Is Dubai the land of gold-plated Lamborghinis and celebrity mega-yachts, or can a normal person actually afford a vacation there? This is the million-dollar question, and the city’s glamorous reputation can make planning a budget feel impossible. One look at the magnificent Burj Al Arab or the sprawling Palm Jumeirah, and it’s easy to assume a trip is financially out of reach.
But as a resident, I can let you in on a secret: Dubai’s biggest luxury isn’t gold or diamonds; it’s choice. This city can be as outrageously expensive or as surprisingly affordable as you want it to be. The key is knowing where to save and where to splurge.
This guide will break down the real costs. Forget the myths. Here is a detailed, realistic budget for a one-week (7-day, 6-night) trip to Dubai, showing you exactly what to expect.
(All price estimates are as of September 2025 and are listed in USD for easy comparison. The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), which is pegged to the dollar at approximately 3.67 AED to $1 USD.)
So, Is Dubai Expensive? The Honest Answer
It can be, but it absolutely doesn’t have to be. Dubai is a city of incredible range. You can eat a life-changing shawarma for $3 for lunch and then have dinner at a $500-a-head celebrity chef restaurant on the same street. The choice is entirely yours.
Your Dubai trip cost will be determined by three main factors:
- Accommodation: Where you choose to sleep is the single biggest expense.
- Activities: What you choose to see and do will add up quickly if you’re not careful.
- Dining Style: You can eat like a king for very little, or spend a fortune on food and drink.
Dubai Trip Cost: A 7-Day Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Here is a quick overview of what you can expect to spend for one week in Dubai, excluding flights.
| Travel Style | Accommodation (6 nights) | Food & Drink | Local Transport | Activities | Total for 1 Week | Daily Average |
| Budget | $240 | $180 | $60 | $150 | $630 USD (~€585) | $90 USD (~€84) |
| Mid-Range | $720 | $540 | $180 | $350 | $1,790 USD (~€1660) | $255 USD (~€237) |
| Luxury | $2,400+ | $1,200+ | $420+ | $800+ | $4,820+ USD (~€4470+) | $690+ USD (~€640+) |
Let’s break down exactly what these numbers mean.
Accommodation Costs in Dubai
- Budget Backpacker: $40 – $60 USD / night
Dubai has a growing number of high-quality, clean, and social hostels, many with pools! Look for options in areas like Barsha Heights (Tecom) or Old Dubai. This is the easiest way to keep your Dubai budget in check. - Mid-Range Traveler: $120 – $200 USD / night
This is Dubai’s sweet spot. The city is overflowing with fantastic 4-star hotels in areas like Al Barsha, Business Bay, or Deira. For this price, you can expect a spacious room, a rooftop pool, and excellent service. You get a lot of value for your money here. - Luxury Seeker: $400+ USD / night
The sky is the limit. From iconic stays at the Palm Jumeirah and JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) to suites with Burj Khalifa views in Downtown Dubai, luxury is what Dubai does best.
Food & Drink Costs in Dubai
- Budget: $25 – $35 USD / day
This is not only possible, it’s delicious. Forget fancy restaurants and embrace the city’s cheap eats. A filling shawarma costs about $3. Food courts in malls offer huge portions for under $10. For the best value, head to Old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai) for incredible and authentic Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino food for just a few dollars per meal. - Mid-Range: $70 – $100 USD / day
At this level, you can enjoy meals at casual restaurants in popular areas like Dubai Marina, grab a beer or glass of wine with dinner (alcohol significantly increases the cost), and even experience a less extravagant version of the famous Dubai brunch. - Luxury: $200+ USD / day
Indulge in fine dining restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, enjoy cocktails at sky-high rooftop bars (expect to pay $20-$25 per drink), and splash out on extravagant champagne brunches.
Transportation Costs in Dubai
- Budget: $5 – $10 USD / day
Rely almost exclusively on the Dubai Metro. It’s modern, air-conditioned, and connects most major tourist sites. Buy a rechargeable Nol card and top it up as you go. - Mid-Range: $25 – $35 USD / day
Use the Metro for long-distance journeys (e.g., from the Marina to Old Dubai) and supplement it with official taxis or Careem/Uber for shorter, more convenient trips, especially late at night. - Luxury: $70+ USD / day
Take taxis or book a Careem/Uber for every journey. For ultimate convenience, you can even hire a private car with a driver for the day.
Read more on Getting Around Dubai: A Tourist’s Guide to the Metro, Taxis & Trams
Activity & Attraction Costs in Dubai
Many of Dubai’s best experiences are free: watching the Dubai Fountain show, exploring the alleyways of the Al Fahidi historical district, and relaxing on public beaches like Kite Beach. For ticketed attractions, it’s wise to budget accordingly.
| Attraction | Average Cost (USD) |
| At the Top, Burj Khalifa | ~$50 – $100 (depending on time) |
| Standard Desert Safari | ~$50 – $80 (includes dinner) |
| Museum of the Future | ~$40 |
| The Dubai Frame | ~$15 |
| Aquaventure Waterpark | ~$85 |
| Abra Ride on Dubai Creek | ~$0.30 (one of the best deals in town!) |
Budget: $20 – $30 USD / day: Stick to free activities and maybe choose one or two major paid attractions for your entire week.- Mid-Range: $50 – $70 USD / day: You can comfortably visit a major attraction every other day without feeling the pinch.
- Luxury: $150+ USD / day: Do it all. Book premium “skip-the-line” tickets, take a helicopter tour, rent a yacht for an afternoon, or visit exclusive beach clubs.
Top 5 Money-Saving Tips for Dubai
- Travel in the Off-Season: If you can handle the heat, visiting between May and September will get you unbelievable discounts on even the most luxurious hotels.
- Eat in Old Dubai: The food in Deira and Bur Dubai is more authentic and a fraction of the price of what you’ll find in the tourist hubs.
- Embrace the Metro: It’s clean, cheap, and the best way to travel long distances across the city.
- Look for Deals: Apps like The Entertainer or Groupon are very popular in Dubai and offer 2-for-1 deals on meals and attractions.
- Enjoy Happy Hour: If you want to drink alcohol without breaking the bank, seek out the city’s many happy hour deals, typically in the late afternoon.
Conclusion: Your Final Dubai Budget
So, is Dubai expensive? As you can see, it depends entirely on you. It is a city of choice. A budget-conscious backpacker can have an incredible week for around $630, while a mid-range traveler seeking comfort and a wide range of experiences should budget around $1,800.
Dubai’s glittering reputation is well-earned, but its accessible, affordable side is the city’s best-kept secret. With smart planning, you can experience the magic of this desert metropolis no matter your budget.
What’s your biggest money-saving travel tip? Share it in the comments to help other travelers!
