Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Koh Phi Phi $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Koh Phi Phi $6.89
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
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Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi $11
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 Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.64
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Sit Down Lunch$9.27
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Casual Lunch$5.73
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Coconut Donut$0.27
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
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Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Koh Phi Phi $45
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Phuket Trick Eye 3D Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Highlights Tour: $50
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$14
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Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi.
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 Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Koh Phi Phi?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.