You’ve seen the videos: gold-plated cars, rooftop pools with skyline views, desert safaris under stars. You’ve heard the whispers: Dubai is expensive. But is that really true-or just the hype from Instagram influencers showing off their million-dollar suites? The truth? Dubai doesn’t have to break the bank. You can visit on a budget, you can splurge smartly, and you can walk away feeling like you got way more than you paid for-if you know where to look.
Is Dubai really expensive for tourists?
Yes, Dubai can be expensive. But it can also be surprisingly affordable. It all depends on what you want to do, where you stay, and how you move around. A luxury hotel in Downtown Dubai? That’ll cost you $500+ a night. A basic room in Deira or Bur Dubai? You can find it for $60. A meal at Burj Al Arab’s restaurant? $300. A shawarma from a street vendor? $3. This isn’t a city where you’re forced to spend big-it’s a city where you get to choose.
Here’s the thing most travel blogs don’t tell you: Dubai’s biggest costs aren’t hidden fees or tourist traps. They’re expectations. If you go expecting everything to be luxury, you’ll pay luxury prices. But if you go with an open mind-and a willingness to explore beyond the malls-you’ll find that daily life in Dubai is actually very accessible.
What you actually spend on a Dubai trip
Let’s break it down. Say you’re planning a 5-day trip. Here’s what a realistic budget looks like, based on real traveler spending in 2025:
- Accommodation: $50-$250 per night (hostels and budget hotels are plentiful)
- Food: $15-$50 per day (street food, local cafés, and supermarkets keep costs low)
- Transport: $5-$15 per day (Dubai Metro is clean, fast, and only $1.50 per ride)
- Attractions: $20-$100 total (many free sights like beaches, parks, and souks)
- Shopping: $0-$500 (optional-duty-free is great, but you don’t have to buy)
That’s $300-$1,500 for the whole trip. Compare that to Paris, New York, or Tokyo-places where even basic meals and transit cost twice as much. Dubai doesn’t charge you for the view. You can stand on the public beach at Jumeirah and see the Burj Al Arab for free. You can walk through the Dubai Frame and get panoramic views without paying a cent.
Free and cheap things to do in Dubai
Here’s where Dubai surprises people: a lot of the best stuff doesn’t cost a dirham.
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Wander through wind-tower houses, art galleries, and cafés tucked into 19th-century alleys. Free entry.
- Dubai Creek: Hop on an abra (wooden boat) for 1 dirham (about 25 cents) and cross to Bur Dubai. Watch fishermen haul in their catch, smell the spice markets, and see how locals live.
- Desert Sunset Walks: Many desert safari companies offer free drop-offs near dunes if you book a tour. Even without a tour, you can take a taxi to the edge of the desert and hike up a dune for sunset. No ticket needed.
- City Walk and The Pointe: Open-air pedestrian zones with free live music, street performers, and shaded seating. Great for people-watching and photo ops.
- Public Beaches: Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, and Al Mamzar Beach are all free, clean, and packed with locals lounging under umbrellas.
You can spend your whole trip in Dubai without buying a single attraction ticket. And honestly? Those moments-watching the call to prayer echo over the creek, sipping cardamom coffee on a rooftop with no view of the Burj, eating fresh dates from a roadside stall-are the ones you’ll remember most.
Where Dubai actually costs money
Let’s be real. Some things in Dubai are pricey-and they’re worth it if you want them.
- Burj Khalifa tickets: $35 for the lower observation deck, $70+ for the top. Worth it if you’re into views, but you can get almost as good a view from the public Sky View at Address Downtown for $20.
- Indoor ski slope (Ski Dubai): $45-$65 for a 2-hour session. Fun if you’re into winter sports, but not a must-do.
- Water parks (Wild Wadi, Aquaventure): $70-$90 per person. Great for families, but you can spend a whole day at a public beach for free.
- Luxury hotels: Staying at Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, or Armani Hotel? That’s $1,000+ a night. But you don’t need to stay there to enjoy the pools, restaurants, or lounges. Many offer day passes for $50-$100.
The trick? Don’t feel pressured to do everything. Skip the overpriced water park if you’re not into slides. Skip the Burj Khalifa if you’re happy with the view from the Dubai Mall’s upper floors. You’re not missing out-you’re saving.
