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

Should you visit Dubai or Pamukkale?

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

Where Should I go: Dubai or Pamukkale?

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.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

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 Turkey, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale is $156. 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 Pamukkale in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Pamukkale $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Pamukkale $112
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Pamukkale

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Pamukkale? 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 Pamukkale


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 Pamukkale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Pamukkale $35
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:

  • Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
  • From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
  • Dubai Parasailing Tour With Private Transfers: $300
  • Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
  • Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
  • Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
  • The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers : $299
  • Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
  • Sky Dining Experience at Dubai Marina with Optional Transfers: $290
  • 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
  • Jet Ski Self Ride in Dubai With Private Transfers: $280
  • Afternoon High Tea in Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $275

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Izmir Airport Private Transfer to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $361
  • Antalya; to Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $236
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $166
  • Pamukkale to Antalya Centre Hotels Transfer: $165
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $137
  • Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $124
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Pamukkale?

Prices for flights to both Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $69
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
    $6.53
  • 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:

  • Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
  • Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Pamukkale $54
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.01

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $121
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $81
  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $38
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $301
  • Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $278
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $93
  • Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $93
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $104
  • Daily Pamukkale and Kaklik Cave Tour with drop-off at Denizli Airport: $230
  • Day Tour to Pamukkale From/to Izmir: $258

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Pamukkale $15
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 Pamukkale, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Pamukkale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Pamukkale is in Europe, 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 Pamukkale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale.

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Pamukkale?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Pamukkale, 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 Pamukkale?

Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale in the Summer?

Both Pamukkale and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Pamukkale in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Pamukkale fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives more rain than Pamukkale. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Pamukkale in the Autumn?

Both Pamukkale and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Dubai is much warmer than Pamukkale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Pamukkale averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Pamukkale. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Pamukkale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Pamukkale. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.

In January, Dubai is generally much warmer than Pamukkale. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Pamukkale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Pamukkale. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Pamukkale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Pamukkale. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Dubai is much warmer than Pamukkale in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Pamukkale fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Pamukkale. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Pamukkale and Dubai

Dubai Pamukkale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)