Which place is cheaper, Pai or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Pai?
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 Pai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Pai?
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.
Pai
As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Pai $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Pai is $64. 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 Pai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Pai $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Pai $28
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Pai
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Pai? 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 Pai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Pai $37
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:
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $150
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $67
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $133
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private direct transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai: $124
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car: $190
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai
Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
- Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
- Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Pai?
Prices for flights to both Pai 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 $45Pai $21
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 $39Pai $40
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 Pai
For Pai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle Tipsy Tubing Experience with Shots: $6.76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Pai $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Pai, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Pai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Pai 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 Pai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pai 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 Pai.
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 Pai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Pai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pai in the Summer?
Both Pai and Abu Dhabi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.
Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Pai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pai receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Pai. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pai receives 146 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Pai in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Pai fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Pai 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Pai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Pai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pai receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Pai during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Pai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Pai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Pai averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Pai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Pai. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Pai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pai receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pai. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pai receives 283 hours of full sun.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Pai. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Pai fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Pai 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pai in the Spring?
Both Pai and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Pai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pai receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Pai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Pai during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Pai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Pai. Abu Dhabi is cooler than Pai in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Pai fluctuates around 32°C (89°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Pai 32°C (89°F)
Typical Weather for Pai and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Pai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.