Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru?
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 Johor Bahru can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Johor Bahru?
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.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesJohor Bahru Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Johor Bahru $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $66. 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 Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Johor Bahru $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Johor Bahru $82
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Johor Bahru? 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 Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Johor Bahru $13
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
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $32
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $32
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Private UAE Transfer from Airport Hotel and Intercity Transfers: $36
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $38
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $40
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi City to Abu Dhabi Airport: $42
- Kidzania Abu Dhabi with Optional Private Transfer: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Transfer [Van]: $73
- Malaysia：Senai International Airport（JHB）One-Way Transfer: $80
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Van]: $87
- ~Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore MPV Transfer: $100
- Private Transfer from Johor Bahru City Center to Singapore Hotels: $102
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $105
- Universal Studios Singapore Tickets with Round-trip Transfers: $116
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru 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 $78Johor Bahru $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $28
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
- Abu Dhabi 4x4 Desert Safari BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Belly Dance: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Johor Bahru $8.04
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $16
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $19
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $21
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $22
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Optional Transportation: $23
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $24
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $24
- Admission Ticket to Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi: $25
Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
- Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $6.53
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
- Wings of Time Admission Ticket: $14
- Seletar Indigenous & Fish Farm Tour: $17
- Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $17
- Malaysia: Johor Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Entry Ticket: $18
- Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony Tickets: $19
- DaVinci & The Wheel of Time - Cinematic Walkthrough VR Experience: $19
- Causeway Tour: $20
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $21
- Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
- Singapore: Madame Tussauds Sentosa E-Ticket: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Johor Bahru $5.25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Johor Bahru, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru.
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 Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Johor Bahru?
Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Johor Bahru, 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.
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.