Should I Visit Abu Dhabi or Calgary for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

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 Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

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.

Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.

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 Eco Tours in Canada, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada.

Which place is cheaper, Calgary 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.

Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE Prices

Calgary Prices
Canada Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Abu Dhabi $197

Calgary $169

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $169. 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 Calgary in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Abu Dhabi $98

Calgary $70
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Abu Dhabi $196

Calgary $140

Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Calgary? 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 Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Abu Dhabi $20

Calgary $12

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:

Qasr Al Watan/King Palace Abu Dhabi with Entry Ticket & Transfer: $182
Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $169
Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27
Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $54
Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Business Car: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $41
From Bus Transfer to Banff: $58
Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $59
Private Transfers during Calgary Stampede: $69
Calgary YYC Airport to Canmore/Banff (Private Transfer): $74
Calgary Downtown Transfers: $83
Prvt. Transfer YYC Airport to WinSport Olympic Park: $83
From Calgary YYC Airport: Hassle-free Private Transfer to Banff: $99
Private Transfer from Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $104
Banff: Private Transfer to Calgary Airport or Calgary: $106
Private Transfer to Banff: $106
Private Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Luxury SUV: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary 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 day

Abu Dhabi $78

Calgary $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $39
Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $48
Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Festival with Dinner: $65
Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
Desert Safari with Sheikh Zayed Festival & Dinner: $95

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:

Bread, Chips, Cheese

$7.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.

Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $77
Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $122

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Abu Dhabi $39

Calgary $15

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: $7.32
Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $15
Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $17
Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $18
Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

Stampede Admission (for 2)

$21

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $4.82
Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $4.82
Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.83
Explore the Stampede City with Walking Tours in Calgary: $6.35
Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $14
Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $20
Calgary Flames Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $22
Classic Mural Tour of Calgary: $35
Sheep & Spirits: Diamond Valley Hiking Experience: $46
3-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour: $47
Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $50
3.5-Hour Bus City Tour with Gasoline Alley Museum: $52

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Abu Dhabi $13

Calgary $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Calgary Bar Crawl: Cruisin' Calgary: $12
Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $79

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Calgary, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Calgary is in North America, 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 Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Calgary.

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 Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Calgary, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Calgary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Abu Dhabi

Calgary

Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Abu Dhabi?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Calgary

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Related Articles for Abu Dhabi

Related Articles for Calgary

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Calgary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Abu Dhabi

Calgary

Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Abu Dhabi?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Calgary

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Calgary?

Related Articles for Abu Dhabi

Related Articles for Calgary

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