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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Kingston?

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 Kingston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Kingston?

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.

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Kingston 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
    Kingston Prices
    Jamaica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $164
    Kingston $106

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $106. 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 Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Kingston $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Kingston $126
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Kingston? 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 Kingston


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 Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Kingston $29
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:

  • Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Half Day Guided Tour - Transfer Included: $191
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $101
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $22
  • MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels : $25
  • Airport Transfer Norman Manley international airport: $30
  • Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $43
  • Private Transfer From Norman Manley Airport to Kingston one way: $48
  • Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
  • Private Airport Transfer of Norman Manley and Kingston Hotels : $50
  • First Class Airport Transfers: $52
  • Private Transfer from Kingston's Airport: $65
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Falmouth Port: $72
  • Kingston International Airport Jamaica - Private Arrival or Depature transfer : $73
  • Private Kingston Airport Transfers: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 $45
    Kingston $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
  • Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $43
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $63
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Kingston $12

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Audio Guided Tour: $5.44
  • Self Guided Audio Tour in of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $5.52
  • Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $10
  • Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
  • Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
  • Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $15
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
  • Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18

Tours and Activities in Kingston

Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
  • Montego Bay: All inclusive tours: $30
  • Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
  • Mural Art & National Gallery Walking Tour: $36
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour Skip the Line Tickets: $45
  • Cannabis Shopping Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Ocho Rios Shore Excursion: Bus Tour of Ocho Rios, Fern Gully and Turtle Beach: $62
  • Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
  • Tour a Jamaican Farm: $70
  • Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $72
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Kingston $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Kingston, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Kingston.

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 Kingston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Kingston?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Kingston, 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 Kingston?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kingston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Kingston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kingston. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kingston during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kingston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Kingston. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Kingston. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Kingston. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kingston. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Kingston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kingston in the Winter?

Both Kingston and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kingston. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Kingston. 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 Kingston during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Kingston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kingston in the Spring?

Both Kingston and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Kingston. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kingston. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Kingston. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)