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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Tangier?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Tangier?

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.

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

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 Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Tangier 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 Tangier is $61. 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 Tangier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Tangier $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Tangier $46
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Tangier

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Tangier? 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 Tangier


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 Tangier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Tangier $23
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:

  • Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
  • Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
  • Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
  • Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
  • Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
  • Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

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

  • Private Transfer From Ferry Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $19
  • Tangier Airport Transfers: $23
  • Tangier Private Transfers: $23
  • Private Transfer to Tangier City from Airport or Vice Versa: $25
  • Private Airport Transfers: $25
  • Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
  • Private Transfer: Tangier Airport (TNG): $27
  • Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $27
  • Private Transfer : Tangier Airport (TNG) ⇆ Tangier City: $28
  • Private Transfer from Tangier Ibn Batouta Airport Vice Versa: $33
  • Transfer Tangier Airport to Tangier City: $33
  • Transfer from Ibn Battuta airport to Tangier center: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Tangier?

Prices for flights to both Tangier 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
    Tangier $20

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 Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    $1.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

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

  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $68
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $77
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $77
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80
  • Tangier Cooking Class With a Local Family: $82
  • Tangier Food Tour | Tangier Food Cultural Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Tangier $20

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186

Tours and Activities in Tangier

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

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
  • Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
  • Private Tangier Shopping Tour with Local Guide: $15
  • From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
  • Tangier walking tour: $17
  • Tangier Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $25
  • Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
  • Touristic guide: $28
  • 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $31
  • Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $31
  • Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31
  • Private Walking Tour in Tangier old city & Colorful Maket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Tangier $11


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

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 Tangier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Tangier?

Tangier has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Tangier, 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 Tangier?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tangier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Tangier. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in July than Tangier. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Tangier in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Tangier fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Tangier 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tangier in the Autumn?

Both Tangier 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. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Tangier. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Tangier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Tangier during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Tangier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Tangier averages at about 20°C (68°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Tangier 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tangier in the Winter?

Both Tangier 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

Tangier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Tangier. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Tangier. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun.

In January, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Tangier. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Tangier 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tangier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Tangier. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Tangier during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Tangier in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Tangier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Tangier 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Tangier and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Tangier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)