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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Havana?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Havana? 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 Havana


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
    Havana $19
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:

  • 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: $100
  • 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 Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $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
  • 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 Havana

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


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Havana $11

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: $8.16
  • 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
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
  • Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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

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 Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Havana, 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 Havana?

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 Havana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Havana. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Havana in the Autumn?

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

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana 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. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Havana. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Havana. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)