A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Abu Dhabi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates.


Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Paphos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €97, while the average daily cost in Abu Dhabi is €152. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Abu Dhabi 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Abu Dhabi 182
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.

Hotels in Paphos


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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Abu Dhabi 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

  • From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $30
  • Blue Lagoon trip with slide, music & transfer from Paphos: $32
  • Paphos:Ocean Vision BBQ Sunset Cruise with food and transfer: $42
  • 180 Minutes BBQ Cruise with food & Transfer: $42
  • Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $43
  • Ocean Vision BBQ Cruise with transfer, swim stop & food: $54
  • Ocean Vision Sunset Cruise with BBQ, transfer, swim stop: $54
  • Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Night Cruise w/Dance Show, Food, Open Bar & Transfer: $68
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Polis City by Sedan: $69
  • Departure Transfer from Polis City to Paphos Airport PFO by Sedan: $69
  • Blue Lagoon/Akamas: Adults Sunset with Food, Open Bar & Transfer: $82

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
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $100
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paphos 38
    Abu Dhabi 42

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: $53
  • Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $54
  • Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
  • Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
  • 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
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Abu Dhabi 37

Tours and Activities in Paphos

Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cruise to Blue Lagoon from Latchi Port: $20
  • Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with water slide: $21
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise with sightseeing departing from LATCHI HARBOUR. Postcode 8840: $22
  • Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide : $24
  • From Limassol Experience: $25
  • Latchi to Blue Lagoon Glass Bottom+slide Boat Tour: $25
  • Full day trip to Blue Lagoon Latchi Akamas with Boat cruise: $27
  • Chrysoroyiatissa ,Kykkos ,Omodos Day Tour from Paphos: $27
  • From Guided tour of Limassol with Rock of Aphrodite: $29
  • Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide: $30
  • From Authentic Cyprus Guided Tour with Breakfast: $32
  • Wave Dancer Boat Sunset Cruise with BBQ and Swimming: $34

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: $8.16
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
  • Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
  • Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
  • Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Admission 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Abu Dhabi 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:

  • Wine tasting and winery tour at Fikardos Winery: $29
  • Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $70
  • Regional Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $102
  • WINE TOUR from Paphos: $104


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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paphos 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paphos 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paphos 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paphos 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)