Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or San Francisco?
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 San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or San Francisco?
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.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164San Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98San Francisco $130
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20San Francisco $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:
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $284
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $284
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Ras Al Khiamah: $284
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
- From 2 Dives for Certified Divers with transfer: $231
- From Scuba Dive and Snorkeling with BBQ, Transfer: $231
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $221
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $221
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Full Day Ferrari world Tour with Private Transfers from Dubai: $212
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
-
Taxi to SFO$45
-
Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
-
Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from San Francisco Airport to Downtown: $37
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Francisco Airport SFO: $44
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Oakland - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer from SFO Airport to downtown: $65
- San Francisco to Oakland Airport (OAK) Private Departure Transfer: $66
- Private One-Way Transfer From/To SFO: $69
- Round trip transfer in private vehicle from-to Airport in San Francisco: $78
- San Francisco:SFO Airport Private Hotel Transfer: $89
- One Way Private Airport Transfer Service: $95
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown San Francisco: $102
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco HTL-APT (SFO): $104
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco APT-HTL (SFO): $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $45San Francisco $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abudhabi Desert Safari Buffet Dinner & Live Entertainments Shows: $24
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $43
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
- Abu Dhabi desert Safari with BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Bally Dance : $95
- Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise in Abu Dhabi: $95
- 4x4 Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings by Chef Sunflower Li: $25
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- North Beach and Chinatown Walking Secret Food Tour: $89
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $89
- Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour in San Francisco: $99
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $99
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $99
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $99
- Mission: Street Art & Food Tour in San Francisco: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39San Francisco $46
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
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $95
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Full Day Ferrari World Ticket with Optional Transport From Dubai: $95
- Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi Ticket: $26
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
- 17 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Abu Dhabi: $245
- 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
- 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch : $117
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- San Francisco Aquatic Park: Mafia Job Tour and Exploration Game: $5.00
- Self-Guided Golden Gate Bridge Bike or Walking App Tour: $5.00
- Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- Historical San Anselmo: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.24
- Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture: $5.99
- San Francisco self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $6.70
- Ghosts & Hauntings Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- Castro Hidden Gems Quest Experience in San Francisco: $7.39
- San Francisco's Glen Park and Glen Canyon: A Self-Guided Tour: $7.55
- The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- Over the Rainbow in the Castro: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13San Francisco $22
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Private Self Guided Tour and Bar Crawl in Chinatown San Francisco: $5.00
- San Francisco Bar Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- Local Sunset Distillery Whiskey, Gin and Cocktail Tasting: $43
- Valley Luxury Car Services and Wine Tours: $75
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- From Napa/Sonoma Wine Tour & 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off: $106
- Napa and Sonoma Combo Wine Tour Including Castello Di Amorosa Winery: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
- From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco is in North America, 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or San Francisco?
San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as San Francisco. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, 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 much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco 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, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or San Francisco in the Winter?
Both San Francisco 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. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
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.