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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Copenhagen?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Copenhagen?

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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.

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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen is $216. 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 Copenhagen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Copenhagen $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Copenhagen $186
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Copenhagen

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Copenhagen? 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 Copenhagen


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 Copenhagen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Copenhagen $74
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:

  • Yas Waterworld General Admission with Transfers: $123
  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
  • Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $30
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi City - Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $42
  • Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $30
  • Snow Park Abudhabi Premium Tickets with Optional Transfers: $120
  • Snow Abu Dhabi Tour with Optional Private Transfers: $110
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $83
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $42
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $208
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury SUV: $213

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

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


  • Bicycle Renting
    $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port: $63
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $66
  • Transfer Kastrup Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen City Center : $69
  • Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $69
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $79
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen City - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Private transfer Copenhagen airport, Port to or from the city : $90
  • Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $91
  • Kastrup hotel or address to Malmö City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $107
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Copenhagen?

Prices for flights to both Copenhagen 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
    Copenhagen $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abudhabi Desert Safari Buffet Dinner & Live Entertainments Shows: $24
  • Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $37
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $59
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $63
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $65
  • 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 Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • The Nørrebro Street Art & Food Tour: $44
  • Small Group Guided Food Tour and Street Art Visit to Norrebro: $61
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $94
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • Modern City Food Tour: $141
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Copenhagen $32

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
  • Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
  • Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
  • Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $95
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi Ticket: $26
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $130
  • 17 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Abu Dhabi: $245
  • 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103

Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $8.91
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hippies and Christianshavn Group Walking Tour: $1.71
  • Hippies & Christianshavn Walking Tour: $1.74
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.33
  • Copenhagen City Highlights - Public 1.5-2 Hour Walking Tour: $3.34
  • Tour of the Danish Resistance during World War II: $5.53
  • Highlights App Guided Tour with Puzzles: $6.64
  • Danish Architecture Center Entrance Ticket: $7.43
  • Unique Christiania Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.75
  • The Headless Horseman in Selfguided Walking Tour Game: $7.83
  • Christiania Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.90
  • Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends: $7.99
  • Copenhagen's Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Copenhagen $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

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

  • Social Nightlife Pub Crawl with Shots & Games: $45
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $45
  • Party Pub Crawl Copenhagen: $45
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $371


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Copenhagen, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen in the Summer?

Both Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi during the summer 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 Copenhagen in the summer for 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 Copenhagen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Copenhagen. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Copenhagen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Copenhagen. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Copenhagen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Copenhagen. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Copenhagen can be very cold. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Copenhagen in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Copenhagen. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Copenhagen in the Spring?

Both Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Copenhagen. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Copenhagen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)