Which place is cheaper, Kunming or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Kunming?
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 Kunming can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Kunming?
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.
Kunming
Kunming, located in southern China, is the modern capital city of the Yunnan province. It is a transportation hub for visitors entering the region, and good transfer point to just about everywhere else in the province by train or bus. Within the city itself there are many things to see and do with a full range of parks and zoos, museums, temples, theatres, and scenic areas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesKunming Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Kunming $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Kunming is $85. 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 Kunming in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Kunming $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Kunming $66
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Kunming
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Kunming? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Kunming $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
-
Car Rental$31
-
Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Bab Al Shams resort: $281
- Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Alain: $272
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $232
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car: $219
- Warner Bros World and Ferrari World Combo Ticket with transfer from Dubai: $204
- Miracle Garden And Global Village Dubai Tour With Transfers From Abu Dhabi: $200
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kunming
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Kunming:
-
Taxi Ride$1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kunming
Also for Kunming, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $36
- Kunming Airport Private Transfer - Charge by Vehicle: $48
- Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pickup: $83
- Kunming Private Round Trip Transfer to Fuxianhu Lake: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Kunming?
Prices for flights to both Kunming 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
-
Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $78Kunming $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Shows and BBQ Dinner: $79
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $84
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
- Overnight Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Morning Breakfast: $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kunming
For Kunming, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner: $88
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Kunming $18
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $101
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full Day Dubai city tour From Abu Dhabi: $229
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
- Shared Abu Dhabi Adventure Tour/Sunrise safari, Dune bashing : $75
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $18
- Yas island abu dhabi 1/2/3 park admission tickets : $105
- 2 Days: Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour & Evening Desert Safari: $140
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
Tours and Activities in Kunming
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kunming.
- Kunming City & Cultural Walking tour: $26
- Yunnan University & Culture Alley Guided Tour: $26
- Half Day Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $43
- Kunming City Tour with Private Guide: $44
- Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with Scenic Train Tour: $51
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour: $64
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $66
- Guandu Ancient Town Private Tour (Half-Day): $66
- Old Town Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Stone Forest + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City Private Tour: $68
- Stone Forest, Roast Duck Lunch and City Tour: $70
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Kunming $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Kunming, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Kunming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Kunming 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 Kunming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kunming 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 Kunming.
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 Kunming Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Kunming?
Kunming has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Kunming, 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.
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.