Should you visit Dubai or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo 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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
Which city is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $153. 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 Tokyo 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.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $144 in Tokyo For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
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.
Tokyo'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 $19 per person, per day on transportation in Tokyo.
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:
-
Versace VIP Spa Journey- chauffeur transfer, gourmet food and champagne:
$1,524
-
VIP Desert Safari Package with Stretch Limousine Transfers:
$999
-
BollyWood Parks Family Package With Private Transfer for 1 to 6 people:
$924
-
Ferrari World Trip with Private Transfer:
$868
-
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi with Private Transfer From Dubai for 1 to 6 people:
$808
-
Dubai Wild Wadi Water Park With Private Transfers for 1 to 6 people:
$685
-
2 Hours Buggy Can Am X3 with Transfers for 2 Persons:
$654
-
IMG Theme Park Dubai with 2 way Private Transfer for 1 to 5 people:
$654
-
Private Night Vintage Land Rover Desert Safari & Astronomy with Dubai transfers:
$622
-
Exclusive Yacht with Private Transfer:
$597
-
Overnight Camping in Ras Al Khaimah- transfer from Dubai/Sharjah/Ajman:
$542
-
La Perle by Dragone Dubai VIP with Transfers:
$480
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Tokyo:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Car:
$401
-
Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van:
$302
-
Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van:
$299
-
Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT:
$299
-
Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Car:
$290
-
Departure Private Transfer from Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Minivan:
$284
-
Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport:
$267
-
Tokyo Private Transfer from Tokyo central to Narita Airport (NRT):
$261
-
Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT:
$249
-
Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Business Car:
$236
-
Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Haneda Airport HND in Luxury Van:
$236
-
Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels:
$230
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
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.
The price of a meal in Tokyo can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $36 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $14 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Dubai $45
Tokyo $36
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:
-
Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet:
$17
-
Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$18
-
Dubai Deira Cruise with International Buffet Dinner with Live Shows:
$19
-
Cruising with Dinner and Live Shows at Dubai Creek:
$20
-
Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$20
-
Dhow Dinner Cruise at Dubai Creek (Without Transfers):
$20
-
Sail along the Dubai Creek Dhow cruise with a delectable Dinner from AED 60:
$21
-
Sightseeing Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$21
-
Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai:
$22
-
Dhow Cruise Dinner on Dubai Creek:
$22
-
Evening Dhow Dinner Cruise in Dubai:
$22
-
Dubai Creek 2-Hour Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner:
$23
Typical Food prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
1-Hour Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour with Local Guide:
$26
-
Unique Private Cooking Class with a Tokyo Local Emi:
$78
-
Local Food Tour on Sunamachi Ginza Street:
$83
-
West-Side Walking & Street Food Tour:
$95
-
Private Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class from Central Tokyo:
$108
-
Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Chef:
$120
-
Tokyo Food Tour: 3-Hour Culinary Adventure:
$129
-
Gyoza Cooking Classes in Tokyo:
$135
-
Private Dining: Wagyu and sake pairing dinner in Shinjuku:
$136
-
Private Market Tour and Traditional Japanese Cooking Class in Asakusa:
$142
-
Tokyo Private Food Tour: From Ramen Bars, Vending Machines To Cat Cafes:
$174
-
3-Hour Food Tour of Shinbashi at Night:
$182
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.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Tokyo can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $67 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
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.
-
"Glimps of History"-4 Hrs Dubai city tour:
$163
-
04 Days Best of Dubai With Desert Safari, Dhow Cruise and City Tour:
$305
-
1 Day 2 Tours Combo:
$76
-
1 Hour Jet Ski Tour of Dubai Atlantis:
$153
-
1 Hour Private 800cc Buggy Tour Good for 2 persons:
$220
-
1 Hour Private Jet Ski Tour in Dubai:
$195
-
1 hour Mina Seyahi Jetski Tour:
$160
-
1.5-Hours Dubai Historic Old Town Walking Tour: Covid-19 safe & PRIVATE tour:
$60
-
1001 Adventure Tour:
$71
-
12 Hours Dubai Stopover Tour:
$350
-
12-Minute Dubai Helicopter Tour:
$176
-
2 Days TRIO-Dubai City Tour with Desert Safari and Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour.:
$136
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
-
Akihabara: Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour:
$67
-
Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern - Tokyo History Experience:
$83
-
Christmas In Private Experience With A City Host:
$83
-
Customize your 8-hours private tour with a local guide Tokyo:
$81
-
Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group:
$8,972
-
Eat Like A Local - Sushi Experience:
$146
-
Explore Japan Tour: 20-day Small Group:
$12,049
-
Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour:
$993
-
Geisha Encounter: Cultural Experience at Chaya in Tokyo:
$78
-
Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group:
$5,639
-
Intro to Japan Tour: 8-day Small Group:
$4,357
-
Introduction To Tokyo & Highlights Private Walking Tour With A Local:
$83
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.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Tokyo, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $31.
Typical Alcohol prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
Typical Alcohol prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Tokyo, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Tokyo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Tokyo 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 Tokyo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tokyo 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 Tokyo.
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