Which place is cheaper, Dahab or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Dahab can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
Dahab is a small town on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It is located about 85 kilometers north of Sharm el-Sheikh and sits on the Gulf of Aqaba. It's a popular destination with divers and backpackers alike, and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving that you'll find in the Red Sea. It's a great alternative to the resort driven Sharm el-Sheikh, and is popular with independent travelers who are looking for affordable accommodation. There are some upmarket options however, predominantly in the Laguna area, but budget facilities are not hard to find.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Dahab is €13. 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 Heraklion and Dahab in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Dahab? 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.
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Dahab, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Dahab and Heraklion 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.
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Dahab, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Dahab, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Dahab, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Dahab, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Dahab much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Heraklion is in Europe and Dahab 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 Dahab would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dahab 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion than you might in Dahab.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Dahab Expensive?.
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dahab. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Dahab, 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.