Dubai on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's AED rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 dorm | $60 ($120 room) | $200 ($400 room) |
| Food & drink | $20 | $50 | $140 |
| Local transport | $8 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities & sights | $10 | $45 | $130 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Dubai
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $204 | $1,050 | $3,120 |
| 5 days | $340 | $1,750 | $5,200 |
| 7 days | $476 | $2,450 | $7,280 |
| 14 days | $952 | $4,900 | $14,560 |
Book for less
Best time to visit
November to March. June to September is extremely hot.
Money-saving tips
- Use the Metro with a Nol card; it is far cheaper than taxis.
- Eat in Deira, Karama and Al Rigga for affordable South Asian and Arab food.
- Abra boats across Dubai Creek cost very little.
Free things to do
- Watch the Dubai Fountain show at the Burj Khalifa.
- Walk the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood.
- Relax at JBR or Kite Beach.
Questions
How much does a day in Dubai cost?
As a rough guide: about $68 per day for a backpacker, $175 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $520 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Dubai?
For one backpacker about $340; for two people mid-range about $1,750 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March. June to September is extremely hot.
What currency is used in Dubai?
AED. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate