A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa 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.

  • Abu Dhabi Prices
    UAE Prices
    Kanazawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Kanazawa $123

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $123. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Kanazawa $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Kanazawa $124
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.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Kanazawa


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Kanazawa $9.07
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:


  • Car Rental
    $31
  • Taxi to Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Alain: $266
  • Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Miracle Garden And Global Village Dubai Tour With Transfers From Abu Dhabi: $200
  • Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai: $194
  • Dubai Full Day Trip from City Tour with Transfers: $190
  • Miracle Garden and Global Village with Transfers from Abu Dhabi: $184
  • Louvre Museum and Qasr Al Watan Tour With Private Transfers: $170
  • Dining at Talea by Antonio Guida - Emirates Palace with Transfer: $165
  • Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Mosque & SeaWorld Entry w/ Transfer: $157

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Kanazawa Port ↔ Kanazawa City: $47

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Abu Dhabi $78
    Kanazawa $54

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Kanazawa Food Tour: Omicho Market & Geisha District: $45
  • Kanazawa Omicho Market and Higashi Chaya Food Tour: $71
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
  • Sushi & Japanese Cooking at a 56-Year Cooking School: $102
  • Kanazawa Night Tour Castle Samurai District and Optional Dinner: $107
  • Kanazawa Private Night Food Tour: $175
  • Private Kanazawa Bamboo Sushi Family Cooking Experience: $276
  • Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
  • Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Kanazawa $9.48

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $149
  • 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
  • 4 Hour Abu Dhabi City Tour - Private Tour: $265
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch: $103
  • 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $34
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $47
  • Abu Dhabi Aladdin Tour: Grand Mosque, Etihad, Palace, & Louvre: $119
  • Abu Dhabi All in One Tour Tradition to Innovation: $199
  • Abu Dhabi City Essentials Half day tour from Abu Dhabi: $44
  • Abu Dhabi City Full Day Tour from Abu Dhabi: $157

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • Kanazawa Kimono Self-Photo Experience Japanese Scenery in 1 Hour: $19
  • Selfie Photo Experience with Rental Kimono - Moon: $23
  • Kenrokuen Garden & Kanazawa Castle Walking Tour: $23
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Kanazawa: $25
  • Ring making experience  Completed in about 1 hour!: $25
  • Kanazawa Night Walk and Izakaya Tour with Local Guide: $26
  • Selfie Photo Experience with Rental Kimono - Color: $27
  • Tea Ceremony Experience at Kenrokuen: $30
  • Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO: $31
  • Kanazawa:Traditional Experience -kimono rent at wargo: $33
  • Walking Tour in the Geiko Districts: $36
  • Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Kanazawa $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:

  • Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81


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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu 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)