A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Dubai for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Mykonos or Dubai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Dubai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a postcard perfect, glamourous, and party-oriented Greek island. Many visitors also come to Mykonos because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mykonos travel costs.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Dubai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Dubai travel costs.

Mykonos and Dubai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Burj Khalifa
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Dubai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Mykonos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, music, and big city activities, while Mykonos is known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mykonos is more touristy than Dubai and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa

How is Mykonos different from Dubai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dubai and Mykonos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Skiing?

Mykonos
Dubai

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Mykonos is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Mykonos is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mykonos or Dubai?

Mykonos
Dubai

Dubai is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dubai. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Is the Food Better in Mykonos or Dubai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos
Dubai

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mykonos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Dubai

Both Mykonos and Dubai are first-rate when it comes to partying.

The nightlife in Mykonos is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Dubai is a world class party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.


Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Music?

Mykonos
Dubai

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Mykonos is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Mykonos is not a live music destination.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Dubai

There are first-rate resorts to choose from in both Mykonos and Dubai.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Dubai

Mykonos is a great Greek island for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.


Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Dubai

Mykonos is a great Greek island for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

Mykonos is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Dubai

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Mykonos is revered around the world. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets. It's a scenic area that has long been popular for its beautiful setting.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Dubai

Mykonos is mediocre for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Dubai?

Mykonos
Dubai

Both Mykonos and Dubai are first-rate shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Is Mykonos or Dubai More Beautiful?

Mykonos
Dubai

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Mykonos because of it's amazing beauty. With its stunning blue waters and postcard perfect towns, this island is filled with beauty.

Dubai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its many skyscrapers and high end resorts, this is a beautiful city to visit.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Families?

Mykonos
Dubai

Dubai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very kid-friendly city. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.


Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Dubai

Mykonos is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Mykonos has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Students?

Mykonos
Dubai

Dubai is an unbeatable place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

Is Mykonos or Dubai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mykonos
Dubai

Both Mykonos and Dubai offer good public transit options.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Dubai has some public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.


Is Mykonos or Dubai a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Dubai

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Mykonos is a very easy Greek island to get around on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Dubai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubai or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Dubai?

Both Mykonos and Dubai have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Mykonos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Dubai.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Mykonos. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Dubai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mykonos than Dubai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Mykonos.


  • How many days in Mykonos or Dubai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    Dubai 3-7

One day in Mykonos or Dubai?

In Mykonos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this ritzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This Greek island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Dubai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Mykonos or Dubai?

Mykonos is a fun place to experience. In Mykonos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Dubai?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the postcard perfect destination of Mykonos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Dubai or Mykonos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Mykonos Prices
    Greece Prices
    Dubai Prices
    UAE Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mykonos 272
    Dubai 263

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €272, while the average daily cost in Dubai is €263. 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 Mykonos and Dubai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Dubai 155
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Dubai 310
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Dubai

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or Dubai? 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 Mykonos


Hotels in Dubai


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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Dubai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Dubai 12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,729
  • Private Catamaran Cruise w/ Food, Drinks & Transfer: $682
  • Mykonos Private Island Tour with Transfers and Greek Meal: $231
  • Mykonos Private Long Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $216
  • Transfer in Mykonos : $208
  • ❖ Private Island Tour with Transfers and Greek Meal: $205
  • Mykonos Private Short Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $201
  • Effortless Private Transfer in Mykonos: $168
  • Private Mykonos Transfers up to 15 persons: $168
  • Mykonos 6hrs sailing cruise: Delos Rhenia with lunch & transfer : $162
  • Mykonos Private Transfer Up To 8 Persons: $161
  • Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Transfer: $143

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:


  • Taxi Ride
    11
  • Airport Taxi
    11
  • Sea Taxi
    0.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

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

  • Global Village Entry Tickets with Optional Transfer: $9.77
  • Global Village with Entrance Ticket and Transfers : $10
  • Shared Airport Transfer Service in Dubai: $10
  • One-Way Transfer Airport to Hotel : $11
  • Ain Dubai Observation Wheel Entry Ticket with Transfers Option: $13
  • Shopping and Dubai Mall with Private Transfers: $13
  • Private transfer for Shopping & Old Town Tour: $13
  • Transfer from Dubai Airport to Dubai City: $14
  • Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Ski Dubai/Wild Wadi: $15
  • Dubai Airport (DXB) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer : $17
  • Dubai Frame Tickets with Optional Transfer: $18
  • Dubai Frame Ticket with Optional Private Transfer: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Dubai?

