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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Dubrovnik?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik Prices
    Croatia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Dubrovnik $127

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $127. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Dubrovnik $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Dubrovnik $104
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Dubrovnik $13
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:

  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
  • Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $215
  • Ferrari World, Yas and Warner Bros Word Tickets with Transfer: $200
  • Ferrari World with Fast Track Access , Meal Voucher and Transfer: $200
  • Miracle Garden And Global Village Dubai Tour With Transfers From Abu Dhabi: $195
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $195
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Half Day Guided Tour - Transfer Included: $191
  • From 2 Dives for Certified Divers with transfer: $190
  • From Scuba Dive and Snorkeling with BBQ, Transfer: $190
  • Entry Tickets to Ferrari World Fast Track with Private Transfer: $190
  • Qasr Al Watan/King Palace Abu Dhabi with Entry Ticket & Transfer: $185

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $16
  • Porter Service, Baggage Transfer, Baggage pick up & delivery.: $16
  • Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $21
  • Convenient Bus Transfer from/to Split: $24
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $26
  • Private return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $26
  • Dubrovnik Luxury Airport Transfers: $29
  • Private Transfer: Dubrovnik Airport to Cavtat: $29
  • From Dubrovnik Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $30
  • Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Departure Private Transfer: $31
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Arrival Transfer from Airport Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik City: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $60

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 Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $39
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $48
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Festival with Dinner: $65
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • 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
  • Desert Safari with Sheikh Zayed Festival & Dinner: $95
  • Dune Dinner Safari Abu Dhabi: $98
  • Evening Abu Dhabi Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner- Standard Tour : $99

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $81
  • Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $83
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $124
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $127
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $135
  • Old Town Food Tour: $139
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $148
  • Private Old Town Highlights & Food Tour: $152
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $183
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $207
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $209

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Dubrovnik $20

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
  • 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
  • Yas island abu dhabi 1/2/3 park admission tickets : $95
  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $130
  • 45 minutes Yas Experience: $42
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
  • A Sharing Tour of Sunset at Sheikh Zayed Mosque Abu Dhabi: $112
  • 20 Minutes Rolls Royce Jet Car Tour: $204

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $56
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $47

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $3.16
  • Love Stories Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $6.53
  • Game Of Thrones Self-guided tour with mobile app: $8.08
  • Dubrovnik Game Of Thrones self-guided tour with mobile app: $8.27
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.29
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.45
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.46
  • 11 Attractions Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dubrovnik: $9.00
  • Red History Museum Regular Ticket: $9.33
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $9.52
  • Walls of Liberty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Dubrovnik: $9.99
  • Time Travel Adventure Quest Experience in Dubrovnik: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Dubrovnik $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Konavle wine tasting tour from Dubrovnik with 2 vinery's: $52
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $53
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $58
  • Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $65
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas Guided Tour: $67
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $72
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $73
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $81
  • Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $81
  • From Island of Korčula with wine tasting: $82
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $90


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

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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Dubrovnik?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Dubrovnik. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Dubrovnik. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Abu Dhabi during the winter 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 travelers come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Dubrovnik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)