Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Anchorage?
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 Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Anchorage?
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Anchorage? 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.
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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer: $19
- Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $30
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $30
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $39
- Arrival Transfer Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi by Car or SUV: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $41
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $42
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
- Kidzania Abu Dhabi with Optional Private Transfer: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- One Way Private Transfer to/from Savannah Int'l: $64
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $232
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Anchorage $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abudhabi Desert Safari Buffet Dinner & Live Entertainments Shows: $24
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $70
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- 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 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour - Winter & Summer: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Audio Guided Tour: $5.49
- Self Guided Audio Tour in of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $5.59
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $10
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
- Skip the Line Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Amazing Anchorage Amazing Race & Tour: $24
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Guided Tour of the Alaska Botanical Garden: $45
- Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $59
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Gold Panning Self-Guided Tour: $79
- Anchorage to Whittier Wildlife Adventure: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting : $285
- Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Abu Dhabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Abu Dhabi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Abu Dhabi.
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 Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Anchorage?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?
Anchorage 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 Anchorage in the Summer?
Both Anchorage and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Anchorage. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Anchorage in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Anchorage. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Anchorage. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.