Which place is cheaper, Melaka or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dubai or Melaka?
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 Melaka can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Melaka?
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.
Melaka
Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesMelaka Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Melaka $34
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Melaka is $34. 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 Melaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Melaka $9.79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Melaka $20
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Melaka
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Melaka? 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 Melaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Melaka $2.15
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:
- Burj Khalifa VIP Sunset Tour with Porsche Transfer: $1,999
- Burj Khalifa VIP Lunch – Michelin Dining & Porsche Transfer: $1,299
- From Dive and Stay 5-Dives with Transfer: $490
- Atlantis Aquaventure Tickets with Hotel Transfers: $368
- Desert Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Transfers: $313
- Private Dubai Shopping Tour with Transfer: $300
- Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
- The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers: $299
- Jet Car Experience with Private transfers: $286
- Dubai Jet Car and Self Drive Tour with Private Transfer: $285
- Floating Sky Dining with Hotel Transfers: $280
- Real Madrid World Dubai Admission Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $280
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:
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Taxi$4.90
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Bus Ride$0.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka
Also for Melaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Ipoh Transfer [Car]: $240
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Singapore Car Transfer: $220
- °Sit Back & Relax - Malacca to Kuala Lumpur MPV Transfer: $208
- Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $170
- Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Kuala Lumpur city: $118
- ~Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $82
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $81
- Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Malacca Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Malacca Port to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL): $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Melaka?
Prices for flights to both Melaka 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 $96Melaka $21
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$6.54
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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:
- Dubai Self Drive Desert Safari Experience with BBQ dinner: $10
- Dubai Red Dunes Desert Safari with Dinner, Camel, Shows & Pickup: $11
- Dune Bashing Red Dunes 4x4 Pick & Drop Shows Dinner Camel: $15
- 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
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $16
- Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Creek with pickup drop option: $16
- Dubai:VIP Desert Safari with Pick/Drop, Camel Ride, Dinner & Show: $16
Typical Food Prices in Melaka
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$7.34
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Dinner at the Market (for Two)$3.18
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Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)$1.47
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Taiwanese Noodle Soup$1.22
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$7.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rempah Routes Melaka Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Melaka Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Small Group Melaka After Dark Food Tour: $75
- Private Traditional Peranakan & Malay Cooking Class in Melaka: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Melaka $4.15
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.
- "Discover Abu Dhabi: A Captivating 6-Hour Guided Tour": $69
- "Explore Dubai's Highlights: 6-Hour Guided City Tour: $41
- 05 Hours Dubai Night City Tour: $61
- 1 HR - Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour: $20
- 1 Hour Burj Khalifa Ticket with Cafe Treat: $67
- 1 Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai Ticket: $43
- 1-Hour Burj Al Arab Jet Ski Tour: $163
- 1-Hour Dune Buggy Self-Drive, Camel Ride & Sandboarding Adventure: $150
- 10 - 12 Seater Toyota Haice Tourist MiniVan Rental Dubai: $220
- 1001 Adventure Tour: $71
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride Tour From Atlantis Dubai: $238
- 12 mins Helicopter Tour & The View at The Palm Observatory Deck: $282
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Maritime Museum Entrance$0.73
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Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance$4.90
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$11
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Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance$2.45
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Melaka Zoo Entrance$1.71
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Low Cost Kite$0.73
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Malacca Duck Tour$9.79
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Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)$2.45
Tours and Activities in Melaka
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.
- °14 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Van Tour from Melaka w' Tour Guide: $126
- *13 Hrs Best of Melaka Full Day Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $84
- Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
- From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
- Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $48
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Top Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $328
- Malacca Shore Excursion with Tour Guide & Baba Nyonya Lunch: $182
- Malacca To Kuala Lumpur EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malacca To Kuala Lumpur En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Melaka $8.49
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 Tour: $62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Melaka, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Melaka 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 Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka 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 Melaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Melaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Melaka?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Melaka. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Melaka, 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.