Which place is cheaper, Riga or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Riga?
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 Riga can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Riga?
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.
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Riga $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Riga is $112. 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 Riga in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Riga $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Riga $114
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Riga
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Riga? 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 Riga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Riga $16
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:
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To/From Abu Dhabi: $26
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi city: $38
- Arrival Transfer Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi by Car or SUV: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to Abu Dhabi Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $26
- Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $31
- Riga Airport Transfer: $33
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $38
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $38
- Private Transfer From Riga City Center To Riga Airport: $43
- Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $52
- Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $53
- Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $59
- Private Transfer from Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Riga?
Prices for flights to both Riga 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 $45Riga $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- 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
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner in Abu Dhabi: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $62
- 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 Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
-
Fast Food Lunch$6.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
- Unique Food Tour: $52
- Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $96
- Medieval Dinner on the 12th Century at Rozengrals: $118
- Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $130
- Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $139
- Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $151
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Riga $23
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: $7.93
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $15
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- 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
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.93
- Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.46
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.42
- Riga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Boat tour in Canal and Daugava: $9.59
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
- Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $13
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Riga $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $15
- Riga Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience: $17
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $37
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $53
- Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $54
- Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
- Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $96
- Riga Wine Tasting Session: $102
- Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $521
- Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,308
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Riga, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Riga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Riga 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 Riga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Riga 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 Riga.
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 Riga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Riga?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Riga, 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 Riga?
Riga 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 Riga in the Summer?
Both Riga and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Riga averages at about 17°C (63°F).
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Riga. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Riga 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Riga in the Autumn?
Both Riga and Abu Dhabi during the autumn 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, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Riga. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Riga 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Riga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Riga in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Riga fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Riga. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Riga -5°C (23°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Riga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Riga. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Riga averages at about 5°C (42°F).
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Riga. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Riga 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Riga and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Riga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.