A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Rome for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Rome?

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 Rome can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Rome?

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.

Rome

Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Abu Dhabi Prices
    UAE Prices
    Rome Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Rome $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Rome is $214. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Rome $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Rome $186
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Rome? 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.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Rome $22
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): $31
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $169
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $54
  • Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai City Private Transfers: $135
  • Abu Dhabi Ferrari world entry with return transfers from Dubai: $189

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.09
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $47
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Ciampino Airport: $6.20
  • Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $7.20
  • Fiumicino Airport (FCO): Bus Transfer to/from Rome Termini: $7.23
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport: $7.23
  • Transfer Rome center - Fiumicino airport: $7.37
  • Civitavecchia Port to/from Vatican City Bus Transfer: $15
  • Express guided tour of the Catacombs with transfer: $26
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Optional Cruise Port Transfer: $32
  • Transfer from Civitavecchia by train with Rome HopOnHopOff Option: $35
  • Shared transfer from /to Rome Fco airport: $37
  • Private Departure Transfer: Rome Hotels to Train Station: $42
  • Ciampino to Rome city transfers: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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 day
    Abu Dhabi $78
    Rome $87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
  • Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $39
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $48
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Festival with Dinner: $65
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $79
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
  • Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $15
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.13
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.19
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.77
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $33
  • Cheese and bread
    $10
  • Espresso
    $2.09
  • Dinner
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Pizza Making Class with wine & Tiramisu: $30
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $31
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $31
  • Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $31
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $31
  • Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati: $31
  • Trastevere or Jewish Quarter Street Food Tour: $35
  • Roman Dinner after History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $36
  • Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $37
  • Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Rome $38

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Self Guided Audio Tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $7.36
  • Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
  • Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
  • Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
  • Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
  • Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $15
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
  • Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $72
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $35
  • Roma Pass
    $31
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $21
  • Segway Tour
    $78

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Pantheon Skip-the-line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide App: $3.10
  • Pantheon Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $4.54
  • Pantheon Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $4.54
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $5.13
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome + Jubilee: $5.15
  • Pantheon Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $5.16
  • Pantheon Reserved Entry Tickets: $5.16
  • Pantheon Skip The Line Entry with Pre-Booked Ticket: $5.16
  • Pantheon Fast-Track-Entry Ticket with Audioguide: $5.16
  • Pantheon Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $5.16
  • Pantheon Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $5.16
  • Pantheon Skip-the-Line Entry Tickets: $5.16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Rome $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $6.80
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.63
  • Beer
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $20
  • Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Experience in Rome: $27
  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $30
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $31
  • Cabaret and Burlesque Show Entry Ticket: $31
  • Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $40
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $51
  • Trastevere Wine Tasting with Food Pairing and Gelato: $51
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $53
  • Agricultural Brewery Tour in the Roman Countryside: $53
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $58
  • EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL - Wine Tasting in Trastevere w/ Gelato: $63


When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Rome is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Rome, 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 Rome?

Rome 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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Rome. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Rome. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Rome. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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 Rome. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Rome during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Rome. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, 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 Rome. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)