Which place is cheaper, Bilbao 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesBilbao Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Bilbao $194
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $194. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Bilbao $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Bilbao $164
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Bilbao $30
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:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $61
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Luxury Van: $100
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $70
- Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $78
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $83
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $91
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao Cruise Port: $91
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Vitoria city: $94
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport: $94
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $99
- Transfer Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports to San Sebastian by Van: $112
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $170
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $193
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $78Bilbao $88
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 With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour with Shows & 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $96
- The High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $97
- Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $101
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $103
- Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $103
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $108
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $108
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $119
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $142
- Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $159
- Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar: $174
- Private Guided Street Food Tour of Bilbao: $176
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Bilbao $33
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: $8.09
- Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entry Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $18
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $7.95
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $11
- Year of Love in Quest Experience: $12
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $16
- I am a tour guide who shows the history of the town of Bilbao.: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
- Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
- Bilbao night tour: $23
- Bilbao old town walking tour: $23
- Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $29
- Bilbao Historical Tour: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Bilbao $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $51
- Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $52
- Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $56
- From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $85
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $97
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $188
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $191
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $199
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $232
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $278
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $278
- From Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour: $281
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Bilbao, we can see that Abu Dhabi 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Bilbao?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
Bilbao 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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bilbao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Bilbao. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
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 Bilbao. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Bilbao in the Spring?
Both Bilbao 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.