Which place is cheaper, Ise or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Ise?
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 Ise can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Ise?
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.
Ise
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Ise $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Ise 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 Ise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Ise $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Ise $84
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Ise
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Ise? 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 Ise Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Ise $43
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 - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
- 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 Transfer to or from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Ise?
Prices for flights to both Ise 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 $45Ise $24
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 Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
- 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
- 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 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Ise $5.83
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 Ise
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
- Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Ise $4.52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Ise, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Ise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Ise 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 Ise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ise 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 Ise.
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 Ise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Ise?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Ise, 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 Ise?
Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Ise. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Ise 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ise in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Ise. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Ise. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ise. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Ise 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ise in the Winter?
Both Ise 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 winter months attract visitors to Ise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Ise can be very cold. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Ise during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Ise. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Ise 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ise in the Spring?
Both Ise 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, the beaches are the main draw to Ise this time of year.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Ise. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.
Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Ise 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Ise and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Ise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.