Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Abu Dhabi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem or Abu Dhabi?
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
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 Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $107Abu Dhabi $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, 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 Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $63Abu Dhabi $98
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $126Abu Dhabi $196
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.64Abu Dhabi $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.13
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $70
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $77
- Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
- VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $146
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
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:
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To/From Abu Dhabi: $26
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi city: $38
- Arrival Transfer Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi by Car or SUV: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to Abu Dhabi Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Abu Dhabi?
Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem 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 dayJerusalem $31Abu Dhabi $45
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.65
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Watermelon$3.98
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.65
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Bagels$7.96
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Lunch for 2$14
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Snacks$5.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
- Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem--Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
- Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $169
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): $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
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner in Abu Dhabi: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $62
- 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.Jerusalem $8.43Abu Dhabi $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Cooking Classes for 2$33
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
- In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
- Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $24
- Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
- Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
- Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
- Old City of Jerusalem Guided Walking Tour: $32
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: $7.93
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $15
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- 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
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Abu Dhabi $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Beer$4.77
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Abu Dhabi?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Abu Dhabi in the Summer?
Both Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Jerusalem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Abu Dhabi. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Abu Dhabi during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 331 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. Jerusalem is much colder than Abu Dhabi in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 35°C (95°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Abu Dhabi in the Autumn?
Both Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
Jerusalem usually gets more rain in October than Abu Dhabi. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 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 Jerusalem. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets less sunshine than Abu Dhabi. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 314 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Jerusalem is much colder than Abu Dhabi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Abu Dhabi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Abu Dhabi. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives less sunshine than Abu Dhabi during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 269 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Abu Dhabi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Abu Dhabi. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
Jerusalem usually gets more rain in April than Abu Dhabi. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 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 Jerusalem this time of the year. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets less sunshine than Abu Dhabi. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 297 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem is much colder than Abu Dhabi in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Abu Dhabi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.