Which place is cheaper, Pattaya or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Pattaya?
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 Pattaya can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Pattaya?
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.
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Pattaya $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Pattaya is $66. 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 Pattaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Pattaya $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Pattaya $48
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Pattaya
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Pattaya? 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 Pattaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Pattaya $12
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 Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Return hotel transfers to Gems Gallery Pattaya (Jewelry) : $2.12
- Bus transfer between Pattaya and Bangkok: $3.69
- Big Bee farm Pattaya ( Entry & Return Transfers): $11
- Pattaya City: Tappia Floating Cafe Pattaya Transfer & Drink: $16
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $19
- Pattaya Art in Paradise Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $19
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Frost Magical Ice Of Siam in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $24
- Mimosa Pattaya City of Love with Show & Return Transfer: $24
- Mimosa Pattaya City of Love with Cabaret Show & Return Transfer: $24
- Frost Magical Ice Of Siam at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $24
- Mini Siam Miniature World Admission with Roundtrip Transfer from Pattaya: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Pattaya?
Prices for flights to both Pattaya 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 $45Pattaya $22
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 Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Pattaya $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 Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Floating Market Entry Ticket: $3.18
- Pattaya sheep Farm Entrance Tickets: $3.60
- FlowerLand Pattaya Admission Ticket (Optional Activities): $4.97
- Fairy Sweet Village Pattaya Entry ticket: $5.41
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
- Mini Siam Entry Ticket: $6.62
- Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $7.18
- Pattaya : Coral Island Tour by Speedboat with Indian Lunch & Pick Up from Hotel: $7.59
- Half-day Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch from Pattaya: $7.73
- Pattaya Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $9.44
- Mini Siam Miniature World at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $9.44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Pattaya $8.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Pattaya, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Pattaya 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 Pattaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pattaya 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 Pattaya.
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 Pattaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Pattaya?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?
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 Pattaya in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Pattaya. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Pattaya. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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 Pattaya. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Pattaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Pattaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Pattaya 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pattaya in the Autumn?
Both Pattaya 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. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Pattaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Pattaya during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Pattaya 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pattaya in the Winter?
Both Pattaya 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Pattaya. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi is cooler than Pattaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Pattaya 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pattaya in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Pattaya during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Pattaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Pattaya averages at about 30°C (86°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Pattaya 30°C (86°F)
Typical Weather for Pattaya and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Pattaya | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 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.