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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Casablanca?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Casablanca?

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.

Casablanca

Casablanca is so much more than a classic Bogart movie with killer one-liners. It is also the largest, most cosmopolitan city in the country of Morocco. Sitting at the economic and industrial heart of this region, Casablanca has a population of approximately four million. Brush up on your high school French before visiting this lively city as it's the main language spoken by the locals. While this is the most liberal and progressive city in Morocco, remember to be cautious in this region of the world with your western views.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Casablanca 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
    Casablanca Prices
    Morocco Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Casablanca $91

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Casablanca is $91. 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 Casablanca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Casablanca $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Casablanca $90
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Casablanca

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Casablanca? 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 Casablanca


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 Casablanca Hotel Prices.

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

  • Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $28
  • Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $31
  • Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $31
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Kidzania Abu Dhabi with Optional Private Transfer: $50
  • Qasr al Watan Tour with Optional Private Transfers: $50
  • Airport Arrival Transfer Abu Dhabi: $55
  • Teams Lab Phenomena Experience in Abu Dhabi with Transfers option: $56
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Casablanca

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


  • Train from Airport (for 2)
    $7.49
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Casablanca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Casablanca:

  • Airport Transfer Marrakech: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer to Marrakech City Center: $18
  • Private Transfer with Driver to the Airport: $20
  • Casablanca Private Transfer from Hotel Accommodation To Airport: $20
  • Casablanca Mohamed V Airport to Hotels Private Arrival transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer to Mohammed V Airport: $21
  • Mohammed V Airport to City Private Transfer: $21
  • Private airport transfer to Casablanca.: $23
  • City Tour with Round-Trip Cruise Port Transfers: $23
  • Hidden Gems with Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $23
  • Hotel to Casablanca Airport CMN Departure Transfer: $23
  • Private transfer: Mohammed V international Airport to casablanca: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Casablanca?

Prices for flights to both Casablanca 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
    Casablanca $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $28
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $36
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Sandboarding, Camel Ride & Dinner: $47
  • Experience Abu Dhabi Yas Island by Dhow Cruise at Sea with Dinner: $55
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
  • Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75

Typical Food Prices in Casablanca

Some typical examples of dining costs in Casablanca are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    $3.21
  • Lunch
    $9.62
  • Dinner at Rick's Cafe (for Two)
    $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Casablanca

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

  • Night City Ride with Dinner and Lighthouse Views: $34
  • Authentic Berber Moroccan Cooking Experience: $40
  • Experience Private Moroccan Cooking Class: $47
  • Food Tour with Tastings in Quartier Habous: $55
  • Moroccan Cooking Class Casablanca: $58
  • Casablanca Night Tour with Andalusian Dinner Show: $59
  • Bahja Bites Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Casablanca : Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class with Locals: $60
  • Casablanca Tour with free Traditional Moroccan Lunch or Dinner: $62
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $69
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $69
  • Private CousCous Cooking Class in a Traditional Family Home: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Casablanca $9.55

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
  • Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
  • Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $15
  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $16
  • Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
  • Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $19
  • Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $21
  • Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $22
  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Optional Transportation: $23

Tours and Activities in Casablanca

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

  • Casablanca Half Day Guided Tour: $12
  • Skip the line Hassan 2 mosque Premium Tour entry ticket included: $16
  • Skip the line Hassan II Mosque guided Tour entry tickets included: $16
  • Hassan II Mosque Premium Tour with Entry Ticket: $19
  • Hassan II Mosque & City Highlights Tour: $21
  • City Highlights Tour: $23
  • Private Guided Tour: $23
  • Casablanca City Tour: Hassan II Mosque, Arab League Park & Sights: $23
  • Hassan II Mosque Tour w/ City Highlights Option: $30
  • Casablanca City Tour with Hassan II Mosque – 4 Options: $30
  • Skip-the-Line Hassan II Mosque Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $30
  • Casablanca in Style: A Deluxe Guided Experience: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Casablanca -

Sample the Local Flavors in Casablanca

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

  • Wine Tasting and Lunch at the oldest Domaine from Casablanca: $299


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

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 Casablanca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Casablanca?

Casablanca has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Casablanca, 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 Casablanca?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Casablanca in the Summer?

Both Casablanca and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Casablanca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Casablanca. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Casablanca. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Casablanca during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Casablanca receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Casablanca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Casablanca averages at about 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Casablanca 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Casablanca in the Autumn?

Both Casablanca and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Casablanca year-round.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Casablanca. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Casablanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Casablanca. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Casablanca receives 233 hours of full sun.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Casablanca. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Casablanca fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Casablanca 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Casablanca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Casablanca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Casablanca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Casablanca. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Casablanca during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Casablanca receives 190 hours of full sun in the winter.

Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Casablanca in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Casablanca fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Casablanca 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Casablanca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Casablanca. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Casablanca throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Casablanca. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Casablanca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Casablanca. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Casablanca receives 262 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Casablanca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Casablanca averages at about 16°C (60°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Casablanca 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Casablanca and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Casablanca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 72 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)