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

Should you visit Dubai or Tangier?

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 Tangier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Tangier?

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.

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

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 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Tangier is $61. 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 Tangier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Tangier $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Tangier $46
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Tangier

Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Tangier? 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 Tangier


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 Tangier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Tangier $23
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:

  • Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
  • From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
  • Dubai Parasailing Tour With Private Transfers: $300
  • Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
  • Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
  • Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
  • The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers : $299
  • Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
  • Sky Dining Experience at Dubai Marina with Optional Transfers: $290
  • 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
  • Jet Ski Self Ride in Dubai With Private Transfers: $280
  • Afternoon High Tea in Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $275

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Tangier to Marrakesh: $805
  • Transfer from Tangier to Nador: $621
  • Transfer from Tangier to Casablanca: $398
  • Door to door transfer from Tangier to Fes: $291
  • Tangier to Chefchaouen: Private Transfer (English Speaking Driver): $276
  • Private Transfer from Asilah to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $274
  • Private Transfer from Tarifa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $262
  • From Transfer to Fez via Chefchaouen and Volubilis: $246
  • Transfers From Tangier To Marrakech: $246
  • Transfer from Tangier to Kenitra: $238
  • Luxury transfer from Tangier to Tamuda bay or vice versa: $233
  • Transfer Private From Tangier To Marrakech: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Tangier?

Prices for flights to both Tangier 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 $56
    Tangier $20
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:

  • Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
  • Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19

Typical Food Prices in Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    $1.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $68
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $77
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $77
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80
  • Tangier Cooking Class With a Local Family: $82
  • Tangier Food Tour | Tangier Food Cultural Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Tangier $20
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.

  • 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
  • Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
  • Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
  • Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
  • DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
  • Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
  • Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
  • Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22

Tours and Activities in Tangier

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.

  • 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $88
  • Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour: $110
  • Luxury Tangier private Day Tour from Tarifa Spain All inclusive : $252
  • Private Guided Food Experience Tour in Medina of Tangier: $77
  • Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $77
  • Tangier Private Tour from Tarifa Ferry & Lunch Included : $209
  • Tangier private customized tour & camel ride experience : $103
  • Tangier walking tour with lunch Moroccan food : $60
  • The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $516
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $543
  • 2 Days Tour of Tangier & Chefchaouen JC Private Tours: $142

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Tangier $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

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


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Tangier?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Tangier. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Tangier, 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 Tangier?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Tangier in the Summer?

Both Tangier and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Dubai is June to August. In July, Dubai usually receives more rain than Tangier. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Tangier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Tangier averages at about 24°C (74°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Tangier 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Tangier in the Autumn?

Both Tangier 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Tangier. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Tangier. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Tangier 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Tangier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Tangier. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Tangier receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Tangier. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Dubai is much warmer than Tangier in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Tangier 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Tangier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Tangier. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

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

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Tangier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Tangier averages at about 15°C (60°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Tangier 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Tangier and Dubai

Dubai Tangier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)