Which place is cheaper, Bali or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Bali?
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 Bali can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Bali?
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.
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Bali $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Bali is $73. 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 Bali in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Bali $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Bali $84
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Bali
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Bali? 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 Bali Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Bali $9.03
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:
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $30
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi city: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to Abu Dhabi Port: $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
- Private transfer: Nusa Dua to Bali Airport (DPS): $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
- Sanur Bali to/from Lembongan: Speedboat Transfer: $15
- Mount Batur Sunrise 4WD Jeep With Transfer : $16
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
- Ngurah Rai Bali Airport Private Transfer: $16
- Private Transfer Ubud-Seminyak-Kuta-Uluwatu-Jimbaran: $19
- Bali Tours 4U Airport and Seaport transfers. 24 hours a day.: $21
- Private Transfer Between Ubud and Canggu: $22
- Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Nusa Dua: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Bali?
Prices for flights to both Bali 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 $45Bali $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- 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 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.24
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$27
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Lunch for Two$8.07
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Lunch for 2$8.93
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Dinner for 2$9.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $28
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $30
- Uluwatu Temple Kecak And Dinner Half Day Private Guided Tour: $30
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
- Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
- Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Bali $11
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: $8.12
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum 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
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$54
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Snorkelling Trip$12
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Cooking School$28
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Bali Water Sports Adventure: $7.89
- Bali Bird Park 1-Day Admission Ticket: $8.97
- Private Tour to New Indonesia Urban Destination: $13
- Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $14
- Uluwatu Temple and Karang Boma Cliff Tour with Tickets: $15
- Best of Ubud Full Day Private Guided Tour: $19
- All-Inclusive White Water Rafting Adventure in Ubud: $19
- 1-Day Instant Entry Ticket to Waterbom Bali: $19
- Ubud: Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces, Temple & Waterfalls Tour: $19
- Bali Nusa Dua Theatre: Devdan Show Tickets: $19
- Ubud: Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Private Tour: $20
- All Inclusive Bali Snorkeling Blue Lagoon tour experience : $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Bali $3.20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Bali, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Bali is in Asia, 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 Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.
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 Bali Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Bali?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Bali, 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 Bali?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bali in the Summer?
Both Bali 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. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Bali is April to September. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Bali. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Bali. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Bali during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Bali. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bali in the Autumn?
Both Bali 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Bali. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Bali. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bali in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Bali. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Bali. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Bali during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.
Abu Dhabi is cooler than Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Bali 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bali in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Bali. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Bali. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. 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 Bali. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Bali 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Bali and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Bali | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.