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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Florence?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Florence?

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.

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Florence 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 Florence is $165. 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 Florence in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Florence? 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 Florence


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 Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Florence $23
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:

  • Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
  • Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
  • Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
  • Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
  • Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
  • Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

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


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    $8.57
  • Taxi from Airport
    $27
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    $32
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    $5.36
  • Bus From Airport
    $5.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • From The Mall Firenze Shuttle Transfer: $15
  • Shared Bus Transfer to/from Pisa Airport: $16
  • Private Departure Transfer: Florence Train Station: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Florence Train Station: $35
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
  • From La Spezia: Round-Trip Bus Transfer to Florence: $53
  • Private Florence Airport to Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $63
  • From Round Trip Transfer to Cinque Terre: $64
  • Private Oneway Transfer Florence Airport to Florence Hotels: $66
  • Florence to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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
    Florence $38

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
  • Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Florence

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    $6.96
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $29
  • Florence Street Food Tour, Market and City Center: $31
  • Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $33
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
  • Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
  • Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $59
  • Cooking Art Brunelleschi : $59
  • 3- Cooking Making Spaghetti & Lasagna: $59

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

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
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

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


  • Admission to Uffizi
    $12
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    $4.29
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    $107
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    $21
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    $6.43
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    $7.50

Tours and Activities in Florence

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

  • Relive the Renaissance on a Guided Walking Tour: $2.69
  • Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.69
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
  • Florence Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.28
  • Sunset Walking Tour: $3.28
  • Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.29
  • Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
  • Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
  • Galleria dell' Accademia Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
  • Florence and Pisa self guided tour: $6.45

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

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


  • Glass of Chianti
    $4.50
  • Bottle of Wine
    $8.04

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

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

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
  • Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
  • Sip, Savor, Save! Youth Wine Tasting Tour with Appitisers: $28
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Three Types of Tuscan Wine: $29
  • Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in the heart of Tuscany: $33
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Florence city centre: $44


When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Florence?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Florence, 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 Florence?

Florence 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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Florence. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence 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, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Florence during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Florence. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence 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, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Florence. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Florence. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Florence during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Florence. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Florence and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)