Which place is cheaper, Hat Yai or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai?
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 Hat Yai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai?
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.
Hat Yai
The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.
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 Contiki Tours to Thailand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Hat Yai $16
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Hat Yai is $16. 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 Hat Yai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Hat Yai $5.11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Hat Yai $10
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Hat Yai
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai? 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 and Hat Yai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Hat Yai $0.63
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:
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To Abu Dhabi: $26
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $43
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hat Yai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hat Yai:
- Transfer from Hatyai Airport to Koh Lipe: $25
- private van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pabara Pier: $68
- Private Hatyai Airport Transfer to Pak Bara Pier by Van: $69
- Private Van transfer from Hatyai Airport to Pak Bara Pier: $73
- Private Van transfer from Hatyai City to Pak Bara Pier: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai?
Prices for flights to both Hat Yai 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 $45Hat Yai $10
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 Hat Yai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hat Yai are as follows:
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Roti Snack$0.55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Hat Yai -
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 Hat Yai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hat Yai are as follows:
- One Way Speedboat and Van Ticket Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport: $30
- One Way Van and Speedboat Ticket Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Hat Yai $2.52
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hat Yai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hat Yai:
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Beer$1.64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Hat Yai, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai.
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 Hat Yai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hat Yai. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai in the Summer?
Both Hat Yai and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Hat Yai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai in the Autumn?
Both Hat Yai and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.
May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Hat Yai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Hat Yai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much colder than Hat Yai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Hat Yai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Hat Yai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Hat Yai. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.
Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Hat Yai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Hat Yai 30°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Hat Yai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 588 mm (23.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 404 mm (15.9 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.