Which place is cheaper, Valencia or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Valencia $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Valencia is $132. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Valencia $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Valencia $124
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Valencia $19
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 - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $100
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- 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 Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valencia
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:
- One-Way Boat Transfer to/from Port Saplaya: $13
- Private Transfer: Valencia City Center to Valencia Airport (VLC): $26
- Private Transfer: Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia City Center: $27
- Valencia to Valencia Airport (VLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Sedan: $37
- Private Transfer - Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia Cruise Port: $38
- Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Minivan: $42
- 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
- Roundtrip Transfer to Tabarca Island: $48
- Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia Round-Trip Privat Transfer: $59
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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Valencia $43
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valencia
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valencia.
- Flamenco at Toro y La Luna with Drinks or Dinner: $19
- Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $32
- Traditional Spanish Home Dinner: $48
- Valencia Traditional Food Tour: $51
- Guided Food Tour with Chocolate Tasting Experience: $54
- Street Food Tour including Paella & Tapas Tasting: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience near the center of Valencia: $59
- Morning Food Tour with Central Market Visit: $64
- Cooking Class of traditional spanish food: $65
- Vegetable Paella cooking class, tapas and visit market: $66
- Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit: $66
- Flamenco Show with Dinner at La Bulería: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Valencia $31
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: $8.16
- 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
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valencia
Here are a few typical costs in Valencia for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Flamenco Tour$17
Tours and Activities in Valencia
Here are a few actual costs in Valencia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.77
- Self-Guided City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.77
- Valencia Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- In love with A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Between Two Gates Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $7.99
- Between Two Gates: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $7.99
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
- Silk Museum Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $8.61
- Historic Center Audio-Guided Tour with Earphones: $8.61
- Scavenger Hunt and Monumental Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
- Scavenger Hunt and Iconic Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Valencia $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Valencia
Also in Valencia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guided Pub Crawl with Free Shots: $13
- Pub Crawl Tour in the Old town of Valencia: $17
- Pub Crawl With Free Shots: $25
- Wine Tasting with Professional Sommelier in centre Valencia: $59
- From Guided Cheese Factory Tour with Wine Tasting: $91
- Local Tapas & Wine tasting experience: $91
- Wine Tasting and Tapas Experience: $102
- Cheese Factory Workshop with Wine Tasting in Requena, Valencia: $108
- From Requena Wine Tour with Tastings: $124
- Small Group - Half-Day Wine Tour: $126
- Two wineries tour with wine tasting : $131
- Christmas Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $164
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu 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) |
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.