Prices for flights to both Dubai and Mykonos 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
    Mykonos 83
    Dubai 88
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $74
  • Group Cooking Class at the Home of a Local Family: $85
  • Food Tour: Aperitivo In Mykonos Town: $101
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - Famous Tastings : $115
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $125
  • Small Group Mykonian Cooking Class Experience: $139
  • 5 Hours Sunset Tour to Delos and Rhenia Island with Dinner : $150
  • Mykonos Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Dinner on Board: $151
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $171
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $174
  • Mykonos Cooking Class of Local Specialties: $231
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Food Professional: $272

Typical Food Prices in Dubai

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


  • French bread
    0.87
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    9.44
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    3.97
  • Coffee & Cake
    5.96
  • Smoothie
    4.97
  • Shawarma
    1.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

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

  • Old Town, Creek, Museums, Souks, & Street Food Tour: $11
  • Dhow Cruise With Dinner at Al Jaddaf Dubai: $14
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $15
  • Dubai Luxury Canal Dinner Cruise with Shows: $15
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai Al Seef: $16
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner in Deira Creek - Dubai: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner Deira Creek: $19
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $19
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek: $19
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    Dubai 17

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:

  • All Inclusive Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with S/Y Olga M: $159
  • Mykonos Tour from Your Ship including Little Venice, Windmills: $87
  • Μykonos Private 360 Photo and Video Tour Perfect for Social Media: $87
  • 2 Hours Feel Like A Local Walking Tour in Mykonos Town: $41
  • 2 Hours Private Tour Mykonos Highlights with a Local: $99
  • 2H Private Tour Visit in Mykonos Beaches: $168
  • 3 Hour Mykonos Tour: $174
  • 4 Hour Mykonos Tour Designed Especially for Cruise Passengers: $79
  • 5 Hours Private Tour Of Mykonos With Beach Time Lunch And Pick Up: $260
  • A Family Walking Adventure - Mykonos Town's Highlights: $80
  • All inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands tour up to 12 pax (free transportation): $162
  • All inclusive cruise Sailing Cruise to Delos&Rhenia beaches: $149

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
    0.75

Tours and Activities in Dubai

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.64
  • Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.81
  • Global Village Dubai Ticket with optional transport: $9.00
  • Old Town, Souks, Street Food, Guided Tour & Abra Ride: $9.00
  • Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Dubai Old Town Self-Guided Tour and Exploration Game: $9.25
  • Dubai Fountain Bridge Walk Tickets : $10
  • Ancient Dubai, Hidden Gems, Souks and Museums Tour: $12
  • OliOli® Children Museum Admission Tickets: $12
  • Al Shindagha Museum Ticket: $13
  • Dubai Old Town, Creek, Abra boat, Souks Guided walking Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Dubai 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

Also in Mykonos, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Mykonos Bar Crawl with a Local: $74
  • Mykonos Town & Brewery:2-Hour Walking Tour with Beer Tasting: $74
  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $77
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $79
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $85
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $136
  • Mykonos Town: Wine tour in Greek Gastronony with a local: $136
  • Wine Tasting In Mykonos with Greek Ancient varieties : $139
  • Mykonos Highlights Private Tour with Optional Wine Tasting: $176
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $205
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Mykonos : $208

Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

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


  • A Couple Drinks
    23

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 Tour: $67
  • Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110


When comparing the travel costs between Mykonos and Dubai, we can see that Mykonos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Mykonos is in Europe and Dubai is in Middle East, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Dubai?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Dubai, 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.