Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Paphos?
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 Paphos or Abu Dhabi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos 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: Paphos or Abu Dhabi?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates.
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Paphos Prices
Cyprus PricesAbu Dhabi Prices
UAE Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €125Abu Dhabi €173
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Abu Dhabi is €173. 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 Paphos and Abu Dhabi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Abu Dhabi €86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Abu Dhabi €172
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Abu Dhabi
Looking for a hotel in Paphos 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Abu Dhabi €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Blue Lagoon Boat Cruise with Bus Transfer: $30
- Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide & Paphos hotel transfers: $34
- Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Slide, Music & Hotel Transfer: $34
- Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Blue Lagoon: 3 Hours Afternoon Cruise with transfer from Paphos: $46
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport (PFO) to Limassol Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Paphos city hotels to Limassol Cruise Port: $57
- From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $70
- Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $80
- Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $92
- Private Paphos Airport Transfer via Vintage Mercedes: $175
- CO2-Offset Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City: $203
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€27
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Taxi to Airport€12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $140
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $101
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: Modern & Cultural Highlights with Transfers: $108
- Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
- Abu Dhabi Layover: Capital Highlights & Private Airport Transfers: $148
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Airport Transfer (From And To) Within Abu Dhabi: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Abu Dhabi?
Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €65Abu Dhabi €68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $62
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $73
- Cyprus: Cooking Class-Mousaka, Tzatziki & Greek Salad: $88
- Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $221
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: $28
- Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $28
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Camel Ride BBQ Dinner and Live Shows: $47
- Experience Abu Dhabi Yas Island by Dhow Cruise at Sea with Dinner: $55
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paphos €12Abu Dhabi €35
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Taste local wines and tour a family winery near Paphos city: $16
- Pafos Zoo Ticket: $22
- The Yellow Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise Swim & Snorkel: $23
- Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide: $29
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour: $29
- From Limassol Experience: $29
- Akamas, Baths of Aphrodite and Blue Lagoon Day Tour: $41
- Paphos Sunset Cruise Swim Snorkel & Jump into the Golden Hour: $41
- Swim Cruise with Turtle Watching, Drinks & Aperol Spritz: $41
- Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide From Paphos: $41
- Turtle Watching Cruise,Snorkelling Adventure &Sunset: $41
- Swim Cruise with Turtle Watching, Drinks & Aperol: $41
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $15
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $16
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Entrance Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Ticket Pass in Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace: $19
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $20
- Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Abu Dhabi €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Afternoon Tour to Agios Neophytos Monastery with Wine Tasting: $50
- Scenic Troodos Mountains Tour with Wine Tasting from Paphos: $64
- Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $70
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $76
- Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $88
- Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $111
- Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $138
- Private Wine Tour with Tastings and Winery Visits: $762
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos 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 Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos 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 Paphos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paphos Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Abu Dhabi?
Paphos 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 Paphos or Abu Dhabi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Abu Dhabi. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. Paphos is cooler than Abu Dhabi in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 35°C (95°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Abu Dhabi during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 331 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Abu Dhabi. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPaphos 27°C (80°F)Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Abu Dhabi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Abu Dhabi. The autumn months attract visitors to Paphos because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
In the autumn, Paphos is cooler than Abu Dhabi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets less sunshine than Abu Dhabi. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 314 hours of full sun.
Paphos usually gets more rain in October than Abu Dhabi. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPaphos 21°C (70°F)Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Abu Dhabi in the Winter?
Both Abu Dhabi and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Paphos is generally much colder than Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. Paphos usually receives less sunshine than Abu Dhabi during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 269 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Abu Dhabi. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPaphos 12°C (53°F)Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Abu Dhabi in the Spring?
Both Abu Dhabi and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
Paphos is much colder than Abu Dhabi in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets less sunshine than Abu Dhabi. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 297 hours of full sun.
Paphos usually gets more rain in April than Abu Dhabi. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Abu Dhabi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPaphos 17°C (62°F)Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Abu Dhabi and Paphos
| Paphos | Abu Dhabi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 76 mm (3 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.