Which place is cheaper, Nara or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Nara?
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 Nara can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Nara $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Nara? 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 Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Nara $5.83
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:
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To Abu Dhabi: $26
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $43
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $45Nara $28
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Nara $7.81
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 Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Nara $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Nara, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Nara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Nara 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 Nara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nara 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 Nara.
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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Nara?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Nara, 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 Nara?
Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?
Both Nara 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, the summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Nara. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Nara in the Autumn?
Both Nara 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Nara. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Nara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Nara. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Nara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Nara. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°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 Nara. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nara. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.