A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Lahore for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Lahore?

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 Lahore can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Lahore?

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.

Lahore

As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.

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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Lahore or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Lahore is $57. 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 Lahore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Lahore $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Lahore $74
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Lahore

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Lahore? 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.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Lahore


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 Lahore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Lahore $9.98
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:

  • Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
  • Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $271
  • Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $271
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Sharjah: $271
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $271
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $271
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $271
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $271
  • Ferrari World Theme Park and Seaworld Park Ticket with Transfer: $250
  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore

Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
  • Airport Transfer : $60
  • Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Lahore?

Prices for flights to both Lahore 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 day
    Abu Dhabi $45
    Lahore $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • 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
  • Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner in Abu Dhabi: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $62
  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore

For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Lahore $5.08

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
  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $95
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • 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
  • 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch : $117
  • 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
  • 8-Hours Tickets to Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi: $107
  • ABU DHABI CITY TOUR [FULL DAY]: $111

Tours and Activities in Lahore

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.

  • Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
  • Lahori Food Experience: $45
  • Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
  • Ladies Special: Lahore Half day Guided Shopping Tour: $90
  • Lahore Half Day Private Tuk Tuk ( Trishaw ) Guided Tour : $95
  • Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
  • Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
  • Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
  • Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
  • Lahore Guided Tour: $119
  • Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
  • Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Lahore $4.89


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Lahore, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Lahore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Lahore 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 Lahore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lahore 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 Lahore.

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 Lahore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Lahore?

Lahore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Lahore, 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 Lahore?

Lahore 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 Lahore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Lahore. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The heat can be very extreme in Lahore. It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Lahore in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Lahore fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. 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 Lahore. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lahore receives 228 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lahore. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Lahore. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Lahore 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lahore in the Autumn?

Both Lahore 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.

In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Lahore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Lahore averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Lahore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Lahore during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Lahore receives 290 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Lahore. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Lahore 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lahore in the Winter?

Both Lahore 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.

In January, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Lahore. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Lahore fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Lahore. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lahore receives 220 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Lahore. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Lahore 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lahore in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Lahore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.

Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Lahore in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Lahore fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore 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 Lahore during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Lahore receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Lahore. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Lahore 28°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Lahore and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Lahore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 35°C (96°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (90°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)