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

Should you visit Dubai or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo 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 live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a laid-back, park-filled, and snowy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Dubai and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Sapporo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dubai than Sapporo. While Sapporo is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dubai is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sapporo attracts visitors for its skiing. Dubai is famous for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa. Sapporo is famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great city for skiing. However, Dubai is not known for snow skiing.

Sapporo draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Sapporo 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 Sapporo can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

Foodies will find both Dubai and Sapporo both to be superb destinations.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Dubai or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Sapporo offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is Dubai or Sapporo Better for Music?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Sapporo Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Sapporo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Sapporo Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a city with good options for the beach. However, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Sapporo?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Dubai or Sapporo Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Sapporo.

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.

Sapporo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Dubai or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Sapporo is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Sapporo Better for Students?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

Sapporo is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Sapporo offers a very effecient public transportation network. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Sapporo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Sapporo. 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 Sapporo than Dubai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sapporo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

One day in Dubai or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this snowy big city offers. This 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Sapporo. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Sapporo?

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 museums and skiing around the laid-back big city of Sapporo. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is much warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo 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 Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Dubai is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Sapporo in the Winter?

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

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. In January, Dubai is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Sapporo. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

Dubai is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Dubai