Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Oslo?
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 Oslo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Oslo?
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.
Oslo
Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesOslo Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Oslo $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $130. 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 Oslo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Oslo $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Oslo $128
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Oslo
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Oslo? 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 Oslo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Oslo $18
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:
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $25
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $28
- Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $28
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Arrival Transfer Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi by Car or SUV: $40
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
- Private Transfer Service from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai Hotels: $41
- Kidzania Abu Dhabi with Optional Private Transfer: $50
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To Abu Dhabi: $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
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Tram Ticket$6.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
- Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $79
- Transfer:Oslo Gardermoen Airport(OSL) to Oslo City Center: $84
- Private Transfer from Oslo hotels to Oslo Cruise Port: $89
- Trondheim Vaernes Airport (TRD) to Trondheim - Arrival Transfer : $99
- Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $109
- Arrival Private Transfer Oslo OSL Airport to Oslo by Business Car: $110
- Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $119
- Airport or Hotel Private Transfer: $123
- Oslo Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Oslo hotels: $124
- Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $125
- Private Transfer from Olso Airport to Olso Hotels: $125
- Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City Centre: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Oslo?
Prices for flights to both Oslo 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 $78Oslo $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $41
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $49
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $65
- Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Festival with Dinner: $65
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
- Desert Safari Adventure With Dinner In Dubai: $95
- Desert Safari with Sheikh Zayed Festival & Dinner: $95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.
- Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $57
- Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $89
- 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $130
- Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $133
- Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems of Oslo: $148
- Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems of Oslo: $152
- A Well Balanced History and Food Tour with Focus on the Scandinavian Kitchen: $288
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Oslo $13
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 Ticket: $8.17
- Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $15
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
- Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $17
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi : $17
Tours and Activities in Oslo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
- Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Guided Walking Tour in Central Oslo: $8.91
- Tour a Pie en Oslo en Español: $8.91
- Central Oslo Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Oslo Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Oslo Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $15
- The Fram Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Fjord Mini Cruise by Wooden Sailing Ship: $21
- Oslo Fjord a Mini Cruise by Wooden Sailing Ship: $21
- Viking Planet Entry Ticket: $23
- Paradox Museum Entry Ticket: $23
- The Viking Planet Admission Ticket: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Oslo $7.91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Oslo, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Oslo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Oslo 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 Oslo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oslo 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 Oslo.
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 Oslo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Oslo?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Oslo, 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 Oslo?
Oslo 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 Oslo in the Summer?
Both Oslo 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, many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Oslo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Oslo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Oslo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Oslo in the Autumn?
Both Oslo 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, many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Oslo 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Oslo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Oslo can be very cold during winter. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Oslo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo 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)Oslo -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Oslo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Oslo. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°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 Oslo. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Oslo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Oslo 6°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Oslo and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Oslo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.