A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Melbourne for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Dubai or Melbourne?

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

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dubai and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Melbourne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dubai than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne is known for its beaches. Dubai is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Melbourne and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Melbourne?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Melbourne 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 Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Melbourne both to be great destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Melbourne makes for a great culinary experience. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Music?

Dubai is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Resorts?

Dubai is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great city for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Melbourne?

Dubai is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Melbourne.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. 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.

Melbourne is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Melbourne are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Melbourne is a nice destination for couples. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Melbourne are world-class places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Is Dubai or Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Melbourne offers a very effecient public transportation network. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Melbourne?

In either Dubai or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Melbourne. 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 Dubai than Melbourne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

One day in Dubai or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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 Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. In Melbourne, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Melbourne?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the progressive big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Melbourne?

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

Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Melbournein January. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Melbourne. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Dubai is much warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Melbournein April. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Dubai