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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dubai Prices
    UAE Prices
    Luxor Prices
    Egypt Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dubai $289
    Luxor $32

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $32. 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 $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Luxor $22
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 $5.40
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:

  • "Airport Transfers to or from Dubai with SUV Car": $95
  • 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
  • 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $140
  • 3-Hour Ice Skating Experience in Dubai with optional Transfer: $70
  • 4 Hour Dubai Layover Tour with Private Airport Transfers On Time: $125
  • AYA Universe Dubai Tickets with Transfer Option: $37
  • AYA Universe Light and Sound Park in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $64
  • AYA Universe and Dubai Frame Tour with Private Transfer: $155
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour with Grand Mosque Including Transfers: $56
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Museum With Free shuttle Transfer: $55
  • Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour with Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Ferrari World Tour and Transfers: $169

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $643
  • Private Car And Minibus Transfer Luxor City To Soma Bay: $282
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Sahl Hasheesh - Car & Minibus Options: $282
  • Luxor Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride and Transfer to Marsa Alam: $270
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Hurghada City - Car And Minibus Options: $264
  • One-night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfer: $214
  • shared Transfer : Luxor to Hurghada: $205
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to anywhere in Aswan: $200
  • Luxor Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride and Transfer to El Gouna: $190
  • Private Van Transfer: Luxor to Hurghada: $180
  • Luxor to Hurghada Private Transfer – Reliable Ride: $180
  • Kom Ombo Temple Private Tour from Luxor – Transfer & Guide/Ticket: $180

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 $96
    Luxor $16
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 Luxor

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

  • Luxury Nile Sunset Felucca Sail | Private Dinner - Hotel Transfer: $15
  • Tourist market,local food tour,the gym and coffee in Luxor: $19
  • Sunset Felucca on the Nile in Luxor with Optional Lunch or Dinner: $20
  • Luxor West Bank By Night and Alabaster Museum Tour with Dinner: $30
  • Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
  • 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
  • Nile River Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Luxor (private Tour): $44
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Open-Air Farm Luxor Lunch or Dinner Experience in a Green: $60
  • Felucca at Sunset and Dinner at an Egyptian House in Luxor: $60
  • Private Luxor Temple Night Tour with Romantic Nile-View Dinner: $60
  • Private Romantic Dinner with Fallucca Sail boat on the Nile Luxor: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Luxor $9.95
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.

  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Dubai: $5.82
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.86
  • Dubai Walking Tour 1h00 and 9 audio reviews: $7.26
  • Global Village Dubai Ticket with optional transport: $9.00
  • Dubai Butterfly Garden Tickets: $11
  • Al Shindagha Museum Tickets: $13
  • Al Shindagha Museum Ticket: $13
  • Dubai Burj Khalifa Lake Ride and Fountain Show Experience: $14
  • Al Shindagha Museum Dubai Admission Ticket: $14
  • Dubai Global Village Tickets: $15
  • AL Shindagha Museum Admission Tickets: $16

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)
    $0.54
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.62
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.21

Tours and Activities in Luxor

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

  • (2 nights / 3 days )Nile cruise from Luxor to aswan: $300
  • (Private) Half Day Tour Luxor Temple and Karnak Temples: $13
  • 1 Day tour from luxor to safaga Snorkling boat trip: $50
  • 2 Day Private Luxor Tour with Guide: $199
  • 2 Day Private Tour of Luxor: $290
  • 2 Day in Luxor tours: $336
  • 2 Days Luxor Tour Including king's Valley, and Artisans Valley: $99
  • 2 Days Private Guided tour King's Valley king Tut tomb Light Show: $75
  • 2 Days Private Luxor Tour: $190
  • 2 Days Private Tour Karnak & Luxor Temples, and Luxor West bank: $101
  • 2 Days Sightseeing Tour of Luxor Highlights: $140
  • 2 Days Tour from Luxor to Abu Simbel include admission& Lunch: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Luxor $2.98
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 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)