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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Stockholm?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Stockholm?

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.

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of over 14 islands that are connected by countless bridges. Water is an integral part of the city, but so are parks and gardens. The city is covered in strategically positioned green space. Together, the water and parkland cover more than half of the city's area, giving this bustling city a breath of fresh air.

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 Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Stockholm or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Stockholm is $169. 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 Stockholm in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Stockholm $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Stockholm $192
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Stockholm

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Stockholm? 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 Stockholm


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 Stockholm Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Stockholm $20
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): $131
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $100
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Arlanda Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Train Transfer between City and Arlanda Airport: $21
  • Skavsta Airport Bus Transfer: $26
  • Stockholm City to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Stockholm Port to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer from Bromma Airport (BMA) to Stockholm Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Bromma Airport BMA: $37
  • Stockholm Hotels to Nynashamn Cruise Port Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Arlanda Airport (ARN): $39
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Port to Stockholm hotels: $41
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm hotels to Stockholm Cruise Port: $41
  • Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port Departure Private Transfer: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Stockholm?

Prices for flights to both Stockholm 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 $45
    Stockholm $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
  • Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
  • Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80

Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

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


  • Breakfast
    $9.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

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

  • Food Tour: $102
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $103
  • Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $119
  • From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Stockholm $25

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.16
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
  • Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
  • Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
  • Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
  • Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

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

  • 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.93
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour Stockholm (Old Town and Surroundings): $3.28
  • Walking Tour: Modern Stockholm City: $4.17
  • Walking Tour Stockholm Old Town: $4.17
  • Tour a pie Estocolmo la Ciudad Vieja: $4.63
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Gamla Stan's Landmarks and legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • History and Secrets of Gamla Stan Audio GPS Guided Walking Tour: $6.20
  • Stockholm City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Stockholm $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $282
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $284


When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Stockholm, we can see that Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Stockholm, 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 Stockholm?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm in the Summer?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Stockholm averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Stockholm. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Stockholm 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Stockholm in the Autumn?

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

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 8°C (46°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 Stockholm. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Stockholm 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm 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 Stockholm because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Stockholm can be very cold. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Stockholm in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Stockholm. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Stockholm -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Stockholm in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Stockholm averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Stockholm. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Stockholm 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Stockholm
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -3°C (27°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -1°C (31°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)