Which place is cheaper, Phuket or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Phuket?
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 Phuket can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Phuket?
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.
Phuket
Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Phuket $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $105. 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 Phuket in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Phuket $56
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Phuket $112
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Phuket
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Phuket? 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 Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Phuket $11
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:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to or from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport: $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
-
Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.18
-
Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Airport Bus Transfer from/to Karon Beach: $5.35
- From Phuket or Pa Tong: Transfer to Gun Shooting Range: $6.76
- Airport Transfer To / From Hotel & Free Wifi: $10
- Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $12
- Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus) : $13
- One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $14
- Airport Transfer To / From Hotel & Free Wifi: $15
- Phuket International and Domestic Airport - Arrival Transfer : $15
- Phuket International and Domestic Airport - Departure Transfer : $16
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $16
- Phuket International Airport (HKT): Transfer to/from Phuket: $16
- Phuket Shared Departure Transfer: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Phuket?
Prices for flights to both Phuket 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 dayAbu Dhabi $45Phuket $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 Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
- 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
- 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 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.88
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
-
Thai Noodles$2.45
-
Bananas$0.68
-
Pizza (for Two)$8.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
- Thai Cooking Class 2 Hrs ( 4 Dishes Menu): $47
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
- Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
- Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Twilight Stylish Sky Set Dinner - The SIS Kata Resort : $54
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Phuket $42
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 Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.12
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
One Day Boat Tour$25
-
Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
-
Thai Oil Massage$17
-
Surfboard Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Botanic Garden Admission Ticket: $3.02
- The Selfie Experience Phuket Admission Ticket: $4.16
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $11
- Phuket to Phi Phi Tonsai Ferry by Royal Jet Cruiser with Pickup Service: $13
- Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Trickeye Museum Day Admission Ticket: $15
- Baan Teelanka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $16
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Original Discovery Tour: $17
- Simon Cabaret Phuket Show Admission Ticket: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Phuket $6.35
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
-
Cocktails (for Two)$5.46
-
Beer$2.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
- Pub Crawl Tour: $25
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $78
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $97
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Phuket, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Phuket 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 Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Phuket.
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 Phuket Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Phuket?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Phuket, 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 Phuket?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Phuket in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Phuket. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Phuket. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Phuket during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Phuket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Phuket averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Phuket in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Phuket. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Phuket. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Phuket. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 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 autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 181 hours of full sun.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Phuket. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Phuket 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Phuket in the Winter?
Both Phuket and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Phuket is December to March. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Phuket. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Phuket. 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 Phuket during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
Abu Dhabi is much colder than Phuket in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Phuket in the Spring?
Both Phuket and Abu Dhabi during the spring 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 Phuket year-round.
June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Phuket. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 249 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Phuket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Phuket averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Phuket 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Phuket and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Phuket | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.