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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Houston?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Houston?

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.

Houston

The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston 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
    Houston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Houston $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Houston is $287. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Houston? 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 Houston


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Houston $72
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:

  • Qasr Al Watan/King Palace Abu Dhabi with Entry Ticket & Transfer: $185
  • Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Half Day Guided Tour - Transfer Included: $191
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $31
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $171
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $170
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $215
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Luxury SUV: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $106
  • Houston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $139
  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $39
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $48
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Festival with Dinner: $65
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
  • Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
  • Desert Safari with Sheikh Zayed Festival & Dinner: $95
  • Dune Dinner Safari Abu Dhabi: $98
  • Evening Abu Dhabi Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner- Standard Tour : $99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $86
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston: $90
  • Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Self Guided Audio Tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $7.38
  • Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
  • Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
  • Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
  • Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
  • Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $15
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $17
  • Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi : $17

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.78
  • Houston Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Entry Ticket: $10
  • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston All Access Admission Ticket : $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $13
  • Houston Rockets NBA Basketball Game Ticket: $15
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Entry Ticket: $15
  • Houston Rockets Basketball Game Ticket at Toyota Center: $15
  • Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $20
  • Walking Tour of History, Architecture, Street Art: $20
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Houston is in North America, 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 Abu Dhabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Abu Dhabi 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Abu Dhabi.

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 Houston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Houston, 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 Houston?

Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Houston. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Houston. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Houston. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)