Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan?
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 Pha Ngan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Koh Pha Ngan?
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 Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
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 Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Koh Pha Ngan $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:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan $10
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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Koh Pha Ngan $17
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.12
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan.
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 Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Koh Pha Ngan?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?
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 Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
Both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
Both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.