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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Munich?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Munich?

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.

Munich

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and a top travel destination within Germany. It has stunning architecture and a cultural scene that rivals Berlin. It has some of the country's top museums, festivals, and concerts. Munich is most famous for its Oktoberfest, which is easily the busiest time of year in the city. The architecture is what surprises most travelers. It's quite impressive and truly adds to the character of the city. Although much of Munich was destroyed during World War II, the city has successfully rebuilt most of the buildings in their previous style. Much of the city remains as it was in the 1800s. There are two major research universities in Munich, helping to make it a center for engineering, business, and the sciences.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Munich 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 Munich is $158. 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 Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Munich $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Munich $192
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Munich? 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 Munich


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 Munich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Munich $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: $100
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    $2.46
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    $5.57
  • City transport day ticket
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Airport Transfer by Bus: $12
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Munich Central Station to Munich Airport: $14
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Munich Airport to Munich Central Station: $14
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Erding Thermal - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Arrival Transfer from Munich Train Station to Munich by Sedan: $60
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Van: $65
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich Airport (MUC)- Munich City: $74
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich City - Munich Airport (MUC): $74
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Arber Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich 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
    Munich $29

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 Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    $5.36
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    $2.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Food Tour Beer- 3 small beers & "Brotzeit" in GERMAN: $80
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $100
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $137
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $210
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
  • Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Munich $31

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 Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    $4.29
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    $9.64
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    $15
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    $26

Tours and Activities in Munich

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Munich Old Town": $3.22
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Victuals Market Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.77
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.31
  • Guided tour through the Sudeten German Museum: $5.38
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.38
  • From Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $5.38
  • Munich through the Centuries: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-guided Walking Tour to River Isar Landmarks: $6.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
  • City Center Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Munich $39

Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $29
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $38
  • Interactive Wine Tasting Experience @ Max & Moritz: $38
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $96
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $290
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404


When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Munich, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Munich is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Munich Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Munich, 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 Munich?

Munich 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 Munich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Munich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, many travelers come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Munich this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Munich during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Munich. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Munich 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Munich. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Munich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°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 Munich. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Munich. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Munich 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Munich in the Winter?

Both Munich 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, most visitors come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Munich can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Munich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Munich averages at about -1°C (31°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Munich during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Munich. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Munich -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich 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, the spring months attract visitors to Munich because of the activities around the city.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Munich. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Munich. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Munich 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Munich and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Munich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)