Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Cardiff?
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 Cardiff can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Cardiff?
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.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Cardiff $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is $196. 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 Cardiff in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Cardiff $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Cardiff $234
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Cardiff
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Cardiff $27
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:
- Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
- Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
- Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
- Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
- Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $96
- Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $96
- Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
- Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Cardiff?
Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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 $45Cardiff $55
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Cardiff $31
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 Cardiff
Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
- A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
- Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
- Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
- Discover Cardiff's Waterfront: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Cardiff $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff
Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
- Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Cardiff 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 Abu Dhabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Abu Dhabi 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Abu Dhabi.
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 Cardiff Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Cardiff?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 100% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?
Cardiff 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 Cardiff in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Cardiff. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Cardiff 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cardiff in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Cardiff. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°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 Cardiff. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Cardiff 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cardiff in the Winter?
Both Cardiff 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, many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Cardiff 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 Cardiff during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Cardiff 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cardiff in the Spring?
Both Cardiff 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. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Cardiff. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Cardiff 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Cardiff and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Cardiff | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.