Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Kanazawa?
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 Kanazawa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Kanazawa?
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.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Kanazawa $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $103. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Kanazawa $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Kanazawa $9.32
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:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa
Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247
- Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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 $45Kanazawa $32
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 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
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- 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 (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
- Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
- Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Kanazawa $9.74
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186
Tours and Activities in Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Monochrome Plan: $13
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Moon Plan: $13
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Color Plan: $19
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $25
- Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience: $30
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $57
- [Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour: $68
- [One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - Two World Heritage Villages Enjoyable Bus Tour: $78
- “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Kanazawa $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Kanazawa, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Kanazawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa.
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 Kanazawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Kanazawa?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Kanazawa. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
Both Kanazawa and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kanazawa in the Winter?
Both Kanazawa and Abu Dhabi during the winter 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 Kanazawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Kanazawa can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.
Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kanazawa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 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.