Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Vientiane?
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 Vientiane can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Vientiane?
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.
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $15. 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 Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Vientiane $6.01
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Vientiane? 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 Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Vientiane $2.08
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:
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To Abu Dhabi: $26
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $43
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane 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 $45Vientiane $6.32
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 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
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Vientiane $3.54
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: $8.12
- 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
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Vientiane $2.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Vientiane, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Vientiane is in Asia, 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
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 Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Vientiane?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Vientiane, 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 Vientiane?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Vientiane in the Summer?
Both Vientiane and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Vientiane in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Vientiane. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Vientiane averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Vientiane in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Vientiane. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. Abu Dhabi is cooler than Vientiane in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.