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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Valencia?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Valencia?

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.

Valencia

Valencia is a port city that sits on Spain's southeastern Orange Blossom coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. As the nation's third-largest city, it is continually innovative in the arts and sciences with some futuristic architecture including a planetarium, oceanarium, and an interactive museum. The nightlife and daytime culture both thrive in their own ways, bustling with limitless opportunities for sight-seeing and entertainment. While the city is surrounded by fertile farmland, its center is a modern metropolis, skirted by beautiful beaches.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Valencia 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.

  • Abu Dhabi Prices
    UAE Prices
    Valencia Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Valencia $166

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Valencia is $166. 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 Valencia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Valencia $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Valencia $126
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Valencia

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Valencia? 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 Valencia


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 Valencia Hotel Prices.

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

  • Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Half Day Guided Tour - Transfer Included: $191
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $100
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $32
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valencia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:

  • Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Sedan: $37
  • Valencia Cruise Port to Valencia Airport (VLC) - Departure Private Transfer : $38
  • Private Transfer - Valencia Cruise Port to Valencia Airport (VLC): $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer Valencia Port to Valencia City by Van: $42
  • Barcelona to Montserrat: Guided Tour & Return Bus Transfers: $46
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Valencia HTL-APT (VLC): $48
  • Private transfer: Valencia to Valencia Airport (VLC): $52
  • From Albufera Day Trip with Boat Tour and Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer: VLC Airport to Valencia in Business Car: $86
  • Private Transfer Valencia Airport to Hotel: $109
  • From Morella and Peñíscola Day Trip with Transfers: $118
  • Valencia Airport (VLC): Private Transfer to Valencia: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Valencia?

Prices for flights to both Valencia 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 $78
    Valencia $76

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 Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $46
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
  • Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise including Transfer from Abu Dhabi: $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valencia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valencia.

  • Cooking Class of traditional spanish food: $1.07
  • Flamenco at Toro y La Luna with Drinks or Dinner: $19
  • Traveling Spoon Spanish Tapas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Traditional Spanish Home Dinner: $48
  • FLAMENCO SHOW IN A LUXURY ***** HOTEL:Dinner/Drink: $53
  • Private Food Tour with Basic Spanish Learning: $57
  • Valencia Traditional Food Tour: $59
  • Street Food Tour including Paella & Tapas Tasting: $62
  • Morning Food Tour with Central Market Visit: $63
  • Dinner in the Dark with Spanish Cuisine: $64
  • Valencian paella cooking class, tapas and visit to Ruzafa market.: $66
  • Valencian Paella Cooking Class, Tapas & Sangria - Evening : $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Valencia $32

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 in of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $5.46
  • 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 Tour: $14
  • Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $17
  • Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi : $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valencia

Here are a few typical costs in Valencia for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Flamenco Tour
    $17

Tours and Activities in Valencia

Here are a few actual costs in Valencia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Valencia Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.37
  • Valencia in 1 Day - Walking Tour - Audioguide in 7 languages: $7.27
  • Chistmas Boat Tour with Santa Claus & Wizard King.: $7.50
  • Valencia Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $7.64
  • Christmas Boat Experience in Valencia: $7.65
  • Valencia in 1 Day: Walking Tour - Audioguide in 7 languages: $8.04
  • Historic Center Audio-Guided Tour with Earphones: $8.58
  • Silk Museum Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $9.65
  • Principe Felipe Science Museum Entry Ticket: $9.65
  • Hortensia Herrero Art Center Ticket or Guided Tour: $9.65
  • Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Smartphone: $11
  • 2 Hours Self Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Valencia $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Valencia

Also in Valencia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Tour in Valencia: $13
  • Pub Crawl With Free Shots: $25
  • Craft Beer Pub Crawl in Ruzafa - Valencia: $38
  • Wine Tasting, Tapas, and Flamenco Show: $43
  • Boat Ride with Valencian Wine Tasting & Tapas: $51
  • Private premium wine tasting in the historic centre of Valencia: $56
  • Wine Tasting with Professional Sommelier in centre Valencia: $59
  • Local Tapas & Wine tasting experience: $85
  • From Guided Cheese Factory Tour with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Two wineries tour with wine tasting (private tour): $115
  • Wine tasting tour (private tour): $122
  • From Requena Wine Tour with Tastings: $123


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

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 Valencia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Valencia, 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 Valencia?

Valencia 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 Valencia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Valencia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Valencia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Valencia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Valencia during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Valencia. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Valencia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Valencia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Valencia. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Valencia in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Valencia. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

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 Valencia. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Valencia. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Valencia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Valencia in the Winter?

Both Valencia 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 Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Valencia in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Valencia fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Valencia during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Valencia. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Valencia 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Valencia in the Spring?

Both Valencia 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 Valencia because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Valencia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Valencia averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In Valencia, 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 Valencia. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Valencia. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Valencia and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Valencia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)