Which place is cheaper, Kyoto 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 Kyoto?
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 Kyoto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
-
Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Kyoto $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $108. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Kyoto $60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Kyoto $120
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Kyoto $7.17
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:
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $280
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $101
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: Modern & Cultural Highlights with Transfers: $108
- Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
- Abu Dhabi Top 15 Must-See Highlights Tour with Private Transfers: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $76
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $105
- Kansai Airport(KIX)to/from Osaka or Kyoto Private Transfer: $107
- Private Transfer Kyoto Station to Kyoto City: $120
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $120
- Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $120
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $124
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $137
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $152
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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 $78Kyoto $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $43
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Camel Ride and Live Shows: $56
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
- 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: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Kyoto Japanese Sweets (Nerikiri) Cooking Class & Matcha tea: $24
- Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour Hidden Tastings and Local Insights: $41
- Kyoto Izakaya Hopping: Pontocho & Gion Local Food Tour: $46
- Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings: $51
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class: Okonomiyaki & Japanese Cuisines: $51
- Japanese Cooking Class: $59
- T9 Kyoto Night Food Tour in Gion and Pontocho: $64
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $70
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $70
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $70
- Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class in Kyoto: $70
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Kyoto $12
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $16
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Entrance Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $19
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $20
- Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi - Ticket: $22
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $22
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Optional Transportation: $23
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $24
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kyoto KITSUNE Nightclub Admission Ticket For Foreign: $3.17
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Family Mitsui House Museum with green tea admission ticket: $6.97
- Tea Ceremony Experience (includes Matcha grinding demonstration): $8.05
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $12
- Gion Magical Night Walking Tour: $13
- Kyoto Hanafuda Card Game Experience with Local English Learners: $13
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Kyo-Machiya Tea Room & Ikebana Experience near Fushimi Inari: $16
- Ticket to Sake Tasting Night in Fushimi: $16
- Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Kyoto $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $40
- Fushimi Sake Discovery Tour Tasting and Brewery Visit: $75
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes 4 sake tastings): $79
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $81
- Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkey or Local Mountain Brewery: $86
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $94
- Hidden Bar Crawl in Pontocho & Gion (Food & Drink Incl.): $105
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $108
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $152
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Kyoto, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Kyoto 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 Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.
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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Kyoto. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.