Should you visit Dubai or Seoul?
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 Seoul can help you decide which place is right for you.
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
Which city is cheaper, Seoul or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $198, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $100. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Dubai and Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
Double occupancy rooms typically run around $272 in Dubai For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Seoul's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $102. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is $51.
Food
The average traveler spends about $45 per day in Dubai for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
While meal prices in Seoul can vary, the average travelers spends about $28 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Seoul should cost around $11 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Seoul is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food
Meals for one day
Dubai $45
Seoul $28
Typical Food prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet:
$17
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Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$18
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Dubai Deira Cruise with International Buffet Dinner with Live Shows:
$19
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Cruising with Dinner and Live Shows at Dubai Creek:
$20
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Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$20
-
Dhow Dinner Cruise at Dubai Creek (Without Transfers):
$20
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Sail along the Dubai Creek Dhow cruise with a delectable Dinner from AED 60:
$21
-
Sightseeing Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$21
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Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai:
$22
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Dhow Cruise Dinner on Dubai Creek:
$22
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Evening Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai:
$22
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Dubai Creek 2-Hour Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$23
Typical Food prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
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Jeonju Virtual Tour and Online Cooking Class with Kimchi Chef:
$13
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Mokpo Virtual Tour and Online Cooking Class with Kimchi Chef:
$13
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Gangneung Virtual Tour and Online Cooking Class with Kimchi Chef:
$13
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Andong Virtual Tour and Online Cooking Class with Kimchi Chef:
$13
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Yeot-gangjeong Making Cooking Class in Gangnam:
$17
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Incheon Sunset and Seafood Tour:
$22
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Night Market Food Tour:
$48
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Busan Jagalchi Market Tour and Korean Daily Special Dish Cooking Class:
$49
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Traditional Korean Cooking Class (Kimchi) & market tour with chef Joungy:
$51
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Korean Full-Course Meal Cooking Class at Local Home with Local Market Experience in Seoul:
$52
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Private Traditional Korean Cooking Class and Dongdaemun Market Food Tour by Janet's Cooking Studio:
$52
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Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour:
$56
Local Transportation
Dubai's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $10 per person, per day on transportation in Dubai.
The average price of local transportation around Seoul is $14 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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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:
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Ultra - Dubai Private Airport Transfer from Dubai Airport DXB to city centre:
$8.73
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Ultra - Dubai Private Airport Transfer from city centre to Dubai Airport DXB:
$8.73
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Ultra - Dubai Private Airport Transfer from Dubai Airport DXB to Jumeirah Beach:
$8.73
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Ultra - Dubai Private Airport Transfer from Jumeirah Beach to Dubai Airport DXB:
$8.73
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Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Ski Dubai/Wild Wadi:
$15
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Private Airport Transfer: from Dubai to Dubai Airport (DXB):
$17
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Private Airport Transfer: Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai:
$17
-
Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Frame:
$18
-
Sharing Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa, VR Parks, DAUZ):
$18
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Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Aquaventure/Lost Chamber:
$18
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Shopping Tour with Sharing Transfers:
$19
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Dubai City tour with Abra Ride on Sharing Transfers:
$20
Typical Local Transportation prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card
$4.23
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Short Taxi Ride
$5.92
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Metro Ride
$1.14
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Seoul City Pass Plus
$8.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
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Seoul ⇄ Alpensia / Yongpyong Ski Resort Private Van Transfers:
$469
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Summer Activity in Korea: Water Leisure Tour at Gapyeong with Private Transfer:
$360
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Incheon Airport / Seoul ⇄ Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski Resort Private Van Transfers:
$267
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Incheon Airport Transfer- Private Service between Airport and Seoul (1-13 pax):
$200
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Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-9 pax):
$125
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Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-9 pax):
$125
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Departure Private Transfer Seoul City to Seoul Airport ICN by Business Minivan:
$123
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Departure Private Transfer Seoul City to Seoul Airport ICN by Luxury Sedan:
$123
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[COVID19] Private Incheon Airport(ICN) Transfer for Seoul & Gyeonggi-do:
$121
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1- Day Private Seoul or Outskirts Tour (Round-trip transfer to your hotel):
$120
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Private Transfer from Seoul Hotels to Incheon Int'l Airport:
$120
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Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-9 pax):
$120
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Dubai can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $15 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Seoul's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around $25 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Typical Entertainment prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
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Dubai Full-Day Global Village Tickets:
$4.11
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Global Village Entry Tickets:
$4.11
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Global Village Entry Ticket:
$4.19
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Skip the Line: Global Village Ticket:
$4.32
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Global Village Dubai (Ticket):
$4.85
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Dubai Global Village Entrance Ticket:
$5.20
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Dubai Marina: Explore its activities & attractions on this audio walking tour:
$5.50
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Resident Marina Sightseeing Tour:
$12
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Dubai City Tour, Dubai:
$12
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Dubai Virtual City Tour With Live Video Chat Commentary:
$15
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Flying Cup Experience Ticket Dubai:
$17
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Dubai by Night City Tour:
$17
Typical Entertainment prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets
$6.77
-
Movie Ticket
$6.77
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Kimchi Museum
$2.54
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
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AREX Incheon Airport Express, Lotte World Pass and Running Man Thematic Experience Center Combo Package:
$17
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Busan Skywalk, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Day Tour:
$37
-
Cheese Smile Studio Self Photoshoot Experience in Bukchon:
$41
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GOT7 Ahgase Tour in Seoul:
$59
-
Han River Sevit Island Yacht Experience (Pets allowed):
$16
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Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling:
$6.95
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Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5Days:
$96
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Instant Ticket: Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days:
$96
-
Instant Ticket: Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days:
$93
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Instant Ticket: Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days:
$96
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Nami Island, Gangchon Rail Bike, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Alpaca World Day Tour:
$62
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"Nami Island" & "Petite France" or "Garden of Morning Calm" ※ Private Tour:
$97
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Dubai, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $18.
The average person spends about $11 on alcoholic beverages in Seoul per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Typical Alcohol prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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Absolute Busan Pub Crawl Experience in Seomyeon and Haeundae:
$11
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Absolute Seoul Pub Crawl Experience in Hongdae and Itaewon:
$19
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Seoul Pub Crawl and Party with Free Shots:
$24
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3-Hour Small Group Korean Pub Crawl + Food Tasting in Hongdae:
$86
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Seoul, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Seoul 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 Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.
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