & drop off: $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

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

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
  • Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
  • Luxor Nile Cruise Dinner: $60
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
  • private day in west bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
  • Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Luxor $6.74
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: $2.46
  • Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
  • Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
  • 4G Data Roaming eSIM Card for Tourists: $7.19
  • Small-Group Premium Old Town, Souk, & Abra Boat Tour: $7.90
  • 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: $9.67
  • Walking Tour, Old Town, Abra, Souks & Street Food: $9.80
  • Global Village Tickets : $10
  • Dubai Fountain Show Boat Lake Ride or Bridge Walk Tickets options: $11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.74
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $108
  • Day Tour to East and West Banks From Luxor: $24
  • Day Tour to Karnak temple and luxor temple from luxor: $77
  • Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $53
  • Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
  • Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $29
  • Dendera and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor with Lunch: $75
  • Dendera and Abydos Temples Tour from Luxor: $123
  • East and West Banks of Full Day Tour from Hurghada: $205
  • From Hurghada: Privete Day Tour to Luxor and Valley of the Kings: $148
  • Full Day Private Tour of Luxor East and West Banks: $22
  • Full Day Tour to Best Monuments of Luxor from Luxor: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Luxor $2.26
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
  • Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Luxor?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Luxor, 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 Luxor?

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 Luxor in the Summer?

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

Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets more rain in July than Luxor. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Luxor. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).


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

Should I visit Dubai or Luxor in the Autumn?

Both Luxor 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 Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Dubai usually receives more rain than Luxor. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Dubai is a little warmer than Luxor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Luxor in the Winter?

Both Luxor 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 Luxor year-round.

January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets more rain in January than Luxor. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Dubai is a little warmer than Luxor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Luxor averages at about 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Luxor 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Luxor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Luxor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Luxor 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 more rain than Luxor. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Luxor. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Luxor and Dubai

Dubai Luxor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)