Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Phoenix?
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 Phoenix can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Phoenix $238
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Phoenix $39
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 Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $45Phoenix $52
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
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Phoenix $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 Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $17
- Private Asylum Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
- Private Speakeasy Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
- The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
- Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
- RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27
- Tempe Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Phoenix Zoo Admission Ticket: $38
- Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $38
- Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour : $39
- Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour: $39
- Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game Ticket: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Phoenix $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Phoenix is in North America, 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 Abu Dhabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Abu Dhabi 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix than you might in Abu Dhabi.
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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Phoenix. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Phoenix. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Phoenix in the Autumn?
Both Phoenix 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 Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Phoenix. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Phoenix in the Winter?
Both Phoenix 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).
In Phoenix, 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 Phoenix. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Phoenix. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Phoenix in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
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.