Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Brussels?
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 Brussels can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Brussels $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $147. 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Brussels $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Brussels $156
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Brussels? 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 Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Brussels $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:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $100
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass$4.82
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Atomium train ticket (2)$8.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Brussels Airport: Transfer to/from Gent Sint Pieters Station: $11
- Airport Transfer to/from Lille City Center: $16
- Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Airport Arrivals Private Transfer to the City: $60
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Brussels from/to airport: $60
- Arrival Transfer from Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Sedan: $64
- Arrival Private Transfer Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Luxury Car or Van: $68
- VIP Transfer between City/ Airport and Ghent: $70
- Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $74
- Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $75
- Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
- Private Departure Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport by luxury car: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels 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 $45Brussels $41
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 Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons$4.93
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.09
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Cheese$6.00
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Olives and Snacks$7.48
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Waffle$3.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $138
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Brussels $25
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.16
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.26
- Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.26
- BELvue Belgium History Museum Entry Ticket: $5.38
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.27
- Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.53
- Brussels’ Noble Beginnings: An Upper Town Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Brussels $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
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Beer$6.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Brussels, 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 Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Brussels?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Brussels, 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 Brussels?
Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Brussels. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Brussels in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Brussels. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°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 Brussels. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Brussels in the Winter?
Both Brussels 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 Brussels this time of year.
It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Brussels. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Brussels in the Spring?
Both Brussels 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 Brussels for the activities around the city.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (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.