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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Edinburgh?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Edinburgh?

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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.

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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh 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
    Edinburgh Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $164
    Edinburgh $223

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $223. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Edinburgh $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Edinburgh $194
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Edinburgh

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh


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 Edinburgh Hotel Prices.

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

  • Yas Waterworld General Admission with Transfers: $123
  • Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $141
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi APT-HTL(AUH): $56
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi City - Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $42
  • Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi City - Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $58
  • Transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai City: $150
  • Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $30
  • Tickets to Global Village with Private Transfer: $95
  • Qasr al Watan Tour with Optional Private Transfers: $50
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $41

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh

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


  • Local Bus
    $4.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh

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

  • Edinburgh Airport: Bus Transfer: $7.11
  • Private Transfer from Newhaven Cruise Port to Edinburgh hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh Airport: $29
  • Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to South Queensferry Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Newhaven Port to Edinburgh Airport EDI: $29
  • Edinburgh Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfers: $39
  • Private One way Transfer Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh: $41
  • Private Airport transfer From or to Edinburgh airport (One way transfer): $43
  • Private Transfer - South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Airport(GLA): $46
  • Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Hotels: $51
  • Edinburgh Accommodation to Edinburgh Airport Departure Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Edinburgh?

Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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
    Edinburgh $88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
  • Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $43
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $63
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • 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 Edinburgh

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


  • Breakfast
    $11
  • Dinner at Filling Station
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $20
  • Sandwich
    $2.41
  • Cheese & bread
    $9.44
  • Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $33
  • 2 Coffees and Scones
    $7.57
  • Turkish Delight
    $1.83
  • Soup at the Pub
    $7.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Plant-based Food Tours of the Old Town: $71
  • Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $90
  • Food Tour with drinks: $110
  • 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $120
  • Traditional Scottish Cuisine Food Tour: $123
  • A Taste Of Edinburgh Food Tour. Includes All Food & Drinks: $123
  • Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour: $160
  • Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $195
  • PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours - Old Town, Leith: $232

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Edinburgh $26

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
  • 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
  • Yas island abu dhabi 1/2/3 park admission tickets : $95
  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $130
  • 17 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Abu Dhabi: $245
  • 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $33
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: $95

Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh

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


  • Show Tickets
    $42
  • Movie Tickets for Two
    $16
  • Donation for Storytellers
    $7.83

Tours and Activities in Edinburgh

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

  • Audio Tour Royal Mile: Castle to "The Tron Kirk" [Spanish]: $5.42
  • Edinburgh Royal mile: Self-guided walking tour: $7.14
  • Harry Potter-Themed self-guided tour with app: $7.14
  • Edinburgh Harry Potter Self Guided Audio Tour: $7.31
  • The Headless Horseman in Self-guided walking tour game: $7.58
  • the FULL Royal Mile Tour - from Palace to Palace!: $7.76
  • Mary Queen of Scots: Edinburgh Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Edinburgh/Royal Mile in 1 Day: Walking Tour - Audioguide: $8.15
  • Edinburgh Exploration Private Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.86
  • Harry Potter’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Old Town Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour with an App: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Edinburgh $20

Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:


  • Beer & Wine
    $19
  • Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern
    $2.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh

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

  • Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $12
  • Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $20
  • Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $26
  • Port of Leith Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
  • Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $26
  • Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $26
  • The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: $26
  • The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $26
  • Tranent: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting: $27
  • Haggis paired with whisky & gins in 56 North distillery!: $31
  • Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $32


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


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Edinburgh?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh in the Summer?

Both Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

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

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Edinburgh in the Winter?

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

The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°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 Edinburgh. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Edinburgh
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)