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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Cappadocia?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Cappadocia?

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.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, between the mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan. It is famous for its underground cities, fairy chimneys, and caves. The landscape of the area is some of the most unique you'll ever see. The fairy chimneys are bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings that have evolved from the unique geography in the area. There are hiking trails through the series of valleys that make up the area. It's a great place to explore for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

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 10-Day Tours from Istanbul, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Cappadocia 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
    Cappadocia Prices
    Turkey Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Cappadocia $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Cappadocia is $122. 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 Cappadocia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Cappadocia $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Cappadocia $68
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Cappadocia

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Cappadocia? 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 Cappadocia


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 Cappadocia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Cappadocia $33
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:

  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $274
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Bab Al Shams resort: $268
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Alain: $259
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $257
  • Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $251
  • Full Day Ferrari world Tour with Private Transfers from Dubai: $251
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury SUV: $216
  • Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village Transfers from Abu Dhabi: $200
  • Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
  • Dubai Full Day Trip from City Tour with Transfers: $190
  • Miracle Garden Dubai Tour from Abu Dhabi with Private Transfers: $190
  • Ferrari World Warns Bros Tickets with Transfer: $175

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia

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

  • Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport Private Transfer Service: $3.39
  • Shared Transfers for Kayseri and Nevşehir Airports: $3.41
  • Cappadocia Private Airport Transfers from Kayseri & Nevşehir: $11
  • Cappadocia Transfer From/To Nevsehir and Kayseri Airport: $11
  • Cappadocia Shared Transfer From/To Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport: $12
  • Cappadocia ATV Safari Sunrise Sunset Daytime Hotel Transfer: $12
  • Cappadocia Shared Transfer From to Kayseri and Nevsehir Airport: $12
  • Cappadocia ATV tour with transfer and guide: $12
  • Cappadocia NAV & Kayseri ASR Shuttle Airport Transfer: $12
  • Cappadocia Airport Transfer to/from Kayseri/Nevsehir (ASR or NAV): $14
  • Cappadocia Shuttle Transfer from Nevsehir Airport: $16
  • Cappadocia Luxury Private Airport Transfer: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Cappadocia?

Prices for flights to both Cappadocia 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
    Cappadocia $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • VIP Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Camel Ride BBQ Dinner: $28
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $37
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Live Show: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Sunset Desert Safari With Dinner And 5 Live Shows: $43
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $50
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Live Entertainment and BBQ Dinner: $52
  • Experience Abu Dhabi Yas Island by Dhow Cruise at Sea with Dinner: $55
  • Luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise Abu Dhabi Yas Island: $56
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Sandboarding, Camel Ride & Dinner: $68

Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cappadocia:


  • Cookies
    $0.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cappadocia

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

  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Drinks: $51
  • Cappadocia From Traditional Cooking Class Course: $57
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show, Dinner & Unlimited Drinks & Pickup: $61
  • Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Unlimited Drinks: $62
  • Turkish Nights in Cappadocia Dinner & Cultural Show in a Cave: $65
  • Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner: $70
  • Turkish Night Show With Dinner in a Cave Restaurant: $74
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Cultural Show and Dinner: $75
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner & Hotel Transfers: $75
  • Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri: $78
  • 2-Hour Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner Experience: $79
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night with Dinner and Cultural Show: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Cappadocia $62

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $135
  • 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch: $103
  • Abu Dhabi 2 seater Desert Buggy Experience: $200
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $46
  • Abu Dhabi Aladdin Tour: Grand Mosque, Etihad, Palace, & Louvre: $119
  • Abu Dhabi All in One Tour Tradition to Innovation: $199
  • Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing Tour from Abu Dhabi Hotels: $100
  • Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing Tour with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: $267
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: $95
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour Full Day - Louver Museum & Grand Mosque & Heritage Village: $189

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cappadocia

For Cappadocia, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Underground City Entrance for Two
    $0.60
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
    $12
  • Horseback Riding for Two
    $2.31
  • Cappadocia Driving Tour
    $2.46
  • Goreme Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.30
  • Whirling Dervishes Show
    $2.01
  • Turkish Bath
    $1.41
  • Hot air ballooning
    $8.15
  • Goreme open air museum
    $0.40
  • Bellydancing Show
    $2.62

Tours and Activities in Cappadocia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cappadocia.

  • Cappadocia Sunrise Balloon Watching Tour with Hotel Pickup: $3.39
  • Cappadocia Green Tour Lunch + Guide + Museum Tickets /Small Group: $3.39
  • Cappadocia Daily Tour Red & Green - Mix: $5.68
  • Cappadocia Horse Tour: $6.70
  • Cappadocia Private Day Tour: $8.00
  • Cappadocia Private Tour - Cappadocia's All Highlights in 1 Day: $9.00
  • Private Full Day Cappadocia Tour With Luxury Van and Guide: $9.00
  • One Day Cappadocia Private Tour: $9.00
  • Private Pottery Workshop Experience and Guiding: $9.08
  • Cappadocia Tours : Best of Cappadocia: $10
  • Private Tour : All Highlights of Cappadocia 1 Day: $10
  • Cappadocia Artisan & Local Craft Experience: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Cappadocia $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:

  • Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $67
  • Local Wine Tasting Experience: $68
  • Wine Tasting in Cappadocia Turkey - Introduction of local wines: $72
  • Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys Guided Tour with Local Wine Tasting: $85
  • Cappadocia Vineyard Experience and Wine Tasting: $92
  • Private Wine Tasting and Day Tour w/Göreme Museum: $108
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $204
  • Half-Day Private Cappadocia Wine Tour Experience: $268
  • Ancient Cappadocia's Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $275


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

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 Cappadocia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Cappadocia?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cappadocia. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Cappadocia, 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.