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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Matsue?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Matsue?

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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 Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Matsue $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Matsue? 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 Matsue


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 Matsue Hotel Prices.

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

  • Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
    Matsue $27

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
  • 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
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Matsue $8.81

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: $8.12
  • 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
  • Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Matsue $6.85


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

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 Matsue Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Matsue?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Matsue in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Matsue this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Matsue. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Matsue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Matsue in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Matsue. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Matsue. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Matsue 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue 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 Matsue because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Matsue can be very cold. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Matsue. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Matsue 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Matsue 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Matsue and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Matsue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)