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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Kobe?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Kobe?

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.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

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 Cultural Tours in Japan, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $111. 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 Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Kobe $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Kobe $130
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Kobe? 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 Kobe


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 Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Kobe $14
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:

  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Ras Al Khiamah: $282
  • Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $282
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $282
  • Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
  • Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
  • 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 SUV: $213
  • Full Day Ferrari world Tour with Private Transfers from Dubai: $212
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $208
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $208

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $103
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $121
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
  • Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $185
  • Osaka to Arima Hotel Transfer Service: $234
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $241
  • Tokyo: Private Luxury Car Transfer To/From Kobe. (one way): $639

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe 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
    Kobe $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abudhabi Desert Safari Buffet Dinner & Live Entertainments Shows: $24
  • Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $37
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $59
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $63
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $65
  • 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 Kobe

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

  • Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $99
  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $218
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $305

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Kobe $25

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
  • Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
  • Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
  • Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $95
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi Ticket: $26
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $130
  • 17 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Abu Dhabi: $245
  • 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • Uroko-no-ie & Kitano Tenman Shrine - Scenic Tour: $54
  • Kobe Port, Kitano, Arima Onsen & Mount Rokko Night Tour: $60
  • Osaka: Kobe Port, Mt. Rokko Night View, Arima Onsen Day Tour: $62
  • Kobe Guided Tour Including Port Area and Arima Onsen Town: $64
  • Mt Rokko night view & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour: $64
  • Kobe Guided Tour Including Port Area and Arima Onsen Town: $65
  • Private Tour - Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible: $72
  • Explore 3 Sake Breweries in 3 Hours Guided Tour: $73
  • Kobe : Private Custom Tour (Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible): $74
  • Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host: $78
  • Guided Tour of Japan’s 3 Leading Sake Breweries in 3H: $78
  • 4 hours Kobe City Tour : $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Kobe $9.22

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $85
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $92
  • KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $94
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Nigiri: $99
  • Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $156


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

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 Kobe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

Kobe 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 Kobe in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Kobe. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°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 Kobe. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Kobe. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kobe in the Autumn?

Both Kobe 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kobe. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kobe in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the activities around the city.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kobe. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)