Which place is cheaper, Istanbul 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.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Istanbul?
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 Istanbul can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Istanbul?
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.
Istanbul
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 Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Istanbul $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $149. 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.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Istanbul $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Istanbul $138
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul
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.
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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Istanbul $32
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 Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $28
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $31
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Private UAE Transfer from Airport Hotel and Intercity Transfers: $36
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $37
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi hotels to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $37
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $37
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $37
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Dubai hotels: $38
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Sapanca & Masukiye Day Tour from Istanbul with Lunch & Transfer: $12
- Full Day Sapanja Mashokiya & Mahmudia Tour with lunch +Transfer: $23
- istanbul airport transfer: $23
- Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $23
- Private Istanbul Airport Transfer IST and SAW: $23
- Istanbul IST Airport Transfer to or from Old City & Taksim Hotels: $25
- Guided Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Transfer: $29
- Private Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Transfer hotel-airport: $30
- Private Transfer: Istanbul Airports & Cruise Port to/from Hotels: $30
- Istanbul Airport Private Departure Transfer: $31
- Istanbul Airport Private Transfer: $32
- Istanbul Airport & Hotel Transfers: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $78Istanbul $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- VIP Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Camel Ride BBQ Dinner: $28
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $37
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner & Live Show: $39
- Abu Dhabi Sunset Desert Safari With Dinner And 5 Live Shows: $43
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $50
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Live Entertainment and BBQ Dinner: $52
- Experience Abu Dhabi Yas Island by Dhow Cruise at Sea with Dinner: $55
- Luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise Abu Dhabi Yas Island: $56
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Sandboarding, Camel Ride & Dinner: $68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Bosphorus Night Cruise Dinner and Dance Show,Transfer included: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Show with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Turkish Night Show Experience: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Istanbul $36
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $13
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $16
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket: $18
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $21
- Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi Ticket Deals: $21
- Tickets To louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $21
- Abu Dhabi city tour Half day from Abu Dhabi: $22
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $24
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Daily Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul with lunch: $3.00
- Istanbul Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.02
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from Europe: $5.89
- Istanbul Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.30
- Istanbul Üsküdar: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.79
- Istanbul Fatih: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.79
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour Exploring Two Empires: $6.84
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $6.99
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.17
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $7.53
- Bosphorus Cruise 2-3 Hour Cruises with Optional Asia Stop & Meal: $7.99
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset and Day Time Sightseeing Cruise: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Istanbul $9.85
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $16
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Pub Crawl Original Istanbul Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Taksim Pera Wine Tasting 3 Hour Guided Tour: $130
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?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul?
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.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Istanbul?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul in the Summer?
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Istanbul in the Autumn?
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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Istanbul in the Winter?
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Istanbul in the Spring?
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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Abu Dhabi
| 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) |
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.