If you’re thinking about a Dubai vacation this year, the biggest question is probably the price tag. The good news? Dubai isn’t a mystery any more – you can break down every cost and keep control of your budget.
Airfare fluctuates, but a round‑trip ticket from the US to Dubai usually lands between $800 and $1,400 if you book three months ahead. The cheapest days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and budget carriers like Flydubai can shave a few hundred dollars off the price.
Where you stay makes the biggest dent in your budget. In 2025, a standard 3‑star hotel in downtown or JBR runs about AED 300–450 per night (≈$80‑$120). Luxury resorts on the Palm or in Dubai Marina start at AED 900 ($245) and can go well over AED 2,000 ($540) for a premium suite. If you’re comfortable with a private room on a vetted Airbnb, expect AED 150–250 ($40‑$70) per night in most neighborhoods.
Food can be as cheap or as pricey as you want. A local shawarma stand will cost AED 10–15 ($3‑$4), while a meal at a mid‑range restaurant is around AED 120 ($33). For a mix of both, budget AED 150–200 ($42‑$55) per day.
Getting around is straightforward. The metro costs AED 3–7 ($0.80‑$2) per trip, and a daily pass is AED 20 ($5.40). Taxis start at AED 12 ($3.30) and add AED 2.20 per kilometer. If you prefer rideshares, Uber and Careem are comparable to taxis but often include promotional discounts.
Entertainment is where many travelers splurge. A ticket to the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck is AED 150 ($41) for the 124th floor, while a desert safari with dinner runs about AED 250 ($68). Nightlife can vary: a cocktail at a beach club is AED 45 ($12), but a bottle of premium champagne can exceed AED 800 ($220).
Putting it all together, a mid‑range traveler spending three nights in Dubai can expect a total cost of roughly $1,600–$2,200, including flight, hotel, meals, transport and a few activities. Backpackers or budget‑savvy visitors can bring that number down to $1,000–$1,300 by opting for economy flights, Airbnb stays, street food and free attractions like public beaches and the Al Fahidi Historic District.
Quick tip: always carry a small amount of cash in AED for taxis and market stalls, but rely on credit cards for hotels and bigger purchases. The exchange rate is usually better for card transactions, and most places accept Visa and Mastercard without a surcharge.
Planning ahead pays off. Use price‑comparison tools for flights, book hotels with free cancellation, and check for combo tickets that bundle attractions. With a clear picture of the numbers, you can enjoy Dubai’s skyline, beaches and culture without surprise expenses.
Exact 7-day Dubai budget with daily costs, cash vs cards, example itineraries, and savings tips for solo, couples, and families in 2025. No fluff, just numbers.