Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Abu Dhabi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini 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: Santorini or Abu Dhabi?
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, 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 daySantorini €210Abu Dhabi €151
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €210, while the average daily cost in Abu Dhabi is €151. 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 Santorini and Abu Dhabi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €118Abu Dhabi €90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €236Abu Dhabi €180
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Abu Dhabi
Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €35Abu Dhabi €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Port Transfer to Hotels and Airport: $15
- Transfer & Tours: $18
- Shuttle Transfers From or To Santorini Port: $21
- Private Transfer Santorini: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $22
- Private Transfer from Port or Airport to Santorini : $22
- Shared Departure Transfer: Santorini Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $22
- Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Transfer Perissa To Oia : $22
- Private Transfer from Santorini Airport to Santorini : $24
- Private Transfer from Santorini Airport to Santorini: $24
- Santorini one way transfer from/to the Airport or Port: $24
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€29
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Taxi to Airport€13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
- Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $277
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $277
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $277
- IMG World of Adventure with Sharing Transfers from Abu Dhabi: $250
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai or Vice Versa: $242
- Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $215
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Abu Dhabi?
Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Santorini 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 daySantorini €55Abu Dhabi €42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
- Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $89
- Santorini Greek Cooking Class: $89
- Greek Cuisine Cooking Class in Santorini: $105
- Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $115
- Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $133
- Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings: $139
- Santorini Cooking Lesson with Chef and a Bottle of Wine : $164
- Santorini Family Farm Food & Wine Tour with Cooking Class: $166
- Traditional Cooking Lessons with Full Meal & Wine: $166
- Vegan Cooking Lessons with Full Meal & Wine: $166
- Half-Day Inland Fishing Tourism Sunset Tour with Dinner: $166
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 BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
- 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
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $84
- Buffet Dinner Cruise including Transfer from Abu Dhabi: $93
- 4x4 Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $96
- Overnight Safari Abu Dhabi ,Belly Dance ,Camel Ride ,Henna Painting ,BBQ Dinner: $130
- Overnight Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Breakfast Abu Dhabi: $133
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Dinner: $140
- Overnight Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Morning Breakfast: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €35Abu Dhabi €36
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $16
- The Beer Tasting and Pairing Experience: $28
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $28
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
- Tour of Caldera with Glass bottom Boat: $36
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Tour: $39
- Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44
- Sunset Cruise in Caldera of Santorini: $44
- Sunset In Oia & Traditional Villages Bus Tour: $46
- Guided Walking Tour in Santorini: $47
- Santorini Traditional Villages and Oia Sunset Tour: $49
- Santorini Lost Atlantis 9D Experience: $54
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi Ticket: $31
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 45 minutes Yas Experience: $42
- 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch : $117
- Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $44
- Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing Tour with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque : $260
- Abu Dhabi City Tour & Ferrari World Ticket: $129
- Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Tickets from Dubai: $135
- Abu Dhabi City Tour With Louvre Museum Ticket: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €25Abu Dhabi €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $68
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $78
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $93
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $100
- 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $119
- Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset: $133
- Intimate Santorini - Small Group Shore Excursion and Wine Tasting: $144
- Santorini Wine Tour with 10 Wine Tastings and Oia Sunset: $150
- Wine Tour in Santorini with private guide, wine museum and tasting: $159
- Santorini Private Highlights Tour & Wine Tasting with local guide: $166
- Private Wine Tour in Santorini : $166
- Half-Day Virtual Reality Tour and Wine Tasting: $166
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Abu Dhabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini 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 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini 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 Santorini Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.
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.