A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. San Diego for Nightlife, Music, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Dubai or San Diego?

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 San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Diego

San Diego is a idyllic, fun-filled, and hip coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Dubai and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or San Diego?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and San Diego are both popular with visitors, Dubai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Diego is known for its beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. San Diego is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

San Diego is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or San Diego?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both San Diego and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Diego can be an interesting and educational experience. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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

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

Dubai has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the San Diego area. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Music?

Dubai is renowned for its live music scene. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Resorts?

Dubai is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai and San Diego both offer good scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, San Diego is a very popular vacation destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a great coastal city for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or San Diego?

Dubai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Dubai or San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego 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, San Diego has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

San Diego is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and San Diego 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.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

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

Dubai is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination 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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Dubai or San Diego a more walkable city?

San Diego is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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 San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or San Diego?

In either Dubai or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than San Diego because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Dubai or San Diego?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In San Diego, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this dynamic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal 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 San Diego?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 San Diego?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

San Diego is a fun place to experience. In San Diego, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or San Diego?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of San Diego. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and San Diego, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is San Diego much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and San Diego 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 San Diego would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Diego 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 San Diego.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego 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, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In July, Dubai usually receives more rain than San Diego. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dubai is a little warmer than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Dubai usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the winter, Dubai is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than San Diego. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as San Diego. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than San Diego. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Dubai