Which place is cheaper, Taipei or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dubai or Taipei?
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 Taipei can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Taipei?
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.
Taipei
Few cities in the world are full of more diverse opportunities than the cultural crosshairs city of Taipei. As the capital of Taiwan, this 300-year-old city is the financial, cultural and governmental center of Taiwan. Located in the northern part of the island between the Yangming Mountains and Central Mountains, this city of 2.6 million people is always ready to welcome more visitors.
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 Cultural Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesTaipei Prices
Taiwan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Taipei $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Taipei is $196. 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 Taipei in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Taipei $148
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Taipei $296
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Taipei
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Taipei? 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 Taipei Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Taipei $10
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
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wild Wadi Adventure Waterpark Tickets With Transfers Option: $93
- Visit AYA Universe Light and Sound Park in Dubai with Transfer: $65
- VIP Dubai Desert Safari,Camel Ride,Quad,Sand Board,BBQ, &Transfer: $21
- Ultimate Dubai Helicopter Tour with Optional Transfers: $241
- UAE Private Inter Hotel Transfer: Premium Service with Luggage: $55
- Top of Burj Khalifa & Sky Views Dubai Tour with Transfers: $184
- The View at the Palm with Transfer: $75
- The View at The Palm Iconic Palm Jumeirah Views with Transfers: $50
- The View At The Palm Jumeirah Experience in Dubai with Transfer: $80
- The View At The Palm Jumeirah Dubai With Transfer: $105
- Stress-Busting Smash Room Experience in Dubai with Pvt. Transfer: $160
- Sky Views Observatory Dubai with Glass Slide with transfer option: $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Taipei
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Taipei:
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Easycard$2.04
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Easycard$9.43
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Train$1.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taipei
Also for Taipei, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bruns 9 seater, charter tour, business transfer, airport transfer, round-the-island charter tour: $299
- Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taian Township -Arrival Transfer: $183
- Taipei Taoyuan Airport TPE to Beitou New Taipei Arrival Transfer: $183
- Private Transfer from Taoyuan airport to Sunmoonlake: $168
- Keelung(Taipei) Cruise Port to Taipei-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $158
- Private Transfer from Taipei Taoyuan Airport TPE to Taichung Port: $156
- Taipei Arrival Private Transfer with Guide: Airport to Hotel: $150
- Luxury Chartered Private Transfer Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City: $140
- Luxury Chartered Private Transfer from Taipei to Taoyuan Airport: $139
- Private Transfer from Taoyuan Intl Airport to Taoyuan or Taipei city: $132
- Taiwan Airport Private Transfer: $119
- Taoyuan airport to Yilan Private Transfer: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Taipei?
Prices for flights to both Taipei 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
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Food Meals for one dayDubai $96Taipei $28
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.54
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Smoothie$5.45
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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:
- Evening Desert Safari With BBQ dinner & live shows: $5.55
- VIP Red Sand Safari,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride,Quad Bike& Dinner: $6.42
- Premium Desert Safari with Camel Ride, Sandboard Dinner with BBQ: $6.78
- Dubai Desert Safari - Free Pick&Drop Red Dunes Live Shows Dinner: $6.78
- VIP Desert Safari, Quad Bike 30 Minutes ,Camel Ride, Dinner,Shows: $6.78
- Dubai Desert Safari Tour Hotel Transfer, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $6.78
- VIP Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $8.75
- Dubai Desert Safari With4x4 Pick/Drop camel ride BBQ dinner shows: $8.89
- Premium Desert Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride, Quad bike & Dinner: $8.96
- Budget-Friendly Evening Desert Safari + BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $8.99
- Desert Safari,Premium sofa,Quad Bike,CamelRide,BBQ Dinner,Shows: $9.21
- Vip Red Dune Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Dinner & Shows: $9.60
Typical Food Prices in Taipei
For Taipei, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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EasyCard$16
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Lunch at The Can$6.91
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EasyCard$31
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Lunch$2.99
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Lunch$1.89
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Dinner$6.29
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Lunch$3.61
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Lunch$4.71
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Louisa coffee$2.99
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Lunch$5.97
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Lunch$3.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Taipei
For Taipei, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taipei Food Tour: Night Market & Convenience Store(Food Included): $45
- Food Tours w/ Top 10 Taiwan Food (Breakfast/Dinner): $45
- Taipei Traditional Food Tour in Taiwan Breakfast Market and Tea: $45
- Street Food & Hidden Eats Night Market Food Tour: $55
- Taipei Hidden Eats, Market & Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings: $55
- Disappearing Flavors of Taiwan Food Tour with 12+ Tasters: $55
- Formosa Flavours Taipei Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $59
- Xiao Long Bao, Pork thick soup, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-B (Taipei Cooking Class): $65
- Turnip cake, Pork thick soup, Tofu pudding. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-C (Taipei Cooking Class): $65
- Your First Day Food Tour with Locals & 12+ Tastings: $70
- Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77
- Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Taipei $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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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 City Tour – Old & Modern Highlights with Hotel Pickup.: $209
- 1 Day Dubai City Tour: $80
- 1 HR - Dubai Marina Luxury Yacht Tour: $20
- 1 Hour Shared Desert Horse Riding Experience: $50
- 1 hour Jetski Tour - Burj Al Arab Tour: $165
- 1-Hour Desert Buggy Self-Drive Adventure: Camel Ride & Sandboard: $249
- 1-Hour Jet Ski Tour – Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, & Dubai Skyline: $155
- 1-Hour KTM 450CC Dirt bike Desert Adventure Tours in Dubai: $154
- 1-Hour Kayaking Experience in Dubai: $47
- 10 - 12 Seater Toyota Haice Tourist MiniVan Rental Dubai: $220
- 1Hour 2000cc Dune Buggy Adventure: Ultimate Milehah Desert Thrill: $239
- 2 Days Dubai Land Tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Taipei
For Taipei, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 101 Skyline 460 Observatory Ticket | Taipei: $124
- 12hrs - Chiayi Meteor Garden Classic Tour From Taipei: $72
- 2 Days Sun Moon Lake & Lukang Historic Area Tour: $232
- 2-Hour Private Ximending Area Walking Tour: $35
- 2-Hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - S.Y.S. Memorial Hall & 44 South Village: $58
- 2-Hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - Xingtian Temple: $55
- 2-hr Ningxia Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide: $35
- 3-hour Vegetarian Private Walking Tour - Songshan distric & taste lotus hot pot: $77
- 3.5 hours Taipei City Tour (morning or afternoon ): $44
- 4 Days Private Tour Taipei, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake & Taichung: $1,079
- 4 Hour Afternoon Cycling City Tour North with Snack: $83
- 4-Hour Morning Cycling City Tour (incl. breakfast): $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Taipei $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Taipei
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taipei:
- Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes): $27
- Taipei Nightlife: Pub Crawls / Bar Hopping (2 Different Routes): $30
- Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery,Jim&Dad's Brewing, Shenkeng Tour: $95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Taipei, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Taipei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Taipei 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 Taipei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taipei 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 Taipei.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Taipei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Taipei?
Taipei has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Taipei, 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.