Which place is cheaper, Cologne 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.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Cologne?
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 Cologne can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Cologne?
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.
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
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 Historical Tours in Germany, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesCologne Prices
Germany Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Cologne $225
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Cologne is $225. 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 Cologne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Cologne $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Cologne $206
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Cologne
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Cologne? 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 Cologne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Cologne $22
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): $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $61
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Luxury Van: $100
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Cologne Bonn CGN Airport to Hotels Private Transfer: $37
- Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $88
- Private Limousine Transfer Cologne or Bonn Airport to Cologne: $94
- Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $112
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Cologne?
Prices for flights to both Cologne 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 $78Cologne $98
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 Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner$16
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Donner Kebab$4.55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Cologne $23
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Self Guided Audio Tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $8.09
- Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entry Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $18
Tours and Activities in Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cologne Walking Tour: The essential and unmissable one: $3.40
- The Dark Side of the Dom Tour: $3.41
- Walking tour of The essential and unmissable: $3.46
- The Dark Side of the Dom Tour: $3.47
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.79
- Aachen Cathedral tour with audioguide on mobile app: $7.20
- Cologne Walking Tour from Roman Era to World War 2 with an App : $7.20
- Self Guided Walking Tour of City and Cathedral: $8.09
- Cologne Interactive City Tour: $8.09
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.67
- Roman A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Cologne Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Cologne $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:
- Informative and fun brewery tour in German, public: $20
- Old Town Walking Tour with 1 Brewery Visit & 1 Beer: $20
- Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $21
- Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $21
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Cologne - Shots and Party!: $25
- Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $26
- Black wine tasting with secret station - Haus der Manufakturen: $28
- Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $28
- South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $28
- Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $31
- Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $32
- Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $34
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Cologne, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Cologne is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Cologne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Cologne?
Cologne has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Cologne, 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 Cologne?
Cologne 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 Cologne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Cologne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Cologne. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Cologne 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cologne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Cologne. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Cologne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°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 Cologne. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Cologne. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Cologne 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cologne in the Winter?
Both Cologne 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 Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Cologne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Cologne. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Cologne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Cologne in the Spring?
Both Cologne 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Cologne 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cologne and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Cologne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.