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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Seattle?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Seattle?

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.

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle 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
    Seattle Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Seattle $242

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Seattle? 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 Seattle


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 Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Seattle $30
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:

  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
  • Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $29
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $32
  • Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $38
  • Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

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


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Seattle to Seattle Airport: $58
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Seattle Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - Arrival Transfer: $75
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport (SEA) - Departure Transfer: $75
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Seattle hotels to Smith Cove Terminal : $75
  • Seattle Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Executive Sedan : $75
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Seattle Airport: $77
  • Round Trip Private Transfer SEA Airport to Seattle City Bellevue: $83
  • Seattle Departure Chauffeur Driven Airport Transfer by Executive SUV: $88
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Business Car: $89
  • Private Departure Transfer to Seattle Tacoma Airport SEA: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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
    Seattle $88

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): $46
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • 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
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise including Transfer from Abu Dhabi: $93

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

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

  • Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $68
  • Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
  • Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $69
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $88
  • Private Pike Place Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local: $88
  • Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
  • Craft Cocktail Gourmet Food Tour: $135
  • 3-Course Progressive Dinner with Cocktail Pairings: $135
  • Small Group Cooking Class: $138
  • Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198

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

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 in of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $5.46
  • 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 Tour: $14
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $17
  • Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi : $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18

Tours and Activities in Seattle

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

  • Seattle Historical Downtown Exploration Game and Tour: $5.70
  • Pike Place Market and Downtown Seattle Highlights Tour: $9.99
  • Museum of Glass and Thea Foss Waterway Walking Tour: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Seattle by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Time Travel Quest Experience: $11
  • Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Downtown Seattle Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Uncover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket: $20
  • National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
  • Seattle Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $20
  • Seattle Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Seattle $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

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

  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • Seattle Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • Woodinville's Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
  • Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Seattle?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Seattle 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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle 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, many travelers come to Seattle 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 Seattle. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Seattle. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle 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, many visitors come to Seattle 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 Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Seattle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Seattle. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Seattle. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)