Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui 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 Samui?
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 Samui can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Koh Samui?
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 Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Koh Samui $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $55. 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 Samui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Koh Samui $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Koh Samui $48
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Koh Samui
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Koh Samui? 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 Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Koh Samui $17
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 Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $15
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Koh Samui Airport by Car: $20
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Koh Samui?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui 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 Samui $19
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 Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Koh Samui $10
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 Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Koh Samui $4.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Koh Samui, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Koh Samui 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 Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Samui.
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 Samui Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Koh Samui?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Koh Samui, 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 Samui?
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 Samui in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Koh Samui. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Koh Samui. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Samui in the Autumn?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Koh Samui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Koh Samui 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Samui in the Winter?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Koh Samui. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Koh Samui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Koh Samui 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Koh Samui in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Koh Samui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.