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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Dewa Sanzan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Dewa Sanzan?

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.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.

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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan is $65. 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 Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Dewa Sanzan $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Dewa Sanzan $56
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Dewa Sanzan


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 Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Dewa Sanzan $22
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:

  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $150
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
  • Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $67
  • Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $133
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
  • Private direct transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai: $124
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan 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
    Dewa Sanzan $24

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Dewa Sanzan $9.23

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

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

  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Dewa Sanzan $7.27


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

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 Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan 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. Furthermore, the hiking are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Dewa Sanzan. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Dewa Sanzan can get quite cold in the winter. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan 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.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 9°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)