Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Istanbul can help you decide which place is right for you.
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.
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.
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 Istanbul is $125. 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 Istanbul in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Istanbul? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Istanbul is in Europe, 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
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 Istanbul Expensive?.
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, 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.
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Both Istanbul 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. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Istanbul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Istanbul 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Istanbul. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
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 Istanbul. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Abu Dhabi | Istanbul | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |