A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Tamil Nadu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubai or Tamil Nadu?

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 Tamil Nadu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Tamil Nadu?

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.

Tamil Nadu

Located in southern India, Tamil Nadu is a state best known for the capital city of Chennai which has beautiful beaches and historic colonial landmarks, as well as a significant number of Hindu temples which are prevalent throughout the region.

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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, and The Best Luxury Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Tamil Nadu or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dubai Prices
    UAE Prices
    Tamil Nadu Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dubai $289
    Tamil Nadu $19

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Tamil Nadu is $19. 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 Tamil Nadu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Tamil Nadu $7.76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Tamil Nadu $16
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Tamil Nadu

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Tamil Nadu? 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 Tamil Nadu


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
    Tamil Nadu $1.37
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:

  • Yellow Boat Tour Dubai With Transfer Option: $90
  • Yellow Boat Ride in Dubai with Private Transfers: $110
  • Xline Dubai Marina Zipline Adventure with Transfers Options: $245
  • X Line Ride in Dubai Marina with Optional Private Transfers: $270
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark tickets with Private transfer: $148
  • Wild Wadi Adventure Waterpark Tickets With Transfers Option: $93
  • Visit AYA Universe Light and Sound Park in Dubai with Transfer: $65
  • View at The Palm Jumeirah Dubai Tickets With Optional Transfers: $50
  • The View at the Palm with Transfer: $75
  • The View at The Palm Iconic Palm Jumeirah Views with Transfers: $50
  • The Green Planet Dubai tickets with Private transfer: $126
  • The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Tamil Nadu?

Prices for flights to both Tamil Nadu 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 $96
    Tamil Nadu $7.14
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
    $6.54
  • 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:

  • Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Bashing, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $11
  • Dhow Cruise With Dinner at Al Jaddaf Dubai: $14
  • Dubai Desert Safari | Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $14
  • VIP Dubai Red Dune Desert Safari 4x4, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner: $14
  • VIP Red Dune Safari Dubai,Pick/Drop,Camel Ride, Quad & BBQ Dinner: $15
  • VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ Dinner Camelride sandbord: $15
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • VIP Red Dune Safari with Pick/Drop BBQ/Dinner Camelride Sandbord: $15
  • VIP Red Dune Safari, Pick/Drop, Camel Ride,BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike: $15
  • Desert Safari Dubai with BBQ Buffet Dinner: $16
  • Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Creek with pickup drop option: $16
  • Virtual Online Cooking Class - Cook Your Classic Curry with Chef Gomez: $16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Tamil Nadu $2.23
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.

  • “Dubai City Tour – Old & Modern Highlights with Hotel Pickup.: $209
  • "Explore Dubai's Highlights: 6-Hour Guided City Tour: $41
  • (Private) Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Tour from Dubai: $195
  • 1 Hour Burj Khalifa Ticket with Cafe Treat: $67
  • 1 Hour Private Videography Tour of Aya Universe in Dubai: $215
  • 1 hour Dubai Marina Riviera Leisure Cruise: $111
  • 1 hour Jetski Tour - Burj Al Arab Tour: $165
  • 1-Hour Dune Buggy Self-Drive, Camel Ride & Sandboarding Adventure: $150
  • 1001 Adventure Tour: $71
  • 12 Minute Helicopter Ride Tour From Atlantis Dubai: $238
  • 12-Minute Helicopter Tour & Desert Safari in Dubai combo: $297
  • 1Hour 2000cc Dune Buggy Adventure: Ultimate Milehah Desert Thrill: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Tamil Nadu $2.52
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25


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

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


Which has a larger population, Dubai or Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Tamil Nadu, 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.