Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Abu Dhabi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Abu Dhabi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Abu Dhabi?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 from Dubai.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Abu Dhabi $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Abu Dhabi is $164. 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 Aqaba and Abu Dhabi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Abu Dhabi $98
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Abu Dhabi $196
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Abu Dhabi
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Abu Dhabi $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Aqaba to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $37
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $42
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $43
- Private Transfers Aqaba to Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman & vice versa: $47
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $60
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Oneway Airport to Hotel Transfer in Amman/Dead S/Petra/Aqaba: $65
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: $140
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi : Private Half Day Guided Tour - Transfer Included: $125
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $82
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $103
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $136
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer: $19
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Abu Dhabi?
Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Abu Dhabi $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $74
- Wadi Rum 4-Hour Sunset Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $83
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $105
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dhow cruise with Buffet dinner & Burj Khalifa view in Canal: $24
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $37
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $59
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $63
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $65
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $65
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Abu Dhabi $39
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $23
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $27
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Mosaic Art Experience: $40
- Half day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum incl. water and Bedouin tea: $40
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
- Skip the Line Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket and Abu Dhabi Welcome Pass: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Abu Dhabi $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Aqaba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Abu Dhabi?
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 Aqaba or Abu Dhabi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Abu Dhabi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Abu Dhabi. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Abu Dhabi during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 331 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 35°C (95°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Abu Dhabi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Abu Dhabi. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Abu Dhabi. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 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 Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Abu Dhabi. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 314 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is cooler than Abu Dhabi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Abu Dhabi in the Winter?
Both Abu Dhabi and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Abu Dhabi. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives less sunshine than Abu Dhabi during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 269 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Aqaba is cooler than Abu Dhabi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 18°C (64°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Abu Dhabi in the Spring?
Both Abu Dhabi and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Abu Dhabi. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 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. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Abu Dhabi. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 297 hours of full sun.
In April, Aqaba is generally cooler than Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Abu Dhabi and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Abu Dhabi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.