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.
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Cappadocia is $158. 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
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.
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
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:
-
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers:
$289
-
Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai:
$279
-
Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Bab Al Shams resort:
$272
-
Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai:
$250
-
Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets:
$235
-
Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers:
$222
-
From 2 Dives for Certified Divers with transfer:
$218
-
From Scuba Dive and Snorkeling with BBQ, Transfer:
$218
-
Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van:
$213
-
Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van:
$213
-
Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car:
$201
-
Ferrari World with Fast Track Access , Meal Voucher and Transfer:
$200
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia
Also for Cappadocia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Cappadocia Shared Transfer From/To Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport:
$5.00
-
Cappadocia Shared Transfer From/To Nevsehir and Kayseri Airport:
$6.96
-
Cappadocia Shared Transfer From/To Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport:
$10
-
Cappadocia Shared Transfer From/To Kayseri and Nevşehir Airport:
$10
-
2 Hour Quad Bike Safari in Cappadocia ( Transfer Include ):
$10
-
Cappadocia ATV tour with transfer and guide :
$13
-
Cappadocia Shared Transfer From/To Kayseri and Nevşehir Airport:
$15
-
Cappadocia NAV & Kayseri ASR Shuttle Airport Transfer:
$17
-
2 Hour Jeep Safari Tour in Cappadocia ( Transfer Include ):
$17
-
From Kayseri & Nevsehir Airports: Transfer to Cappadocia:
$20
-
Transfer between Nevşehir/Kayseri Airport and Cappadocia hotels:
$21
-
Shared Airport Transfer Service:
$23
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 $72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
-
Dubai Marina Unique Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment:
$39
-
Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner:
$58
-
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner:
$60
-
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner:
$60
-
Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi:
$69
-
Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner:
$75
-
Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars:
$79
-
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows:
$80
-
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows:
$81
-
Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride:
$90
-
Evening Abu Dhabi Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner- Standard Tour :
$99
-
4x4 Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner:
$100
Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cappadocia:
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: Dinner and Entertainment:
$46
-
Cappadocia Cave Restaurant for Dinner and Turkish Entertainments:
$52
-
Cappadocia Turkish Night wTransfer,Dinner &Unlimited Drinks:
$57
-
Turkish night show with dinner and unlimited free alcohol:
$58
-
Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with dinner, unlimited alcohol:
$63
-
Turkish Night with Dinner and Unlimited Drinks İn the Rock Cave:
$74
-
Turkish Night Show: Unlimited Alcohol, Dinner and Transfer:
$74
-
Dinner with traditional dance shows in cave restaurants:
$77
-
Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner :
$80
-
Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri:
$80
-
Cappadocia Traditional Turkish Night with Dinner (in Authentic Cave Restaurant):
$93
-
Cappadocia Home Cooking Experience:
$110
Entertainment
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
-
Abu Dhabi Ferrari World Adventure Private Tour:
$160
-
Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem:
$115
-
Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi:
$20
-
Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation :
$101
-
Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi:
$279
-
Shared Abu Dhabi Adventure Tour/Sunrise safari, Dune bashing :
$75
-
2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets:
$155
-
8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch :
$104
-
8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup:
$270
-
90 Minutes Cultural Camel Walking Tour Abu Dhabi:
$52
-
A Sharing Tour of Sunset at Sheikh Zayed Mosque Abu Dhabi:
$112
-
Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!:
$34
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
$0.78
-
Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
$15
-
Horseback Riding for Two
$2.98
-
Cappadocia Driving Tour
$3.18
-
Goreme Museum Entrance Fee
$0.39
-
Whirling Dervishes Show
$2.60
-
Turkish Bath
$1.82
-
Hot air ballooning
$11
-
Goreme open air museum
$0.52
-
Bellydancing Show
$3.38
Tours and Activities in Cappadocia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cappadocia.
-
Cappadocia Private RED GREEN Tour :
$10
-
Sunset or Daytime ATV Adventure Tour:
$10
-
Sunrise Balloon Watching Tour:
$13
-
Cappadocia ATV Experience:
$13
-
Historical Pottery Experience Tour:
$14
-
Cappadocia Local Carpet Weaving Tour:
$14
-
Leather Fashion Show Skip the Line Ticket Cappadocia:
$14
-
Authentic Pottery Workshop Experience:
$14
-
Sunrise Balloon Watching Tour:
$14
-
CAPPADOCIA : Traditional Local Carpet Weaving Tour:
$16
-
Horse Riding Tour with Sunrise or Sunset Options:
$17
-
Horseback Riding Experience in Beautiful Valleys of Cappadocia:
$17
Alcohol
Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:
-
Signature Local Wine Tasting in Cappadocia:
$9.60
-
Guided Bar Crawl with Hotel Pickup and Snack:
$34
-
Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia:
$209
-
Cappadocia Private Tour-Super Experience+Home-made Wine Tasting:
$209
-
Half-Day Private Cappadocia Wine Tour Experience:
$274
-
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.
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