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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Cancun?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Cancun?

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.

Cancun

In the northeast corner of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The area that is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican government for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico, and The Best Cultural Tours in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun 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
    Cancun Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $164
    Cancun $124

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $124. 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 Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Cancun $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Cancun $164
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Cancun? 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.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Cancun


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 Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Cancun $15
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:

  • Yas Waterworld General Admission with Transfers: $123
  • Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $141
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi APT-HTL(AUH): $56
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi City - Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $42
  • Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi City - Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $58
  • Transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai City: $150
  • Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $30
  • Tickets to Global Village with Private Transfer: $95
  • Qasr al Watan Tour with Optional Private Transfers: $50
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $41

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.41
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $12
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $14
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport: $6.00
  • Cancun Airport private transfer to Cancun hotel zone: $15
  • Cancun airport private transfer: $17
  • Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Hotel Zone, Puerto Juarez, Puerto Morelos: $18
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer To/From Cancun International Airport: $19
  • Cancún Private Airport Transfer (CUN) to Hotel Zone & Dowtown: $19
  • Cancún Private Transfer from Hotel Zone/Downtown to Airport (CUN): $19
  • transfers between hotels in Cancun hotel strip: $20
  • Shared Transfer to Cancun Downtown or Hotel Zone: $20
  • Cancun Hotel Zone Private Transfer From & To Cancun Airport: $21
  • Private transfer to Cancun Airport from hotels in Cancun Area: $23
  • Chetumal to Chetumal Airport (CTM) - Departure Private Transfer : $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun 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 $45
    Cancun $24

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: $38
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $43
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $63
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Señor Frogs Ticket with 2-Course Dinner and Drink: $33
  • Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
  • Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $54
  • The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
  • (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
  • (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $66
  • Private Ultimate Cancun Taco and Street Mexican Food Tour: $69
  • Cooking Show & Tequila Tasting: $71
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Cancun $30

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
  • Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $95
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi Ticket: $26
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
  • Yas island abu dhabi 1/2/3 park admission tickets : $95
  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $130
  • 17 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Abu Dhabi: $245
  • 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $33
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: $95

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.50
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $86

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Visit to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen + Shopping Tour: $7.71
  • Tour to Kin Ha Cenotes with Craft Jewelry Workshop : $9.64
  • Cancun Mayan Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • Half Day National Reef Park Snorkel Adventure in Puerto Morelos: $15
  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus City Tour: $17
  • 4in1 TOUR, Enjoy Tulum, Coba, Cenote & Playa del Carmen for 1 price: $18
  • ATV Tour from Cancun and Puerto Morelos with Ziplines and Cenote.: $20
  • Chichén Itzá Marvels Day Trip:Cenote Oxman & Valladolid Adventure: $25
  • Adrenaline day in Cancun, Atvs, Ziplines and Cenote experience in the best park!: $25
  • Zipline, Cenote and ATV Adventure with Pickup: $25
  • Chichen Itza VIP + Valladolid +Cenote (Full Day Experience): $25
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour from Cancun with Snorkel and Open Bar: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Cancun $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

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

  • Brewery Tour / Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $129
  • Small Group EkBalam Pink Lakes Cenote and Tequila Distillery Tour: $287


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

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 Cancun Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Cancun?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Cancun, 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.