Which place is cheaper, Xi'an 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.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Xi'an?
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 Xi'an can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Xi'an?
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.
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
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 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Xi'an $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $103. 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 Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Xi'an $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Xi'an? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Xi'an $12
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:
- Qasr Al Watan/King Palace Abu Dhabi with Entry Ticket & Transfer: $185
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi : Private Half Day Guided Tour - Transfer Included: $191
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $275
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $82
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- 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 Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Xi'an Hotel to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): $25
- Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Private Departure Transfer:Xi'an City Hotel to Any Xi'an Railway Station: $30
- Xi'an North Railway Station Transfer To Downtown Hotel: $30
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $30
- Xi'an Private Transfer: From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to Hotel in Xi'an: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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 $78Xi'an $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai Marina Unique Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $39
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $65
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $79
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $30
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xian Food Tour in Muslim Quarter: $36
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Xi'an $35
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 of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi: $8.00
- Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Skip-the-Line Ticket for Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi: $9.40
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $13
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Guided Tour: $14
- Skip the Line Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $16
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Huaqing Palace Tickets with Optional show of Xi'an incident: $20
- Xi'an ：City Wall Entry Electronic Ticket: $21
- Private Half Day Tour to See The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi: $25
- Terracotta Warriors Admission Ticket Booking: $25
- Xi'an: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Entrance Ticket: $25
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket Optional Tang Dynasty Show Ticket: $26
- Terra-cotta Warriors Show Optional Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket : $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Xi'an $7.20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Xi'an, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Xi'an 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 Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Xi'an.
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 Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Xi'an, 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.
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.