Which place is cheaper, Koh Chang or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang?
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 Koh Chang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang?
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.
Koh Chang
Most people pick Thailand for their destination because they're anxious to collapse on a breathtaking beach. If that is you, Ko Chang does not disappoint. As one the country's most beautiful islands, Ko Chang is full of white beaches and incredible wildlife. Beware, though, you're not the only one with Ko Chang in mind. During the high season, the island can become quite crowded with tourists.
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 Adventure Tours to Thailand, and The Best Eco Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Koh Chang $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Koh Chang is $48. 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 Koh Chang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Koh Chang $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Koh Chang $48
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Koh Chang
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang? 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 Koh Chang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Koh Chang $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:
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $150
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $67
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $133
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private direct transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai: $124
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car: $190
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Chang
Also for Koh Chang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Trat Airport: Shared Transfers to/from Koh Chang with Ferry: $26
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $116
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Koh Chang to Bangkok Airport: $116
- Private Transfer from Koh Chang to Bangkok Airport or Don Muang Airport: $199
- Private Transfer from Trat to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $209
- Private Transfer from Trat to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $216
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang?
Prices for flights to both Koh Chang 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 $45Koh Chang $17
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Koh Chang $5.46
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 Koh Chang
For Koh Chang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Kayak Experience in Bang Bao Bay with Lunch: $22
- Full-Day Koh Chang Tour with Lunch : $54
- Bubblemaker, experience dive for kids from 8 to 10 years old (Koh Chang): $83
- PADI Discover Scuba Dive Experience: $152
- 1-Day Adventure in Diving in Koh Chang: $281
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Koh Chang $4.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Koh Chang, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Chang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.
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 Koh Chang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang in the Summer?
Both Koh Chang and Abu Dhabi during the summer 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 Koh Chang year-round.
Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Koh Chang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Koh Chang. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 143 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Koh Chang in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Koh Chang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Koh Chang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Chang during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 193 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Koh Chang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Koh Chang. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Koh Chang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 282 hours of full sun.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Koh Chang 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Chang in the Spring?
Both Koh Chang and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Chang is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Chang during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Koh Chang in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Koh Chang 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Koh Chang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 356 mm (14 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 513 mm (20.2 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 440 mm (17.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 514 mm (20.2 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 476 mm (18.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.