Dubai food: how much you’ll really spend
Dubai’s food scene is wild. You’ve got Michelin-starred chefs, food trucks, and hole-in-the-wall shawarma spots all within walking distance.
Here’s what you can eat for under $10:
- Shawarma: $2-$4 from any local joint. The best ones are in Al Rigga or Satwa.
- Luqaimat: Sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup. $1-$2 from a street cart.
- Grilled fish at Al Ameeri: Fresh catch, grilled with spices, served with rice. $8-$12.
- Arabic coffee and dates: Free at many shops. Just ask.
For a sit-down meal with a view? You can get a solid burger and fries at a local chain like The Counter for $12. A full dinner at a mid-range restaurant like Al Fanar (Emirati cuisine) costs $20-$30 per person.
Supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour are your best friends. Buy bottled water, snacks, fruit, and sandwiches for a fraction of café prices. You can easily eat for $10 a day if you’re smart.
Transportation: cheap, clean, and easy
Dubai’s metro is one of the best public transit systems in the world. It’s air-conditioned, spotless, and connects every major tourist area: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, and the airport.
You can buy a Nol Card for $2 and top it up with credit. A single ride costs $1.50. Taxis are also affordable-$5-$15 for most city trips. Uber and Careem are cheaper than in most Western cities.
Don’t rent a car unless you plan to go outside the city. Parking in Downtown Dubai costs $10-$20 an hour. The metro gets you there faster anyway.
Dubai vs. other cities: cost comparison
| Expense | Dubai | Paris | New York |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (budget hotel) | $60 | $110 | $150 |
| Meal (mid-range restaurant) | $15 | $30 | $35 |
| Public transit (daily pass) | $3 | $10 | $12 |
| Attraction ticket (top view) | $35 | $25 | $40 |
| Water bottle (1L) | $0.50 | $2 | $3 |
See the pattern? Dubai is cheaper than Paris and New York for almost everything-except maybe luxury experiences. And even then, you’re not forced to pay.
How to save money in Dubai
Here are five simple ways to cut your costs without cutting your experience:
- Stay in Deira or Bur Dubai: These areas are cheaper, authentic, and still close to the metro.
- Use the metro: Skip taxis unless you’re going late at night or with a group.
- Buy a Dubai Pass: If you plan to visit 3+ paid attractions, this $50-$100 pass saves you 30-50%.
- Eat like a local: Skip the fancy restaurants. Hit the food courts in malls or local shawarma joints.
- Visit in shoulder season: September-November and March-April are the sweet spots. Prices drop, weather’s perfect, and crowds are thin.
FAQ: Your Dubai cost questions answered
Is Dubai expensive for budget travelers?
No, not at all. You can easily travel on $50-$70 a day if you stick to public transport, eat local food, and skip luxury attractions. Many budget travelers spend less in Dubai than they do in cities like London or Sydney.
Are drinks expensive in Dubai?
Yes, alcohol is heavily taxed and only sold in licensed hotels and clubs. A beer at a bar can cost $15. But if you don’t drink alcohol, your drink costs are the same as anywhere else-$1 for soda, $2 for juice. Water is cheap and safe to drink.
Is tipping required in Dubai?
No, but it’s appreciated. Most restaurants include a service charge, so tipping isn’t expected. If you get great service, leaving 5-10% is a nice gesture. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but rounding up the fare is common.
Can you use US dollars in Dubai?
Technically, yes-many places accept USD, but you’ll get a bad exchange rate. Always pay in dirhams (AED). ATMs are everywhere and give you the real rate. Credit cards are widely accepted, even at small shops.
Is Dubai safe for solo travelers?
Extremely. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world for solo travelers, including women. The streets are well-lit, public transport runs late, and locals are generally helpful. Just respect local customs-dress modestly in religious sites, avoid public displays of affection, and don’t take photos of people without asking.
Final thought: Dubai isn’t expensive-it’s flexible
Dubai doesn’t force you to spend. It gives you choices. You can eat like a king or like a local. Stay in a palace or a hostel. Ride the metro or hop in a Rolls. The city doesn’t judge. It just lets you have the experience you want.
If you’re worried about cost, don’t let that stop you. Go with a plan, not a budget. Know what matters to you-whether it’s the desert, the food, the skyline-and spend there. Skip the rest. You’ll leave with memories, not debt.
