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

Should you visit Dubai or Phoenix?

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

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dubai and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Phoenix?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and Phoenix are popular destinations, Dubai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its hiking. Dubai is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Phoenix is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. 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.

Phoenix is not a skiing destination.

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

Dubai is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dubai. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Dubai is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Phoenix is not a live music destination.

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.

Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a city with good options for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubai. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is very good for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Phoenix. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Phoenix?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Families?

Dubai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Phoenix are nice 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Dubai or Phoenix Better for Students?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Dubai is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Dubai or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Dubai and Phoenix are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Dubai is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Phoenix. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Phoenix. 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 Phoenix. 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 Dubai than Phoenix 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 Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Phoenix?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Phoenix, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this desert destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Phoenix?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Phoenix?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Phoenix. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Phoenix. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Phoenix, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dubai is in Middle East and Phoenix is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Phoenix. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix 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. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Dubai is a little warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Phoenix. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Phoenix. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Phoenix in the Spring?

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

Dubai is a little warmer than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

Dubai usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Dubai