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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Sapporo?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo 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
    Sapporo Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Sapporo $124

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $124. 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 Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Sapporo $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Sapporo $122
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo


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 Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Sapporo $15
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
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $275
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Bab Al Shams resort: $269
  • Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $251
  • Entry Tickets to Ferrari World Fast Track with Private Transfer: $235
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury SUV: $228
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $222
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $222
  • Warner Bros World and Ferrari World Combo Ticket with transfer from Dubai: $204
  • Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village Transfers from Abu Dhabi: $200
  • Ferrari World, Yas and Warner Bros Word Tickets with Transfer: $200
  • Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo

Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to Shin Chitose Airport: $107
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
  • Alfard transfers from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport: $145
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sapporo City→ New Chitose Airport (CTS): $150
  • Private Transfer- Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Otaru Port: $160
  • Private Transfer - Otaru Port to Sapporo New Chitose Airport(CTS): $160
  • New Chitose Airport(CTS) Private Transfer | Licensed Driver: $185
  • CTS New Chitose Airport To/From Sappro Private Transfer: $202
  • Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $263
  • Sapporo to Chitose Airport Private Transfer | Licensed Driver: $278
  • New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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
    Sapporo $51

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 with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Live Entertainment and BBQ Dinner: $44
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $50
  • Experience Abu Dhabi Yas Island by Dhow Cruise at Sea with Dinner: $55
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Camel Ride and Live Shows: $56
  • Evening Desert Safari Tour with Dinner & Entertainment: $56
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Camel Ride BBQ Dinner and Live Shows: $67
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Sandboarding, Camel Ride & Dinner: $68
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
  • Evening Abu Dhabi Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner- Standard Tour: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo

For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Sakura: $72
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $83
  • Hokkaido: Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley) Food Tour: $95
  • Izakaya & Street Food Tour (10+ Dishes, Drinks Included): $104
  • Private Sushi Roll & Japanese Cooking Class with Chef Shiori: $108
  • Sapporo Local Food Tour Dine Like a Local in the Evening Glow: $155

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Sapporo $16

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $149
  • 17 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Abu Dhabi: $245
  • 4 Hour Abu Dhabi City Tour - Private Tour: $265
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch: $103
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $34
  • Abu Dhabi ,Private Layover Tour -6 hours: $299
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $46
  • Abu Dhabi All in One Tour Tradition to Innovation: $199
  • Abu Dhabi City Full Day Tour from Abu Dhabi: $157
  • Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing Tour from Abu Dhabi Hotels: $100
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: $222

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.

  • JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.33
  • Sapporo Ainu Heritage and Hidden History Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Historical Village of Hokkaido Entry Ticket: $6.76
  • Sapporo TV Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
  • Podcast Tour Sapporo The Blueprint of Empire: $6.85
  • JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Ticket in Hokkaido: $6.90
  • Photo & Chill: Japanese Apartment Tour: $9.06
  • Sapporo TV Tower Ticket: $12
  • Sapporo Cape Kamui Fruit Picking Seafood bowl Otaru Tour: $26
  • AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium Park Entry Ticket in Hokkaido: $28
  • Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Sapporo Snow Festival Walking Tour with TV Tower View: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Sapporo $7.74

Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo

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

  • Hokkaido Day Tour from Otaru to Yoichi Distillery: $90
  • Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $171
  • 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Sapporo, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Sapporo is in Asia, 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 Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

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 Sapporo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Sapporo. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Sapporo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

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 Sapporo. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Sapporo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo 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, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sapporo in the Winter?

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

The weather in Sapporo can be very cold. In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)