Which place is cheaper, Koh Samet 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 Samet?
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 Samet can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Koh Samet?
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 Samet
The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Koh Samet $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Koh Samet is $96. 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 Samet in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Koh Samet $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Koh Samet $64
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Koh Samet
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Koh Samet? 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 Samet Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Koh Samet $68
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:
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To Abu Dhabi: $26
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $43
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Koh Samet?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samet 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 Samet $27
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 Samet $8.96
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 Samet $4.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Koh Samet, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samet much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Koh Samet 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 Samet would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samet 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 Samet.
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 Samet Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Samet?
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 Samet in the Summer?
Both Koh Samet and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Samet. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samet receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Samet during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Samet receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Koh Samet. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Koh Samet averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Koh Samet 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Samet in the Autumn?
Both Koh Samet and Abu Dhabi during the autumn 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 Samet year-round.
Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Koh Samet. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samet receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Koh Samet. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Samet receives 167 hours of full sun.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Koh Samet. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Samet fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Koh Samet 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Samet in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Koh Samet. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Samet. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samet receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Samet this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Samet during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Samet receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.
Abu Dhabi is cooler than Koh Samet in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Koh Samet fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Koh Samet 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Samet in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Koh Samet. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Koh Samet. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samet receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Koh Samet. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Samet receives 239 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Koh Samet. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Samet averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Koh Samet 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samet and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Koh Samet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.