Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Auckland?
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 Auckland can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Auckland?
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.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesAuckland Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Auckland $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $159. 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 Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Auckland $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Auckland $176
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Auckland? 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 Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Auckland $16
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:
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Tickets With Meal and Transfers : $104
- Yas Water World with sharing transfer from Dubai: $68
- Yas Water World Abu Dhabi entry Ticket With Optional Transfer: $87
- Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $141
- Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
- Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi APT-HTL(AUH): $56
- Transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai City: $150
- Transfer between Abu Dhabi and Dubai private: $135
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $31
- Snow Park Abudhabi Premium Tickets with Optional Transfers: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.55
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
- Departure Transfer: Auckland Central City Centre to Auckland Airport: $25
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $27
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $27
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $38
- Auckland Downtown Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan : $39
- Auckland - Private Transfer from Cruise Port to or from Airport: $39
- Airport Private Transfer: $45
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $52
- Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport Oaks: $57
- Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $59
- Hobbiton Movie Set Transfer from Auckland with Tesla Model 3: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland 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 $78Auckland $46
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 Unique Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $39
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $79
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
- Evening Abu Dhabi Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner- Standard Tour : $99
- 4x4 Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $100
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $95
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $97
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $104
- Local Auckland Food Tour : Explore the suburbs!: $166
- [PRIVATE] HOT Pool. Wine. Dinner. Sunset: $272
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $532
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Auckland $28
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Ferrari World Adventure Private Tour: $160
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Abu Dhabi Yas Island Water Adventures Tour: $74
- Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $251
- Shared Abu Dhabi Adventure Tour/Sunrise safari, Dune bashing : $75
- Yas island abu dhabi 1/2/3 park admission tickets : $105
- A Sharing Tour of Sunset at Sheikh Zayed Mosque Abu Dhabi: $112
- Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $46
- Abu Dhabi Attractions Tour: $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$120
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $19
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $24
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $27
- Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket : $32
- Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise: $33
- Auckland Harbour Cruise: $33
- Return Ferry Ticket to Rangitoto Island: $34
- From Waiheke Island Return Fast Ferry Ticket: $35
- Auckland Glowworm Tour: $36
- All Blacks Experience Guided Cultural Tour: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $110
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $112
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $140
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour with Lunch: $149
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $164
- Kumeu Wineries / Brewery : $166
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $178
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $181
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $208
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $212
- Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch : $236
- Wine Tasting and Sculpture Trail Walk: $237
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Auckland, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Auckland.
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 Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Auckland?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Auckland, 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 Auckland?
Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?
Both Auckland and Abu Dhabi during the summer 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 beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin January. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Aucklandin January. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Auckland in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Aucklandin April. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Auckland in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Auckland. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin July. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Auckland. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Auckland in the Spring?
Both Auckland and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Aucklandin October. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.