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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Venice?

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

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Venice?

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.

Venice

The canals of Venice are one of the most popular and emulated destinations in the world. In it's hay day, Venice was at the center of politics, exploration, arts and architecture. Today that history is still very much alive and well. The city is unlike any other in the world. The best way to immerse yourself in Venice is to get yourself lost in the alleyways. It's actually quite easy to do and you'll find yourself stumbling into the most interesting places, hidden away from the crowds of Piazzo San Marco.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Venice 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 Venice is $256. 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 Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Venice $133
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Venice $266
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Venice

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Venice? 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 Venice


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 Venice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Venice $30
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:

  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Sharjah: $279
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $279
  • Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $279
  • Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $279
  • Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
  • Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
  • From 2 Dives for Certified Divers with transfer: $231
  • From Scuba Dive and Snorkeling with BBQ, Transfer: $231
  • Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury SUV: $222
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $216

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    $18
  • Vaporetto Ride
    $7.26
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    $20
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Bus Transfer between Marco Polo Airport and City: $11
  • Boat Transfer to/from Marco Polo Airport w/ 3 Routes: $16
  • Ljubljana: Bus transfer from/to Venice Marco Polo Airport: $32
  • Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $35
  • Venice Airport (VCE) to Venice, piazzale Roma - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Venice Airport (VCE) to Venice, cruise port - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Private Transfer from Venice Airport (VCE) to Venice city or port: $36
  • Venice, Cruise Port to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Shared Water Taxi Transfer to Marco Polo Airport: $38
  • Venice Shared Departure Transfer: Central Venice to Marittima Cruise Port: $39
  • Marco Polo Airport Water Taxi Transfer: $40
  • Venice Marco Polo Airport Link Departure Transfer: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice 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
    Venice $72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abudhabi Desert Safari Buffet Dinner & Live Entertainments Shows: $24
  • Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $65
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
  • 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
  • Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90

Typical Food Prices in Venice

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    $4.46
  • Gelato
    $6.70
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    $8.82
  • Expresso
    $2.18
  • Slice of Pizza
    $2.49
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties: $49
  • Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $49
  • Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $49
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $53
  • Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $53
  • Venetian Dinner: $63
  • Venetian Dinner: $69
  • 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $75
  • Rialto food tour: $77
  • Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice : $78
  • Twilight Food Tour with Cicchetti and Spritz Tasting: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Venice $112

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
  • Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi Ticket: $26
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $130
  • 17 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Abu Dhabi: $245
  • 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $33
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: $95
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour & Ferrari World Ticket: $119

Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    $17
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    $8.93
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    $89
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    $18
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    $3.35
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    $8.93

Tours and Activities in Venice

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

  • Venice self guided audio tour: $4.36
  • Venice Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.67
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Jewish Ghetto: $4.70
  • Digital Audio Guide Tour of The Jewish Ghetto: $5.47
  • Casanova Lust and Love Quest Experience in Venice: $5.79
  • independent walking tour with an audio guide: $6.45
  • Venezia: Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $6.56
  • Venezia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $6.69
  • Entry Ticket to the Creature di Gomma Exhibition: $6.84
  • Unveiling Casanova through a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.64
  • Venice Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.79
  • Ticket to Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista: $8.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Venice $27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    $5.80
  • Beer
    $5.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:

  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $28
  • Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $34
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $38
  • Italian Prosecco or Red Wine Tasting Expereince: $43
  • Sips of Red Passion & Prosecco Charm Wine Tasting Tour: $43
  • Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $60
  • Private Tour: Food and Wine Tour in Venice: $63
  • Chianti Classico - Wine Tasting Experience in Venice: $65
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Venice: $72
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $81
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $84
  • Venetian Aperitif: Wine Tasting and Cicchetti Tour: $88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Venice 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 Abu Dhabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Abu Dhabi 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Abu Dhabi.

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 Venice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Venice?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Venice, 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 Venice?

Venice 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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Venice. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. 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 Venice. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Venice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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, many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Venice. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Venice 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice 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 visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Venice. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Venice. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Venice 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Venice. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Venice. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Venice 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Venice and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Venice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)