Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
-
Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesRotterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Rotterdam $200
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $200. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Rotterdam $81
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Rotterdam $162
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Rotterdam $27
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:
- Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $269
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $269
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $269
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $269
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $269
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $209
- Warner Bros World and Ferrari World Combo Ticket with transfer from Dubai: $204
- Ferrari World with Fast Track Access , Meal Voucher and Transfer: $200
- Abu Dhabi : Private Half Day Guided Tour - Transfer Included: $191
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Rotterdam: $7.69
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $80
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $80
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $86
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $86
- Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $140
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam Port: $140
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam - Arrival Private Transfer: $140
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $159
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $159
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $78Rotterdam $97
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: $38
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $51
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $68
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $70
- Abu Dhabi 4x4 Desert Safari BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Belly Dance: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Food Tour: $73
- Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide - the best vegan spots: $79
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $79
- #1 Food Tour in eat & enjoy with a local guide: $81
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $94
- Food Tour by Bike: $94
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $96
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $96
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $118
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $159
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $269
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Rotterdam $33
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full Day Dubai city tour: $229
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
- Yas island abu dhabi 1/2/3 park admission tickets : $95
- 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $130
- 45 minutes Yas Experience: $42
- 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch : $117
- 20 Minutes Rolls Royce Jet Car Tour: $204
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $43
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.22
- Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.31
- Breda: The True Lord Quest Experience: $6.99
- Explore Gouda with Self-Guided GPS and Audio Tour: $7.47
- Rotterdam in 1 Day: Walking Tour with Digital Guide: $7.93
- Rotterdam City of Spies Exploration Game and Self Guided Tour: $8.07
- Rotterdam in 1 Day - Walking Tour - Audioguide in 7 languages: $8.08
- Breda in 1 Day - Walking Tour - Audioguide in 7 languages: $8.08
- Delfshaven Self-Guided Tour: A Guide to Rotterdam’s Old Town: $9.99
- Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gouda: Canals, Colonies, and Cheese: $9.99
- Waterbus Ticket to Dordrecht and/or Kinderdijk: $10
- 1-day RET Public Transport Ticket: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Rotterdam $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $7.93
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Rotterdam?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Rotterdam. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rotterdam in the Winter?
Both Rotterdam and Abu Dhabi during the winter 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
It's quite cold in Rotterdam in the winter. In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 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.