Which place is cheaper, Beijing 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 Beijing?
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 Beijing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Beijing $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $96. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Beijing $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Beijing $84
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Beijing? 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 Beijing Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Beijing $8.25
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 (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $141
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $67
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Luxury Van: $102
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $102
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: Modern & Cultural Highlights with Transfers: $108
- Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$5.04
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Train from Airport for Two$7.38
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Taxi to Hotel$8.86
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2 Metro Passes$2.36
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Metro$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Private Transfers for City, Suburbs & Airport/Train: $1.46
- Datong:Hanging Temple Entry Ticket with Optional Transfer Service: $6.00
- Ming Tombs Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided &Transfer Service: $7.79
- Badaling Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide/Transfer Service: $9.50
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $19
- Private Transfer to/from Capital PEK/Daxing PKX Airport: $19
- Beijing Private Railway Station Arrival/Departure Transfers: $20
- BusDa: Group/Private Round-trip Transfer to Great Wall of China: $20
- BusDa:Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Bus Transfer: $20
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Mutianyu Great Wall Round-Trip Transfer with Driver & Ticket: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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 $78Beijing $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $28
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
- Abu Dhabi 4x4 Desert Safari BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Belly Dance: $75
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.89
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.38
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.95
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Watermelon$2.07
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$18
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Two Popsicles$0.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Gastronomic Gems of Beijing Shared Walking Food Tour: $16
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $25
- Beijing Food Tour: $40
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Beijing $26
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $16
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $19
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $21
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $22
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Optional Transportation: $23
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $24
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $24
- Admission Ticket to Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.86
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Two Opera Tickets$63
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$10
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Forbidden City (for 2)$18
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Forbidden City Tickets$18
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$12
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Forbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket Booking: $2.99
- Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking Service: $3.00
- Forbidden City/Palace Museum and Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $3.00
- Tian'amen Square & Forbidden City Tickets or Guided Group Tour: $3.00
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Private Combo Tour: Capital Museum & Classic Historical Landmarks: $3.42
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
- Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
- Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.99
- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Jingshan Park: Tickets / Tours: $4.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Beijing, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.
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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Beijing. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Beijing. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. 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 Beijing. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Beijing. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing 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, the winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Beijing. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.