Which place is cheaper, Tel Aviv or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Tel Aviv for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Tel Aviv?
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 Tel Aviv can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Tel Aviv?
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.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Tel Aviv $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Tel Aviv $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Tel Aviv $170
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Tel Aviv? 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 Tel Aviv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Tel Aviv $8.57
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:
- Skydive Abu Dhabi With Transfer From Dubai: $670
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $129
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
- 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: $103
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $98
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $129
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
Typical Local Transportation prices in Tel Aviv
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:
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Local Bus to Central Bus Station$1.55
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Taxi to Airport$39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:
- Private Airport Transfer - Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport from or to Tel Aviv City: $34
- Private Tel Aviv Departure Transfer from your Hotel /Accommodation to Airport: $35
- Private Transfer Between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv: $40
- Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Jerusalem to your Hotel/Accommodation: $47
- Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: From Tel Aviv City Center to Ben Gurion Airport: $48
- Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv: $52
- Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Jerusalem - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Int Airport (TLV) to Ashdod Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Tel Aviv City Hotels to Ashdod Cruise Port: $57
- Private Jerusalem Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel/Accommodation: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Tel Aviv?
Prices for flights to both Tel Aviv 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 $45Tel Aviv $27
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 With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour with BBQ Buffet Dinner and Live Show: $50
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $73
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Abu Dhabi 6-Hour Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner: $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $81
- Evening Abu Dhabi Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner- Standard Tour : $81
- Abu Dhabi desert safari with sand boarding with BBQ dinner | MyHolidaysAdventures: $82
Typical Food prices in Tel Aviv
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:
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Dinner for Two$22
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Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka$128
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Lunch at Segev Sarona$33
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Aroma Iced Coffee$3.68
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Lunch at the airport$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.
- Tel Aviv Food Tour of the Carmel Market: $49
- Carmel Market Food Tour: $49
- Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
- Tel Aviv Skyline & Yaffo Guided food Tour & Shuk Hapishpishim: $90
- Try Your Hand At Israeli Home Cooking: $153
- The 10 Tastings of Tel Aviv With Locals: Private Food Tour : $227
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Tel Aviv $22
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Gulf Highlights Boat Cruise: $6.81
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $6.94
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $7.82
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket with 1 GB Data eSIM: $17
- 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
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
- Entry Ticket for Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi: $20
Typical Entertainment prices in Tel Aviv
Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Masada tour from Tel Aviv$77
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Etzel museum$3.94
Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv
Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Story of Gan HaHashmal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- The Trail of Independence: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Tel Aviv: $5.99
- The White City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the History of the Bauhaus Style: $6.99
- Tel Aviv Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Story of the Masada Fortress, Israel, Self-Guided Audio Tour: $10
- Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $22
- Self-guided Graffiti tour in Tel Aviv in your own time and your own pace: $24
- 30 Minutes Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv Coast Line with Music : $25
- Tel Aviv Jaffo Skyline Sightseeing Cruise of Coast Line: $26
- All the Best of Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $28
- Historic walking tour of Tel Aviv - Secrets of Sarona - Self-Guided Tour: $30
- Walking Art Tour with Original Graffiti and AR: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Tel Aviv $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $21
- Pub Crawl Biggest Nightout in TLV with Clubs and Dance Bars: $23
- Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $24
- Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $26
- Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $30
- Tel Aviv Craft Beers Pub Crawl: $42
- Bar Crawl tour with local in Tel-Aviv: $150
- Judean Hills Wine Tasting Tour From Tel Aviv: $400
- Exciting Private Wine Tour at Jerusalem Mountains: $899
- Wine Tour North of Israel from Tel Aviv: $959
- Private wine tour of Northern Israel: $1,049
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Tel Aviv much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tel Aviv would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Tel Aviv?
Abu Dhabi is bigger, and its population is about 60% larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the population of Abu Dhabi vs. Tel Aviv, 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 and the activities that interest you.
Related Articles for Abu Dhabi
Related Articles for Tel Aviv
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.
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