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

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


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 $190. 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 $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Amsterdam $222
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 $22
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:

  • Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $76
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $133
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $101
  • 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 Transfer to or from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport: $140

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.48
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.83
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Amsterdam: $6.41
  • Airport Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $7.06
  • 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.49
  • Train Transfer From/To Zandvoort in Amsterdam: $8.14
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Utrecht: $12
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $14
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Rotterdam: $17
  • Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days With Airport Transfer: $20
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Rotterdam: $22
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $26
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Amsterdam: $27
  • From Keukenhof and Tulip Fields Transfer: $27

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.

  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
  • Scenic Dinner Cruise: $82
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $84
  • Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel Ride: $90

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.53

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 : $8.28
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $14
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $14
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $32
  • Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise With Pizza and Drinks: $33
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $36
  • Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $41
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $52
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52
  • 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $54
  • 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Amsterdam $41

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.08
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $8.69
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Louvre Join Us Express Tour: $14
  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi General Admission Ticket: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
  • Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $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
    $6.53
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $19

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam city centre historical walking tour: $1.09
  • Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.09
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.26
  • City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.26
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.30
  • Photo Tour in Amsterdam 2 Hours: $3.30
  • Free Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.31
  • Free walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $4.34
  • Private Tour of Simonehoeve Cheese Farm and Clog Factory: $5.52
  • Private Walking Tour through the Streets of Amsterdam: $5.52
  • 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 $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $16
  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $26
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $28
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $31
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $33
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
  • Red Light District Tour | Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
  • Kings Night Ultimate Party Pub Crawl: $38
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $40


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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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)