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

Should you visit Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima?

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 Nakhon Ratchasima can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima?

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.

Nakhon Ratchasima

If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.

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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima is $40. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Nakhon Ratchasima $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Nakhon Ratchasima $38
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Nakhon Ratchasima

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima? 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 Nakhon Ratchasima


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 Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50
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:

  • Yellow Boat Tour Dubai with Private Transfers: $95
  • Yellow Boat Tour Dubai With Private Transfers: $102
  • Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
  • Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Experience With Transfers Option: $243
  • Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Experience Dubai with Transfers Option: $247
  • Wild Wadi tickets with Transfers: $100
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark tickets with Private transfer: $154
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark Entrance Ticket -Dubai with Transfers Option: $99
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai Ticket With Private Transfer: $125
  • Wild Wadi WaterPark Ticket with Optional Transfers and Meal: $78
  • Wild Wadi Water Park Ticket with Transfer from Dubai: $131
  • Wild Wadi Dubai water park Ticket with 1 way transfer in Dubai: $110

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

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


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.36
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.36

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima 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
    Nakhon Ratchasima $15
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
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
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.

  • 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
  • Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
  • Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
  • Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
  • DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
  • Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
  • Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
  • Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Nakhon Ratchasima $10
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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 1137350 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Nakhon Ratchasima, 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 Nakhon Ratchasima?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Autumn?

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

It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Nakhon Ratchasima. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Winter?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. In January, Dubai usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Dubai is cooler than Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Spring?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Nakhon Ratchasima. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. In April, Dubai is generally cooler than Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 31°C (89°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)

Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Dubai

Dubai Nakhon Ratchasima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)