A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju) can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Cheju (Jeju)?

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.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Cheju (Jeju)


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
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:

  • 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: $99
  • 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 Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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
    Cheju (Jeju) $17

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
  • 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
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

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: $8.12
  • 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
  • Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
  • [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
  • Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
  • Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
  • Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
  • jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
  • Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $63
  • Private Tour Cheonjeyeon Falls & Osulloc Museum in Jeju Island : $65
  • Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $66
  • Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Bus Tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


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

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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Cheju (Jeju)?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.

It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Cheju (Jeju). Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 18°C (64°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 Cheju (Jeju). Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

Both Cheju (Jeju) 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.

In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

Both Cheju (Jeju) 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.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)