A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Dubai or New York City?

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 New York City 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. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Dubai and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Dubai. New York City is bigger than Dubai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, and christmas markets, while Dubai is more popular for its skiing, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style.

How is Dubai different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or New York City?

New York City is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Dubai is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Dubai is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find first-rate options in both Dubai and New York City.

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 New York City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Music?

Dubai and New York City are both destinations where visitors can find first-rate 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.

New York City is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, New York City is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

New York City is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a good destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Dubai offers a nice beach destination. 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.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or New York City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and New York City both offer plenty of first-rate 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.

New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Dubai does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in New York City. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Dubai does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a great city for visiting Christmas markets. However, Dubai does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City offers plenty of Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Dubai does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or New York City.

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.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Dubai or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and New York City are first-rate 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.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

New York City is a world-class destination 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in New York City can get you around easily. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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 New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or New York City?

Both Dubai and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Dubai. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Dubai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Dubai or New York City?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In New York City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this energetic big city offers. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. 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 New York City?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a fun place to experience. In New York City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or New York City?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In New York City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this one-of-a-kind big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Dubai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and New York City 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 Dubai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubai 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Dubai.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and New York City, 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 New York City?

New York City 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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and New York City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than New York City. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as New York City. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City 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, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. Dubai is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than New York City. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City 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. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for New York City and Dubai