A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Dubai for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Attractions

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Should you visit Santorini or Dubai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Dubai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Santorini

Santorini is a romantic, stunning, and historic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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 this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Santorini and Dubai: Pros and Cons

Santorini
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Dubai
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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Santorini or Dubai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed 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 Santorini different from Dubai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Skiing?

Santorini
Dubai

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Santorini 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.

Santorini is not a skiing destination.


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

Santorini
Dubai

Dubai is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.

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

Santorini
Dubai

Dubai is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dubai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Dubai

Dubai is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.


Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Music?

Santorini
Dubai

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Santorini is not a live music destination.

Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Dubai

With a similar set of options, terrific resorts can be found in both Santorini and Dubai.

Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation.

Dubai is a world class resort vacation destination.

Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Dubai

You'll find good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Santorini and Dubai.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.


Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Dubai

Both Santorini and Dubai have good beaches worth visiting.

Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubai. 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 Santorini or Dubai Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Dubai

Santorini is very good for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Dubai?

Santorini
Dubai

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.


Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Families?

Santorini
Dubai

Dubai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dubai is very family-friendly. 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.

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Couples?

Santorini
Dubai

Santorini 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, Santorini has plenty to offer. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

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 Santorini or Dubai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Dubai

Santorini is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Santorini is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.


Is Santorini or Dubai Better for Students?

Santorini
Dubai

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.

Dubai is a great destination for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini
Dubai

Santorini and Dubai both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

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

Is Santorini or Dubai a more walkable city?

Santorini
Dubai

Santorini is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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.


Should I spend more time in Dubai or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Dubai?

Both Santorini and Dubai have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Dubai has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dubai than Santorini. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Santorini. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai than Santorini 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 Dubai.


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

One day in Santorini or Dubai?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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.

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Santorini or Dubai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Dubai?

Santorini is a fun place to experience. In Santorini, 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.

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Santorini or Dubai?

In Santorini, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this historic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Which place is cheaper, Dubai or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Dubai is €227. 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 Santorini and Dubai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini €93
    Dubai €156
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini €186
    Dubai €312
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Dubai

Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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 Santorini


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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Dubai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini €28
    Dubai €12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,809
  • Full Day Santorini Catamaran Private Cruise with meal and transfer: $3,657
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Amanzoe: $3,557
  • Santorini to Mykonos Helicopter Transfer: $3,313
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Spetses: $3,258
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Athens: $3,103
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Hydra: $3,036
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Chania: $2,670
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Crete: $2,227
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Heraklion: $2,227
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Elounda: $2,161
  • Private Helicopter Transfer from Santorini to Mykonos : $2,083

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:

  • Experience the Nest from Sunset to Sunrise with Private Transfer: $2,250
  • Private Transfer From Dubai To Doha Qatar : $2,000
  • Dubai Private Transfer in Rolls Royce : $1,954
  • Ferrari World Tour with private Transfer for 1 to 7 people: $1,450
  • Morning Sky Dive and Evening Global Village Visit with Transfer: $1,350
  • SkyDive and Desert Safari Combo Tour With Transfer: $1,350
  • Dubai Skydive Tandem Over The Palm With Optional Transfers: $1,300
  • BollyWood Parks Family Package With Private Transfer for 1 to 5 people : $1,175
  • Skydive Dubai Tandem Over The Palm With Transfer: $1,150
  • Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi with Private Transfer From Dubai for 1 to 5 people: $1,150
  • VIP Desert Safari Package with Stretch Limousine Transfers: $1,084
  • Dubai Wild Wadi Water Park With Private Transfers for 1 to 6 people : $950

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Dubai?

Prices for flights to both Dubai and Santorini 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
    Santorini €48
    Dubai €51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Virtual Private Cooking Class Live from Santorini: $22
  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $25
  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Santorini Caldera Evening Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $75
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $82
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $93
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $98
  • Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $100
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $105
  • Greek Cuisine Cooking Class in Santorini: $105

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
    €9.48
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    €3.99
  • Coffee & Cake
    €5.99
  • Smoothie
    €4.99
  • Shawarma
    €1.75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

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

  • Sunset Deira Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Entertainment: $12
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner Deira Creek: $13
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner in Deira Creek - Dubai: $15
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet : $15
  • Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Creek: $15
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $17
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $17
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini €36
    Dubai €17

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Full-Day Private Tour in Santorini by Luxury Catamaran: $3,657
  • Luxury Private Power Catamaran Tour in Santorini: $1,773
  • Majestic Shore Adventure for the First-Time Cruisers: $75
  • Motor Yacht Day Cruise with Delicious Homemade Buffet Lunch: $172
  • Private Fishing Tour - Morning (transportation included): $388
  • Santorini private tour : $388
  • Santorini's Panoramic Blue Shade Tour : $63
  • 'Insta photo tour' Santorini Island: $83
  • 1 Hour Private Archaeological Tour in Akrotiri: $194
  • 2-Day Santorini Bus Tour with Volcanic Cruise: $111
  • 2-Hour Private Romantic Horse Riding Experience in Santorini: $199
  • 2-Hours Picnic Experience at Santorini: $543

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.

  • 30-Minutes Jet Ski Burj Al Arab Tour of Dubai: $125
  • 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $74
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour in 4x4 Private Vehicle : $339
  • Abu Dhabi Private City Tour with Ferrari World Entry Ticket: $98
  • Abu Dhabi Private tour with professional drive : $299
  • Burj Khalifa At the Top & Sky Views Ticket: $91
  • Burj Khalifa Tour - Top Sky Ticket 124, 125 & 148 Floor Level Access : $165
  • Burj Khalifa at the Top Ticket: $52
  • DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
  • Day Tour Of Dubai Hot Air Balloon: $355
  • Desert Safari Tour with Private Rooms for stay near Dubai: $1,950
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini €26
    Dubai €21

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • Private Ftelos Brewery Santorini Beer tastings: $28
  • Santorini Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tastings: $39
  • Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $72
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $75
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
  • 2 Hours Private Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini With Pick Up: $89
  • Santorini Private Sightseeing Tour with Wine tasting: $97
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $97
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $100
  • Santorini Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira (small group up to 10): $102
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $111
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $119

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 Tours: $63
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
  • Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Dubai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Santorini much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Dubai is in Middle East, 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 Santorini would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santorini 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 Santorini.

Which is Bigger, Santorini or Dubai?

Dubai is bigger, and its population is about 90% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the population of Santorini vs. 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 and the activities 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.
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Santorini vs. Dubai Travel Comparison

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