Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Tokyo $17
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 in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Ras Al Khiamah: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $273
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $273
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Ferrari World Theme Park and Seaworld Park Ticket with Transfer: $250
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $44
- Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $59
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Arrival Private Transfer : $66
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki hotels to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $45Tokyo $37
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 Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Tokyo $68
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
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- 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
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
- 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
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
- Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
- Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, we can see that Abu Dhabi 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 Tokyo is in Asia, 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Tokyo. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Tokyo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Tokyo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.