Which place is cheaper, Varanasi 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 Varanasi?
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 Varanasi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Varanasi?
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.
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
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 Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
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Dubai Prices
UAE PricesVaranasi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $289Varanasi $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $289, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is $31. 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 Varanasi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Varanasi $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Varanasi $28
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Varanasi
Looking for a hotel in Dubai or Varanasi? 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 Varanasi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Varanasi $4.34
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:
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.84
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Rickshaw Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $69
- Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
- Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
- Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $44
- Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $44
- Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
- Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $32
- Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Varanasi?
Prices for flights to both Varanasi 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 $96Varanasi $11
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:
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$3.62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class with Sona: $29
- 3-hour street food tour: $33
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Varanasi $9.20
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
- "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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.73
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 03 Day Spiritual Tour: Kashi Vishwanath,Ganga Aarti Sarnath”: $266
- 11 - Hours Agra Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal from Delhi.: $100
- 2 Day Private Mystical Varanasi Tour: $43
- 2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $135
- 2-Day Private Varanasi Tour Including Sunrise & Sunset Boat Ride: $188
- 3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided: $118
- 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour: $109
- 3 Hour Private Sunrise Boat Tour in Varnavasi: $155
- 3 Hour Walking Tour of Buddhism in Sarnath: $32
- 3 Hour Yoga Experience on the Ghats in Varanasi: $96
- 3-Hour : Varanasi Morning Sunrise Boat Tour: $80
- 3-Hour Varanasi Tour: Ganga Aarti, Boat Ride & Manikarnika: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Varanasi $6.89
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Varanasi, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Varanasi 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 Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Varanasi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Varanasi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Varanasi?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Varanasi, 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.