Which place is cheaper, Pokhara or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dubai or Pokhara?
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 Pokhara can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Pokhara?
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.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Pokhara $19
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $19. 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 Pokhara in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Pokhara $3.88
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Pokhara $7.76
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Pokhara
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Pokhara? 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.
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 Pokhara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Pokhara $7.56
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 Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Transfer Optional: $195
- Dubai Airport Transfer Experience: $279
- Dubai Private Transfer to The Outlet Village: $92
- Global Village Dubai With Private transfer: $85
- Inside Burj Al Arab Tour with Gold Cappuccino and Transfer: $190
- 1 Hour Self-Drive ATV Experience with Shared Transfer : $90
- 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $61
- 2 Hour View at The Palm Ticket and One Way Monorail with Transfer: $65
- 20 Minute Jet Car Ride Near Burj Al Arab with Optional Transfers: $230
- 3D World Selfie Museum Dubai Ticket with a Private Transfer: $65
- 4 Hour Dubai Layover Private Tour with Airport Transfers.: $125
- 5 Hour Dubai Layover & Stopover Tour With Airport Transfers.: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
-
Short Taxi Ride$0.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Kathmandu: $250
- 4 Days Mardi Himal Trek with private transfer: $232
- From 4-Day Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $230
- Transfer to Lower Mustang (Jomsom): $205
- Kathmandu: 3-Days Chitwan Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers: $180
- Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $170
- Paragliding and Rafting Adventure with Transfers: $151
- Kathmandu to 1-Way Car Transfer: $141
- Kathmandu: Private Transfer From or To Pokhara: $116
- Pokhara to Kathmandu Transfer by Private Car: $99
- Private Transfer:- Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha) by car: $97
- Comfortable One-Way Car Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Pokhara?
Prices for flights to both Pokhara 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 dayDubai $56Pokhara $8.02
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:
- DINNER +PARTY + CITY of old city Dubai : $6.00
- Old Town, Creek, Museums, Souks, & Street Food Tour: $8.71
- Al-Seef Premium Dinner Cruise: $13
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $15
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
- Catamaran Cruise with Dinner at Al Jaddaf Waterfront Dubai: $17
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner in Deira Creek - Dubai: $18
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek with pickup & drop off: $19
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
-
Dinner for Two$4.46
-
Dessert (for 2)$2.97
-
Pastries$1.49
-
Dinner$6.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Cooking Class Experience Dal Bhat & Momo Making: $18
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepalese Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
- Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $27
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $31
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $40
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
- From Pokhara:3 Hour authentic fish curry cooking class: $50
- 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $60
- 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
- Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku: $115
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Pokhara $7.20
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.
- Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk Entry Ticket: $5.45
- Old Town, Souk, Street Food, Museums Tour & Abra Ride: $7.00
- Al Fahidi Guided Walking Tour with Street Food: $7.00
- Old Town, Souk, Street Food, Museums Tour & Abra Ride: $7.00
- Old Dubai & Souks Guided Tour with Tastings & Cruise: $7.90
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Dubai: $9.09
- OLD Walking tour with a local, Markets & street food: $9.39
- Dubai Fountain Walk Bridge Ticket: $9.49
- Walking Tour, Old Town, Abra, Souks & Street Food: $9.80
- Old Guided Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $9.80
- Sunset tour Old Dubai with houses, fort, temple, perfumes, souks, abra: $10
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Private Trekking Tour to Australian Camp & Dhampus: $109
- Pokhara City Sightseeing Day Tour: $72
- "Pokhara Day Bus Sightseeing 8 points": $17
- "Sacred Journey: Exploring Hindu Temples Tour in Pokhara": $71
- 1 Day Pokhara Tour from Kathmandu by flight: $619
- 1 Night 2 Day Chitwan Safari Tour pokhara: $141
- 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara: $144
- 1-Day Private Dhampus Trekking Tour: $89
- 110 Meters Bungee Jumping Tour in Pokhara: $105
- 2 Day Lower Mustang Tour by 4 WD Jeep: $250
- 2 Day Private Panchase Trek Tour from Pokhara: $140
- 2 Day Tour in Pokhara: $143
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Pokhara $6.50
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: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Pokhara, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Pokhara 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 Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara 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 Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Pokhara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Pokhara?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Pokhara, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.