A Travel Price Comparison for United Arab Emirates Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

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 Dubai and Abu Dhabi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

Dubai

Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.

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 Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubai, and The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Dubai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Abu Dhabi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Abu Dhabi $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Abu Dhabi $196
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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.

Hotels in Dubai


Hotels in Abu Dhabi


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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Abu Dhabi $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $12
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Sea Taxi
    $0.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Global Village entry tickets with transfer option: $9.21
  • Global Village Dubai Ticket with Optional transfer: $10
  • Global Village Dubai Tickets with Transfers Option: $11
  • Global Village Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfer: $14
  • Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Aquaventure/Lost Chamber: $18
  • Dubai Airport Transfers from all terminals: $19
  • Dubai Global Village All Days Ticket With Shared Transfer: $20
  • Dubai Frame Ticket with Optional Private Transfer: $20
  • Dubai Frame Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $20
  • Global Village Entry Ticket with Optional Transfers: $20
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Dubai Airport (DXB): $20
  • Dubai Airport Private one way Arrival or Departure Transfer: $22

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:

  • Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
  • Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $276
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Sharjah: $276
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Ras Al Khiamah: $276
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $276
  • Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $276
  • IMG World of Adventure with Sharing Transfers from Abu Dhabi: $250
  • Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $214
  • From Dubai: Ferrari World Tickets With Transfers Options: $204
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car: $202
  • Ferrari World with Fast Track Access , Meal Voucher and Transfer: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai 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
    Dubai $56
    Abu Dhabi $45
Typical Food Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:


  • French bread
    $0.95
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    $10
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    $4.36
  • Coffee & Cake
    $6.54
  • Smoothie
    $5.45
  • Shawarma
    $1.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Deira Dhow Cruise Buffet Dinner with Entertainment: $14
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
  • Dubai Dhow Cruise Dinner in Deira Creek: $15
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $16
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
  • Best Dhow Cruise Buffet Dinner with Tenora show: $17
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $17
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner in Deira Creek - Dubai: $18

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 luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • 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 with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
  • Scenic Dinner Cruise: $82
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $84
  • Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel Ride: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Abu Dhabi $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Visit to the Dubai Museum
    $0.82

Tours and Activities in Dubai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.

  • Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
  • Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
  • Souqs, Old city & Abra boat tour with guide: $8.17
  • Dubai 4G Data Roaming for Tourist: $8.69
  • Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah: $8.99
  • Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Walking Tour, Old Town, Abra, Souks & Street Food: $9.80
  • Tour of old Dubai by night. Tastings and history.: $10
  • Walking Tour with Gold & Spice Souks & Abra Boat Ride: $10
  • Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour: $11
  • Dubai Fountain Show Boat Lake Ride or Bridge Walk Tickets options: $11

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
  • Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
  • Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $95
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
  • 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch : $117
  • 8-Hours Tickets to Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi: $107

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubai $23
    Abu Dhabi $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
  • Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Abu Dhabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Abu Dhabi 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Abu Dhabi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the Summer?

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Dubai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Abu Dhabi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is around the same temperature as Abu Dhabi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 35°C (95°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Dubai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Abu Dhabi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.

January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Dubai usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Abu Dhabi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai is around the same temperature as Abu Dhabi in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the Spring?

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Dubai is June to August. In April, Dubai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Abu Dhabi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Abu Dhabi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Dubai Abu Dhabi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)