Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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: Athens or Abu Dhabi?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates.
-
Athens Prices
Greece PricesAbu Dhabi Prices
UAE Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Abu Dhabi €180
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Abu Dhabi is €180. 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 Athens and Abu Dhabi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Abu Dhabi €90
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Abu Dhabi €180
Compare Hotels in Athens and Abu Dhabi
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Abu Dhabi €18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
-
Airport Bus for Two€6.40
-
Metro€1.50
-
Metro€2.00
-
Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
-
Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $21
- From Athens Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Rafina Port: $25
- Athens Airport (ATH) Private Transfer to Athens Hotels/Piraeus: $26
- Santorini: Private Airport and Port Transfer Service: $26
- From Private Transfer between Piraeus Port: $26
- Departure Transfer from Athens City to Piraeus Port: $27
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City: $27
- Piraeus Port: Private One-Way Transfer to Athens City Center: $27
- Piraeus port to Athens hotels Private arrival transfer: $28
- Athens city to Piraeus port Private transfer: $29
- Athens City to Piraeus Port Cruises Terminal Private Transfer: $29
- Athens hotels to Athens Airport(ATH) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
-
Car Rental€29
-
Taxi to Airport€12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Bab Al Shams resort: $272
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Alain: $263
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- From 2 Dives for Certified Divers with transfer: $218
- From Scuba Dive and Snorkeling with BBQ, Transfer: $218
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car: $212
- Ferrari World with Fast Track Access , Meal Voucher and Transfer: $200
- Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai Hotels Transfer: $199
- Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque-Entry to the Masterpiece with Transfer: $195
- Abu Dhabi : Private Half Day Guided Tour - Transfer Included: $191
- Dubai Day Trip from Private Tour with Transfers: $175
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Abu Dhabi?
Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Athens 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 dayAthens €64Abu Dhabi €71
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
-
Ice cream€3.00
-
Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Authentic Athens Food Tour: $35
- "A Night in Dinner and Music Under the Stars": $56
- Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $57
- Greek Street Food Tour: $59
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $68
- Traditional Greek food tour in hidden spots: $70
- 6-Course Greek Dinner on a Rooftop with Wine: $74
- The Bizarre Food Tour of Athens: $75
- Athens's original vegan food tour: $75
- Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $76
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 BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
- 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
- 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: $79
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Abu Dhabi €36
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $6.35
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.81
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.93
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Neighborhood of the Gods Smarthphone GPS APP Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
- Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.93
- Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $7.99
- Acropolis Self-Guided Audiovisual Tour w/ 3D Models: $9.07
- Acropolis: 3D representations & audiovisual self-guided tour: $9.07
- Cats of Self-Guided Mobile Tour in Plaka: $9.07
- Athens Exploration Private Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.25
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
- Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi Ticket: $24
- Private Full Day Dubai city tour From Abu Dhabi: $229
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
- 45 minutes Yas Experience: $42
- 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch : $104
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
- A Sharing Tour of Sunset at Sheikh Zayed Mosque Abu Dhabi: $112
- Abu Dhabi City Tour & Ferrari World Ticket: $129
- Abu Dhabi City Tour & Ferrari World Ticket: $125
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Abu Dhabi €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $19
- Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Club Access: $25
- Thursday & Friday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens: $25
- Athens Old Town: Wine Tasting based on Ancient Greek Grapes: $42
- Old Town Acropolis Wine Tasting: $56
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $57
- Greek food and wine tasting: $57
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $65
- Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $67
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $89
- Small-Group Wine Tour in Athens with Tasting: $90
- Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Abu Dhabi is in Middle East, 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 Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Athens.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Abu Dhabi?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Abu Dhabi?
Athens 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 Athens or Abu Dhabi in the Summer?
Both Abu Dhabi and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Athens is cooler than Abu Dhabi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 35°C (95°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Abu Dhabi. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 331 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in July than Abu Dhabi. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)
Should I visit Athens or Abu Dhabi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Abu Dhabi. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Athens is generally cooler than Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Abu Dhabi during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 314 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Abu Dhabi. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Athens or Abu Dhabi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Abu Dhabi. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
Athens is much colder than Abu Dhabi in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Abu Dhabi. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 269 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in January than Abu Dhabi. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Athens or Abu Dhabi in the Spring?
Both Abu Dhabi and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Athens is much colder than Abu Dhabi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Abu Dhabi during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 297 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Athens usually receives more rain than Abu Dhabi. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Abu Dhabi and Athens
| Athens | Abu Dhabi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.