A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Resorts

Should you visit Dubai or Miami?

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

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Dubai and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Miami?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dubai than Miami. Dubai is bigger than Miami, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dubai is better known for its skiing, museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Miami is more popular for its food and beaches. Miami is more touristy than Dubai and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Miami is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Miami is not a skiing destination.

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

Dubai is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find fantastic options in both Dubai and Miami.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife in Miami is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Music?

Dubai and Miami are both destinations where visitors can find fantastic live music.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Dubai and Miami.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Miami offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Miami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Beaches?

Miami is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

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 Miami?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Miami both offer plenty of fantastic spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Miami.

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.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Couples?

Miami is a great beach city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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

Is Dubai or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

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 Miami Better for Students?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Dubai and Miami both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Miami has a few public transit options. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Dubai or Miami a more walkable city?

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

Miami is a very walkable destination. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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 Miami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Miami or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Miami?

Both Dubai and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Miami has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Miami than Dubai. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

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

One day in Dubai or Miami?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Miami, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this glamorous big city offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach 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 Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Miami?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Miami is a fun place to experience. In Miami, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this big city destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Miami?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

In Miami, many people enjoy the live music and food that this bustling big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Miami?

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

Miami 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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Miami. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Miami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Miami averages at about 83°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Miami. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Miami. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Miami in the Autumn?

Both Miami and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Miami. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Miami. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Miami in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Dubai is around the same temperature as Miami in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Miami. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year. January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Miami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Miami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Miami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Miami averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Miami. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Miami and Dubai