Which place is cheaper, Pyeongchang or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Pyeongchang?
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 Pyeongchang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Pyeongchang?
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.
Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.
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 Seoul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Pyeongchang $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Pyeongchang is $114. 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 Pyeongchang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Pyeongchang $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Pyeongchang $124
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Pyeongchang
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Pyeongchang? 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 Pyeongchang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Pyeongchang $25
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Pyeongchang?
Prices for flights to both Pyeongchang 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 $45Pyeongchang $27
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 $39Pyeongchang $51
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Pyeongchang $8.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Pyeongchang, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Pyeongchang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang.
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 Pyeongchang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Pyeongchang?
Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang in the Summer?
Both Pyeongchang 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.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Pyeongchang in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Pyeongchang. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pyeongchang receives 144 hours of full sun.
Pyeongchang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Pyeongchang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Pyeongchang 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pyeongchang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Pyeongchang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Pyeongchang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Pyeongchang averages at about 15°C (60°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Pyeongchang during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Pyeongchang receives 185 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Pyeongchang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Pyeongchang 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pyeongchang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Pyeongchang. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Pyeongchang can be very cold during winter. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Pyeongchang. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pyeongchang receives 190 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Pyeongchang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Pyeongchang 0°C (33°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Pyeongchang in the Spring?
Both Pyeongchang 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.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Pyeongchang in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Pyeongchang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Pyeongchang during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Pyeongchang receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Pyeongchang 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Pyeongchang and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Pyeongchang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 217 mm (8.5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 39 mm (1.5 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.