Which place is cheaper, Moscow or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Moscow?
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 Moscow can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Moscow?
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.
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Moscow $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Moscow is $62. 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 Moscow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Moscow $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Moscow $78
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Moscow
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Moscow? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Moscow $6.06
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:
- Yas Waterworld General Admission with Transfers: $123
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Tickets With Meal and Transfers : $98
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $150
- Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi City - Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $61
- Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $61
- Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $67
- Tickets to Global Village with Private Transfer: $95
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $133
- Qasr al Watan Tour with Optional Private Transfers: $50
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tangkerang Labuai to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kedungsari: $40
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Barat: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
- Private Transfer from Sidomulyo Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $42
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kampung Baru: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Moscow?
Prices for flights to both Moscow 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 $45Moscow $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
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Moscow $16
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Moscow $7.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Moscow, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Moscow 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 Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow 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 Moscow.
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 Moscow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Moscow?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Moscow, 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 Moscow?
Moscow 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 Moscow in the Summer?
Both Moscow and Abu Dhabi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Moscow in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Moscow fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Moscow. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Moscow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Moscow in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Moscow. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Moscow. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Moscow averages at about 6°C (43°F).
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Moscow. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Moscow 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Moscow in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Moscow. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Moscow in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Moscow fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Moscow. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Moscow -8°C (17°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Moscow in the Spring?
Both Moscow and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Moscow in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Moscow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Moscow. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Moscow 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Moscow and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Moscow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 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.