Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Brisbane?
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 Brisbane can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Brisbane?
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.
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Brisbane $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $133. 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 Brisbane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Brisbane $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Brisbane $164
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Brisbane
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Brisbane? 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 Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Brisbane $18
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:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.91
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Go Card$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $18
- Shared Transfer Service from Brisbane Airport: $21
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Port to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Cruise Port to Brisbane: $33
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
- Gold Coast Airport Private Transfer for 1 to 15 Passengers : $33
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $52
- Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $53
- Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast Transfer Service: $56
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Brisbane?
Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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 $45Brisbane $31
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
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- 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
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- 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 (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.28
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Cup of Coffee$1.98
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.26
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Ice cream$3.63
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Japanese Meal$14
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Smoothie$4.29
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Japanese Soup$7.60
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Coffee & Muffin$4.62
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Morning Mint Tea$2.31
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.25
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Bread$1.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Brisbane $24
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
- Brisbane Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $22
- True Crime Tour: $22
- Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $23
- Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $23
- South Brisbane Cemetery Ghost Tour: $23
- Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
- Ultimate Urban Adventure | Clue-Guided Experience: $28
- Themed Adventure Game: $30
- Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour - The Original: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Brisbane $51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.91
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Sixpack of Beer$9.25
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Guiness Beer$5.61
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Sixpack of Beer$8.58
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
- River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
- Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $134
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Brisbane is in Pacific, 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 Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.
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 Brisbane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Brisbane?
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?
Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Brisbane. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein January. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Brisbanein January. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Brisbanein January. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Brisbane 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Brisbane in the Autumn?
Both Brisbane and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Brisbane during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Brisbanein April. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Brisbane 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Brisbane in the Winter?
Both Brisbane and Abu Dhabi during the winter 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 visitors come to Brisbane in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Brisbanein July. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Brisbanein July. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Brisbane 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Brisbane in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein October. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Brisbane during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Brisbanein October. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Brisbane 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Brisbane and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Brisbane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (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.