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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Guilin?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Guilin?

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.

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guilin 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
    Guilin Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Guilin $89

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Guilin $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Guilin $74
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Guilin

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Guilin? 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 Guilin


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Guilin $6.17
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:

  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $280
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $101
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: Modern & Cultural Highlights with Transfers: $108
  • Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
  • Abu Dhabi Top 15 Must-See Highlights Tour with Private Transfers: $109

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
  • Jieyang Chaoshan Airport Private airport transfer Service: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $21
  • [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! *: $23
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $27
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $27
  • Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
  • Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
  • Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Guilin?

Prices for flights to both Guilin 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
    Guilin $42

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 with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $43
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Camel Ride and Live Shows: $56
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
  • Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
  • Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73

Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

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

  • Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
  • Shantou Foodie Day Tour with Cooking Class: $199
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Boat and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Guilin $30

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $16
  • Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
  • Qasr Al Watan Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $19
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $20
  • Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi - Ticket: $22
  • Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $22
  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Optional Transportation: $23
  • Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $18

Tours and Activities in Guilin

Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guilin English tour guide service: $15
  • Gulong Gorge Outdoor Adventure Park Ticket: $35
  • City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $46
  • Guilin One Day Tour of Longjie Mountain: $46
  • Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
  • Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
  • 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill: $58
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $60
  • Longji Rice Terraces with Minority Village Private Day Tour: $69
  • 1 day private tour: Longji rice terraces & Huang Luo Yao villages: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Guilin $6.12


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

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 Guilin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Guilin?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Guilin, 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 Guilin?

Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Guilin. 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 Guilin in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Guilin. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Guilin 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Guilin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Guilin. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Guilin averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Guilin. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Guilin 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Guilin in the Winter?

Both Guilin 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 much warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Guilin. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Guilin 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Guilin in the Spring?

Both Guilin 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 Guilin in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Guilin 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Guilin and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Guilin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)