Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Sydney?
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 Sydney can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Sydney?
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.
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesSydney Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Sydney $197
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $197. 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 Sydney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Sydney $98
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Sydney $196
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Sydney? 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 Sydney Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Sydney $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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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): $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $61
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Luxury Van: $101
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: Abu Dhabi City to Airport AUH in Business Car: $93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Taxi to Airport$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
- Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD shared ride seat in vehicle shuttle transfer: $13
- Shuttle Transfer from Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay to Sydney Airport: $23
- Sydney Port Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City Hotel: $23
- Shuttle Transfer from Sydney City Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $23
- Sydney Arrival Transfer: Airport to City or Overseas Passenger Terminal: $24
- Transfer from White Bay Cruise Terminal to Sydney Airport: $26
- Sydney Airport to White Bay Port transfer: $26
- Sydney Port Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City: $29
- Sydney Port Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Cruise Port: $29
- From Sydney Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Sydney: $35
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Sydney?
Prices for flights to both Sydney 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $78Sydney $74
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 Unique Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $39
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $54
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- 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: $79
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.50
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Lunch Special$9.36
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.36
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Meat Pies$3.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Festival of Light Sydney Harbour Cruise with Dinner: $35
- VIVID Dinner Cruise with Complimentary Drink on Arrival: $35
- Vivid Festival Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $48
- Vivid Dinner Cruise in Sydney: $49
- Admission to Vivid Dinner Cruise in Sydney : $52
- Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $52
- Sydney Street Art & Food Tour: $55
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $57
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $57
- Vivid Tall Ships Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $58
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $58
- Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Vivid Dinner Cruise: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Sydney $30
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 of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $8.12
- 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 Guided Tour: $14
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $16
- Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$28
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$29
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$119
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Powerhouse Museum$9.40
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sydney's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $1.73
- Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.96
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Sydney City : $8.12
- Sydney Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Convict Life in Cockatoo Island Quest Experience: $9.28
- Catch an Art Thief Sydney Tour and Exploration Game: $9.28
- Sydney Quest Experience: From Prison to Freedom Land : $9.28
- Razor Gangs True Crime Tour: $16
- Self Guided Electric Bike Tour of Sydney: $16
- Self-Guided Walking Tour in Hidden Trails of The Rocks of Sydney: $16
- Self Guided Electric Bike Tour of Sydney Beaches: $16
- Allianz Stadium Guided Tour: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Sydney $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$9.99
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- Haunted Pub Tour & Cellar Visit: $25
- Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $31
- Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour: $76
- Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $81
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $109
- Native Australian Food, Oysters, Distillery & Coffee Tour Sydney: $114
- Shared Sydney City Walking Tour and Wine Tasting: $120
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $140
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $141
- From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $144
- Hunter Valley: Wine Tour with 3 Tastings and Garden Lunch: $150
- Sip n Savour: Southern Highlands Premium Wine Tour from Sydney: $161
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney is in Pacific, 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 Sydney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Sydney?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Sydney, 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 Sydney?
Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, 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 Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Sydneyin January. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Sydney 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sydney in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Sydney. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.
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 Sydneyin April. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sydney. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Sydney 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sydney in the Winter?
Both Sydney 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, most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Sydney. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Sydney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sydney in the Spring?
Both Sydney 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 spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Sydneyin October. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Sydneyin October. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Sydney 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Sydney and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Sydney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.