Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Amman?
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 Amman or Abu Dhabi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Abu Dhabi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Amman or Abu Dhabi?
Amman
Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates.
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Amman Prices
Jordan PricesAbu Dhabi Prices
UAE Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmman $135Abu Dhabi $197
The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Abu Dhabi is $197. 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 Amman and Abu Dhabi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmman $49Abu Dhabi $98
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmman $98Abu Dhabi $196
Compare Hotels in Amman and Abu Dhabi
Looking for a hotel in Amman or Abu Dhabi? 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: Amman Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amman $24Abu Dhabi $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:
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Bus Ride (for Two)$0.71
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RIde to Airport$28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman
Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport pickup or drop off transfer from or to Amman city: $19
- Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel: $19
- Amman Airport Transfer Pickup/Drop-Off: $22
- Private Airport Transfer from Amman: $22
- Amman Airport Private Transfer to Amman: $24
- Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations: $24
- Amman hotels to Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) to Amman hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Amman or Amman Airport Private Transfer to Dead Sea: $28
- Amman Airport Private Transfer To Amman: $30
- Elite Transfers : Queen Alia Airport to Any Destination in Jordan: $30
- Amman Private Transfer to King Hussein Border: $31
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:
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Tickets With Meal and Transfers: $107
- Yas Water world Abu Dhabi With Optional Transfer: $105
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $251
- Warner Bros World and Ferrari World Combo Ticket with transfer from Dubai: $204
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Warner Bros Tickets With Transfer Service to Abu Dhabi from Dubai: $139
- Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
- Ultimate Snow Park Abu Dhabi Package with transfer option: $71
- Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $32
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $32
- Teams Lab Phenomena Experience in Abu Dhabi with Transfers option: $56
- Snow Park Abudhabi Premium Tickets with Optional Transfers: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Abu Dhabi?
Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Amman 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 dayAmman $58Abu Dhabi $78
Typical Food Prices in Amman
For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Pastries$4.23
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Tea$5.64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman
For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Amman by Night Tour with Local Dinner: $31
- private cooking with local chef: $40
- Private 2 Hour Cooking Class with the Locals in Amman: $50
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
- Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $107
- Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $50
- Experience Abu Dhabi Yas Island by Dhow Cruise at Sea with Dinner: $55
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Camel Ride and Live Shows: $56
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $58
- Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
- Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amman $32Abu Dhabi $39
Tours and Activities in Amman
For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Amman Private City Tour: $9.99
- Amman Private City Tour with Local Lunch: $18
- Amman Private City Tour with Local Mansaf Lunch: $18
- Seven Sleepers Cave and King Abdullah Mosque Private Tour: $18
- Amman Old and New Private City Tour: $18
- Amman Private City Tour: $18
- Amman Private Guided City Tour: $18
- Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $27
- Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Ma'in Private Guided Tour: $27
- Madaba Mount Nebo and Baptism Private Guided Tour: $31
- Amman and Seven Sleepers Cave Private Tour: $31
- Full Day Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Dead Sea Private Tour: $35
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $149
- 17 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Abu Dhabi: $245
- 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
- 2 Days: Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour & Evening Desert Safari: $140
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch: $103
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $35
- Abu Dhabi ,Private Layover Tour -6 hours: $299
- Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $48
- Abu Dhabi Aladdin Tour: Grand Mosque, Etihad, Palace, & Louvre: $119
- Abu Dhabi City Essentials Half day tour from Abu Dhabi: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmman $14Abu Dhabi $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Amman
Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting: $127
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amman and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Amman much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Amman would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amman 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 Amman.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amman or Abu Dhabi?
Amman has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Abu Dhabi, 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 Amman or Abu Dhabi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Amman or Abu Dhabi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Amman as well as Abu Dhabi. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
Amman usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Abu Dhabi. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the summer, Amman often gets more sunshine than Abu Dhabi. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 331 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In July, Amman is generally cooler than Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 25°C (77°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 35°C (95°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAmman 25°C (77°F)Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)
Should I visit Amman or Abu Dhabi in the Autumn?
Both Abu Dhabi and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Amman usually receives more rain than Abu Dhabi. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives less sunshine than Abu Dhabi during autumn. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 314 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Amman is cooler than Abu Dhabi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAmman 20°C (68°F)Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Amman or Abu Dhabi in the Winter?
Both Abu Dhabi and Amman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually gets more rain in January than Abu Dhabi. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Amman often gets less sunshine than Abu Dhabi. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 269 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Amman is much colder than Abu Dhabi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amman in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 18°C (64°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAmman 8°C (46°F)Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Amman or Abu Dhabi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Abu Dhabi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Amman usually receives more rain than Abu Dhabi. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives less sunshine than Abu Dhabi during spring. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 297 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Amman is generally much colder than Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 16°C (61°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAmman 16°C (61°F)Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Abu Dhabi and Amman
| Amman | Abu Dhabi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.