Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Nikko?
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 Nikko can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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 Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Nikko $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Nikko? 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 Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Nikko -
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:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $45Nikko $31
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Nikko $21
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- 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
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Nikko, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Nikko 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 Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Nikko.
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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Nikko?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Nikko. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Nikko. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko and Abu Dhabi during the winter 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 winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Nikko can be very cold. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Nikko. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Nikko. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.