Which place is cheaper, Bern 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Bern?
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 Bern can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Bern?
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.
Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.
-
Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesBern Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Bern $320
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Bern is $320. 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 Bern in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Bern $176
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Bern $352
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Bern
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Bern? 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 Bern Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Bern $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
-
Car Rental$31
-
Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $27
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- 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 (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $34
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi hotels to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $36
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $37
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Dubai hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:
- Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $241
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Bern?
Prices for flights to both Bern 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
-
Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $78Bern $113
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- 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 Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $65
- 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
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Bern $37
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Self Guided Audio Tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $7.97
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Skip-the-Line Ticket for Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi: $9.40
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $12
- Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
- Skip the Line Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $16
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $17
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi : $17
Tours and Activities in Bern
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:
- Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Bern: $6.05
- Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Bern: $6.13
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.01
- Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.58
- Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.58
- Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.58
- Bern Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Bern Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $10
- Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $12
- Self-Guided Audio City Tour in Bern: $12
- Self-Guided Audio City Tour in Bern: $12
- Zytglogge - Tour through the Clock Tower: $24
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Bern $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Bern, we can see that Bern 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 Bern is in Europe, 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Bern?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Bern, 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 Bern?
Bern 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 Bern in the Summer?
Both Bern 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, the summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Bern. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Bern during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Bern. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Bern 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bern in the Autumn?
Both Bern 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, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Bern. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Bern. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Bern 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bern in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Bern. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Bern during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Bern. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Bern 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bern in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Bern. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°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 Bern. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Bern 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Bern and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Bern | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.