Which place is cheaper, Washington or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Washington?
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 Washington can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Washington $47
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
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $53
- Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer- Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $81
- Private Transfer- Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $81
- Transfer in private vehicle from Washington City to Dulles Airport: $88
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
- Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $45Washington $38
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
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Washington $24
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
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- 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
- 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
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
- Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
- Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
- Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
- Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
- Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Washington $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington is in North America, 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Washington?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Washington, 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Washington. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. 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 Washington. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington 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 Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Washington. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Washington in the Winter?
Both Washington 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 Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Washington. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Washington in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Washington during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Washington. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.