Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai or Vancouver?
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 Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Vancouver?
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.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor 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 from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Vancouver $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $142. 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 Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Vancouver $12
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:
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.40
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.78
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Vancouver Airport (YVR) Transfer to Whistler: $611
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $602
- Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $571
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $428
- Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $428
- Maximize Your Cruise Adventure: Vancouver Tour & Transfer: $292
- Private Transfer, Langley, BC to Vancouver International Airport-VIP Sedan: $280
- Vancouver Cruise Transfers/ City Sightseeing Tour Private: $277
- Private Transfer from Vancouver (YVR) Airport to Vancouver City: $270
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $258
- Private Transfer, Vancouver Intl. Airport to Vancouver, BC - VIP, SEDAN : $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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 $56Vancouver $31
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$6.53
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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:
- 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
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $94
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
- Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
- Evening Cruise with Dinner Buffet: $153
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
- Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Vancouver $36
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.
- 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 Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $219
- Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $145
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $192
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,413
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $334
- 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,413
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $710
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $837
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Vancouver $16
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 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
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
- From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $139
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $165
- Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Vancouver, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Vancouver is in North America, 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 Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
Vancouver has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Dubai or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver 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.
In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Vancouver. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.
It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. Dubai is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Vancouver. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Dubai
| Dubai | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
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.