Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Guangzhou? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Guangzhou $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $34
- Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport(CAN): $35
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to City Center : $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Guangzhou $19
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $100
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $110
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Guangzhou $18
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.12
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Guangzhou, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou.
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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Guangzhou this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Guangzhou. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Guangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Guangzhou in the Spring?
Both Guangzhou and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.