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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Okinawa?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa 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.

  • Abu Dhabi Prices
    UAE Prices
    Okinawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Okinawa $117

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $117. 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 Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Okinawa $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Okinawa $140
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Okinawa? 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 Okinawa


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 Okinawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Okinawa $9.07
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:

  • Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $28
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
  • Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $32
  • Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $32
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Private UAE Transfer from Airport Hotel and Intercity Transfers: $36
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $38
  • Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $40
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi City to Abu Dhabi Airport: $42
  • Kidzania Abu Dhabi with Optional Private Transfer: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Private Transfer: Naha Cruise Terminal 1 (WAKASA) ↔ Okinawa: $57
  • Private Airport Transfer Anywhere in Okinawa ¥9,800(1-9 guests ): $62
  • Naha hotels to Okinawa Naha Airport (ОКА) - Departure Transfer: $68
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $136
  • Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) to Naha Hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $136
  • Naha Airport(OKA)to/from Okinawa Cities Private Transfer: $145
  • Private Airport Transfer: Naha Airport (OKA) → Naha City, Okinawa: $160
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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 $78
    Okinawa $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $28
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
  • Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
  • Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
  • Abu Dhabi 4x4 Desert Safari BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Belly Dance: $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa

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

  • Naha Airport Food Tour for Arrivals & Departures: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Okinawa $13

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $16
  • Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
  • Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $19
  • Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $21
  • Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $22
  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Optional Transportation: $23
  • Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $24
  • Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $24
  • Admission Ticket to Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi: $25

Tours and Activities in Okinawa

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:

  • Okinawa Sky Bar Top Tree Nightclub Admission Ticket+Drink & VIP: $6.32
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
  • Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $25
  • Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $25
  • Okinawa Hip-hop Bus D Course Tour to Southern Island: $34
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $39
  • Naha Custom Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $41
  • Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $47
  • Okinawa HIP-HOP BUS A Course Tour | Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $47
  • Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $51
  • Okinawa HIP-HOP BUS B - 1 Course Tour (Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium): $51
  • Tokashiki Island Full Day Tour by Ferry with Lunch: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Okinawa $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Okinawa, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Okinawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Okinawa 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 Okinawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Okinawa 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 Okinawa.

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 Okinawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Okinawa?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa 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, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In the winter, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Okinawa. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°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 Okinawa. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)