Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Belfast?
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 Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Belfast?
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.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, and The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Belfast $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $178. 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 Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Belfast $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Belfast $182
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Belfast? 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 Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Belfast $19
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
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $27
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $31
- Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $31
- 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
- Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi City - Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $42
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $42
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $43
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $44
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Belfast Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Belfast Airport: $48
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood City - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $48
- Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $48
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood: $48
- Private One-way Transfer from Belfast to Belfast Int. Airport: $50
- Private One-way Transfer From Belfast Int. Airport to Belfast: $50
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Crawfordsburn: $53
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Belfast : $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast 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 $45Belfast $68
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
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $43
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- 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
- Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
- Abu Dhabi desert Safari with BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Bally Dance : $95
- Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise in Abu Dhabi: $95
- 4x4 Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $100
- Taste & Tour: The original Belfast Food Tour™️ with drinks: $109
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $116
- The Original Belfast Food Tour™ with Drinks: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Belfast $24
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: $5.58
- Self Guided Audio Tour in of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $5.69
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
- 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
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets$11
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Haunted Quest Experience in Belfast: $7.39
- Museum Ticket: $7.42
- Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
- Ulster Folk Museum Admission Ticket: $15
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $16
- Belfast to Dublin Full Day Tour with St Patrick's Centre: $16
- Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $19
- 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $20
- Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $20
- Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Belfast $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $20
- Belfast Pub Crawl: $22
- McConnell's Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $27
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $34
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $74
- Giant's Causeway and Whisky Distillery tasting tour from Belfast : $75
- Historic Pub Tour: $201
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Belfast?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Belfast, 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 Belfast?
Belfast 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 Belfast in the Summer?
Both Belfast 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 travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Belfast. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Belfast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Belfast in the Autumn?
Both Belfast 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, many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Belfast 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Belfast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Belfast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Belfast can be very cold during winter. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Belfast. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Belfast 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Belfast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Belfast. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
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 Belfast. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Belfast 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Belfast and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Belfast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.