A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Saint John's for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubai or Saint John's?

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 Saint John's can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Saint John's?

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.

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John's 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 Saint John's is $222. 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 Saint John's in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Saint John's $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Saint John's

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Saint John's? 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 Saint Johns


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Saint John's $17
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:

  • Banana Boat Ride Dubai With Transfer: $190
  • Burj Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Private Transfers: $147
  • Dubai Frame & La Perle Dragon Dubai (Bronze) With Transfer: $210
  • Dubai Maktoum DWC to Al Ain Private Limo-Van Transfer: $67
  • Dubai Private Transfer to The Outlet Village: $92
  • Jet Ski Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfers: $109
  • 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
  • 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $61
  • 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
  • 2 Dives for Certified Divers in Fujairah with lunch & transfer: $167
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $255
  • Biggvee Premium Airport One Way Transfer: $200
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
  • Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $156
  • 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
  • Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax Zone D: Hotels: $130
  • Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax. Zone C: Hotels: $120
  • Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $113
  • Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
  • Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $99
  • Luxury Airport transfer from or to Antigua Airport : $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Saint John's?

Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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
    Saint John's $68
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Saint John's $103
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.

  • Tourist eSIM/SIM Card with Data and Minutes: $2.50
  • Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
  • Ticket to Muséum of the futuré: $5.30
  • Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.34
  • 4G Data Roaming eSIM Card for Tourists: $6.46
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Souks, Abra Ride & Snacks: $8.00
  • Old Walking Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $8.17
  • Old Dubai, Walking Tour, Souk Shopping, and Abra Ride: $8.85
  • Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah: $8.99
  • Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour: $9.53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 6-Hours Guided Stingray Tour in the East Coast of Antigua: $161
  • Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $125
  • Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $190
  • Adventure Power Boat Tour Antigua and Private Laviscount Island: $170
  • Animal Lovers Dream Tour: $180
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $180
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $135
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
  • Antigua Sunset Catamaran Cruise From St. John's: $116

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Saint John's $18
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 comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint John's Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Saint John's?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Dubai or Saint John's in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Saint John's. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.

Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Saint John's. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Saint John's in the Autumn?

Both Saint John's and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Dubai is around the same temperature as Saint John's in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Saint John's in the Winter?

Both Saint John's and Dubai during the winter 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 Saint John's year-round.

January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Saint John's. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Dubai is cooler than Saint John's. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint John's averages at about 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Saint John's in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Saint John's. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John's and Dubai

Dubai Saint John's
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)