Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Abu Dhabi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Abu Dhabi?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Abu Dhabi $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, 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 Petra and Abu Dhabi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Abu Dhabi $98
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Abu Dhabi $196
Compare Hotels in Petra and Abu Dhabi
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Abu Dhabi $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Petra to Ma'in Hot Springs Private Transfer: $140
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:
- 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 Petra or Abu Dhabi?
Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Petra 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 dayPetra $38Abu Dhabi $45
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
-
Dinner for Two$12
-
Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300
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: $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
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Abu Dhabi $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
-
Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
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: $7.98
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $8.51
- 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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Abu Dhabi $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Petra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra 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 Petra or Abu Dhabi in the Summer?
Both Abu Dhabi and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Abu Dhabi. Petra gets 0 mm (0 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 Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Abu Dhabi during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 331 hours of full sun in the summer.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is around the same temperature as Abu Dhabi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 35°C (95°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)
Should I visit Petra or Abu Dhabi in the Autumn?
Both Abu Dhabi and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Abu Dhabi. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 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 Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Abu Dhabi. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 314 hours of full sun.
In October, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Abu Dhabi. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Petra or Abu Dhabi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Abu Dhabi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Abu Dhabi. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 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. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives less sunshine than Abu Dhabi during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Abu Dhabi receives 269 hours of full sun in the winter.
Petra is cooler than Abu Dhabi in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Abu Dhabi fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Petra or Abu Dhabi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Abu Dhabi. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
Petra usually gets more rain in April than Abu Dhabi. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 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 Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Abu Dhabi. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Abu Dhabi receives 297 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Petra is around the same temperature as Abu Dhabi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Abu Dhabi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Abu Dhabi and Petra
| Petra | Abu Dhabi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.