Which place is cheaper, Miami 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.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Miami?
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 Miami can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Miami?
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.
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
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 in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesMiami Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Miami $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Miami is $258. 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 Miami in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Miami $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Miami $308
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Miami
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Miami? 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 Miami Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Miami $38
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:
- Qasr Al Watan/King Palace Abu Dhabi with Entry Ticket & Transfer: $182
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $169
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $54
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Business Car: $84
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
- Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
- MIA Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami Downtown: $25
- Private Transfer Miami Airport MIA or Port to Miami Hotel / Beach: $25
- Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
- Miami Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise, Point-to-Point.: $36
- From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer Minivan Miami Downtown to Miami Airport: $44
- Miami Beach: 60 min Airboat, Transfer and Wildlife Sanctuary: $45
- Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $48
- From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $48
- Miami or Ft Lauderdale: Train Transfer to Orlando Airport: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Miami?
Prices for flights to both Miami 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 $78Miami $72
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 BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $39
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $48
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Festival with Dinner: $65
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
- Desert Safari with Sheikh Zayed Festival & Dinner: $95
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- Historical Walking Food Tour in Calle 8 : $50
- Little Havana- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
- The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $67
- South Beach Food Tour- Culinary & Art Deco & History : $67
- Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $69
- Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
- South Beach Food Tour: $70
- A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $75
- Cuban Food Tour Of Little Havana: $75
- Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
- Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
- Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Miami $31
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Self Guided Audio Tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $7.32
- Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
- Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $15
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
- Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.90
- Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $8.49
- Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
- Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
- Adrenaline-Pump ATV Guided Tour with Safety Gear included: $10
- Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11
- Miami Beach: Combined Sightseeing Bus and Boat Tour: $11
- Tubing Ride Experience: $11
- Wynwood Walls Admission Ticket : $12
- Giant Fish Feeding Experience: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Miami $22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- Miami Bar Crawl: $25
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
- Guided Pub Crawl Miami and Club Entry Wynwood: $30
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
- Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Miami, we can see that Miami is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Miami is in North 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 Abu Dhabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Abu Dhabi 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami than you might in Abu Dhabi.
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 Miami Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Miami?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Miami, 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 Miami?
Miami 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 Miami in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Miami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Miami this time of year.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Miami in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami 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 Miami during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Miami. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Miami 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Miami in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Miami. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Miami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Miami averages at about 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. 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 Miami. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Miami. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Miami 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Miami in the Winter?
Both Miami 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, many visitors come to Miami in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Miami. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in Miami. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Miami during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Miami. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Miami 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Miami in the Spring?
Both Miami 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Miami in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Miami. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Miami 75°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Miami and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Miami | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
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.