Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Tanah Rata $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $137. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Tanah Rata $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Tanah Rata $134
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Tanah Rata $29
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): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $99
- 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 Transfer to or from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport: $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $45Tanah Rata $44
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
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
- 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
- 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 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Tanah Rata $34
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: $8.12
- 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
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$5.66
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Tanah Rata $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Tanah Rata, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Tanah Rata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata.
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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Tanah Rata. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Tanah Rata. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata 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. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
Both Tanah Rata 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Tanah Rata. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.