Which place is cheaper, Lima or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Lima?
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 Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Lima $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Lima is $76. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Lima $5.67
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 Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To Abu Dhabi: $26
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise 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 hotel to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Short Taxi Ride$4.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport to Hotels in Lima: $13
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport to Hotel by Aludy Travel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $45Lima $17
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
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.30
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Ice cream$3.49
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Coffee$2.95
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Donut$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Lima $8.57
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: $8.16
- 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
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.28
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Peru's Best Bike Experience since 2014 - 4 Hours Hire: $9.90
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- bike tour: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima : $19
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Lima $5.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.23
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Beer$4.03
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Cocktail$3.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour : $39
- Local Wine Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Lima, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Lima is in South America, 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Lima, 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 Lima?
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 Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima 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 Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Lima. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 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 Lima during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima 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 Lima year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 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 Lima. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Lima. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Lima. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Lima. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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 Lima. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.