A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam?

Abu Dhabi

It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.

Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.

Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Abu Dhabi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $186. 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 Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Amsterdam $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Amsterdam $218
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam? 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 Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Amsterdam $21
Typical Local Transportation prices in Abu Dhabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:


  • Car Rental
    $31
  • Taxi to Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Skydive Abu Dhabi With Transfer From Dubai: $670
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $130
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $104
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $130
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40

Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.43
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.79
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Amsterdam: $6.28
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Haarlem: $7.35
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Utrecht: $12
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $13
  • Fabrique des Lumières Boat Express Transfer: $16
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Rotterdam: $17
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Rotterdam: $21
  • Private One way Transfer Amsterdam Airport to or from Amsterdam: $26
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $26
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Amsterdam: $26
  • From Keukenhof and Tulip Fields Transfer: $27
  • Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) - Departure Private Transfer: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi 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
    Abu Dhabi $45
    Amsterdam $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour with BBQ Buffet Dinner and Live Show: $50
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $73
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi 6-Hour Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $81
  • Evening Abu Dhabi Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner- Standard Tour : $81
  • Abu Dhabi desert safari with sand boarding with BBQ dinner | MyHolidaysAdventures: $82

Typical Food prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.12
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Amsterdam Pizza Dinner Cruise Including Drinks : $37
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $40
  • Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise Including Pizza and Drinks: $41
  • Three course lunch/dinner voucher : $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Amsterdam $40

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Gulf Highlights Boat Cruise: $6.81
  • Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $7.86
  • Ocean Boat Tour: $8.17
  • Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
  • Abu Dhabi Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket with 1 GB Data eSIM: $17
  • Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
  • Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • Entry Ticket for Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi: $20
  • Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Ticket: $20

Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.43
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • The Story of Vincent van Gogh Private Tour in Amsterdam: $2.76
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam (CYHIT): $3.25
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $4.26
  • City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $4.26
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $5.40
  • Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $5.41
  • The Best Rated Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $5.41
  • Amsterdam Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $5.41
  • Private Tour of Simonehoeve Cheese Farm and Clog Factory: $5.41
  • A tasty stroll through Pijp: A self-guided audio tour: $5.48
  • An Amsterdam Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the City's Origins: $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Amsterdam $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • 1-Hour Cheese and Wine Tasting by Old Amsterdam: $26
  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $27
  • Leidsplein Night Life Party Pub Crawl: $27
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Amsterdam Leidseplein Party Pub Crawl: $27
  • Amsterdam Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $30
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $32
  • Red Light District Halloween Pub Crawl in Amsterdam: $38
  • Leidseplein Halloween Pub Crawl Amsterdam: $38
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Amsterdam is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is bigger, and its population is about 23% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the population of Abu Dhabi vs. Amsterdam, 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.


When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Amsterdam. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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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