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

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Yaeyama Islands?

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.

Yaeyama Islands

The Yaeyama Islands is a cluster of islands located in the southwestern part of Japan, close to Taiwan. There are nine different islands, varying from small islets to large holiday resort islands. The Yaeyama Islands are one of the most popular destination in Japan due to their beautiful beaches and underwater ruins. Yaeyama is also known for having their own language and writing system. For the most part, everyone on the Islands speak Japanese, but you'll often find the Yaeyama writing on T-shirts in souvenir shops or scattered around Yaeyama.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands is $93. 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 Yaeyama Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Yaeyama Islands $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Yaeyama Islands $108
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Yaeyama Islands

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Yaeyama Islands? 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 Yaeyama Islands


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 Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Yaeyama Islands $19
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:

  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Yaeyama Islands?

Prices for flights to both Yaeyama Islands 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
    Yaeyama Islands $28

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Yaeyama Islands $8.62

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Yaeyama Islands $6.28


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Yaeyama Islands, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Yaeyama Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands.

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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Yaeyama Islands?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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. Also, most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Yaeyama Islands. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Yaeyama Islands. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Yaeyama Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.

In January, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun in the winter.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Yaeyama Islands. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

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 Yaeyama Islands. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Yaeyama Islands. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Yaeyama Islands
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)