Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Hangzhou? 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 $20Hangzhou $8.11
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
- Hangzhou to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $45
- Hangzhou to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Hangzhou Train Station Transfer: $51
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $45Hangzhou $18
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
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Hangzhou $20
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 Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
- Hangzhou West Lake Highlights Half Day Tour : $85
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- Half-Day Hangzhou Tianzhu Buddhist Mountain Hiking Tour with Green Tea Village : $89
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
- Hangzhou Private Amazing English Tour Guide Service: $90
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Hangzhou $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Hangzhou, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Hangzhou. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Hangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou 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.
It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou 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.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.