Which place is cheaper, Lyon or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Lyon?
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 Lyon can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Lyon?
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.
Lyon
Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.
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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Lyon $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Lyon is $140. 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 Lyon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Lyon $59
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Lyon $118
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Lyon
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Lyon? 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 Lyon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Lyon $19
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 Transfer: $19
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $27
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27
- Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $30
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $30
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $39
- Arrival Transfer Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi by Car or SUV: $40
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $41
- Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:
-
Funiculaire$5.80
-
Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus$21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:
- Private transfer from or to Lyon train stations - Lyon city by car or luxury van: $47
- Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS) to Aix-les-Bains-Arrival Transfer: $48
- Transfer: Saint Exupéry Airport(LYS) to Lyon City Center: $52
- Transfer: Lyon City Center to Saint Exupéry Airport(LYS): $52
- Lyon City Card with Airport Transfer: $54
- Private Transfer from Port of LYON to Lyon Railway Stations: $69
- Lyon Airport (LYS) to Val d'Isere/Espace Killy: Arrival Transfer: $78
- Arrival Private Transfer from Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City by Business Car: $80
- Transfers by Private Drivers Lyon St Exupery Airport to Lyon: $81
- 1-Way Private Transfer from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport: $82
- 1-Way Private Transfer center to Saint Exupery Airport: $82
- Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Business Car: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Lyon?
Prices for flights to both Lyon 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 $45Lyon $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abudhabi Desert Safari Buffet Dinner & Live Entertainments Shows: $24
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $65
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90
Typical Food Prices in Lyon
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:
-
Pastry$1.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.
- No Diet Club - Food tour with many tastings ! (Lyon Sud): $60
- Presqu'île : 3h Food tour in the heart of the city: $61
- Street Food Tour: $66
- Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $66
- Lyon Street Food Tour : $67
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $68
- Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $78
- Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $82
- Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $95
- Old Town Food Tour: $98
- Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $104
- Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Lyon $23
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Audio Guided Tour: $5.47
- Self Guided Audio Tour in of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $5.57
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
- Skip the Line Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:
-
Lunch for 2$50
Tours and Activities in Lyon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:
- Hop-On Hop-Off City Cruise: $5.47
- admission ticket to Brochier Soieries Silk Museum: $8.75
- French Resistance Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $9.83
- Old Lyon Smartphone Audio-Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Street Art Audio-Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Food Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Lyon : Fourvière District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Croix-Rousse Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Private Self-Guided Tour of the Curse Quest of Old Lyon: $11
- Musée Soieries Brochier guided tour in French: $13
- Premium Self-Guided Bike Tours with AI Virtual Guide: $16
- Guided tour of Lyon: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Lyon $26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:
-
Drinks for 2$7.59
-
Bottle of Wine$17
Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon
Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $108
- From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $108
- From Beaujolais Wine Tasting Day Tour: $108
- Music Tour with Wine Tasting: $109
- The Original Syrah Wine Tour (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $110
- Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $110
- The Original Syrah Wine Tour (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $110
- Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $110
- Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $110
- Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $110
- Lyon Croix Rousse : Wine tasting & Record Shops Tour: $142
- Macon & Beaujolais Wine Tour (9:00 am to 5:15 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Lyon, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Lyon is in Europe, 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 Lyon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lyon 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 Lyon.
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 Lyon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Lyon?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Lyon, 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 Lyon?
Lyon 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 Lyon in the Summer?
Both Lyon 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. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Lyon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Lyon. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Lyon 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lyon in the Autumn?
Both Lyon 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. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Lyon. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Lyon 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lyon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Lyon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Lyon can be very cold during winter. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Lyon. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Lyon 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Lyon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Lyon. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).
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 Lyon. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Lyon. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Lyon 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lyon and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Lyon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.