Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Reykjavik?
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 Reykjavik can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Reykjavik?
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.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Reykjavik $246
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $246. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Reykjavik $139
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Reykjavik $278
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Reykjavik $46
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 Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Bláfjöll - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
- Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
- Iceland: Airport Transfer Between Reykjavík Center and Keflavík : $28
- Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
- Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
- Iceland Airport Transfer from Reykjavík Hotels to KEF Airport: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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 $45Reykjavik $30
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 Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Reykjavik $72
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
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$11
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Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
- Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
- Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
- Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
- Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
- Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Reykjavik $28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik is in Europe, 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Reykjavik?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Reykjavik. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°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 Reykjavik. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Reykjavik in the Spring?
Both Reykjavik 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.