Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Kobe $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Kobe 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Kobe $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Kobe $120
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Kobe $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:
- 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 Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport: $48
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
- Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Kobe $30
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 Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Kobe $23
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 Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- Kobe Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Admission Ticket: $16
- Mt Rokko night view & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour: $57
- Private Tour - Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible: $70
- Kobe : Private Custom Tour (Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible): $71
- Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host: $78
- KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
- Sake Tour and Tasting in Kobe: $84
- Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour: $92
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
- Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $94
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Kobe $8.56
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
- Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu 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) |
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.