Should I Visit Tehran or Abu Dhabi for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Tehran and Abu Dhabi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Tehran

The capital of Iran, Tehran is a cosmopolitan city with great museums, art galleries, parks, restaurants, and more. It is located in the northernmost part of Central Iran at the foot of the towering Alborz mountain range. Some of the most popular attractions include the Treasury of the National Jewels, Golestan Palace, and the Tajrish Bazaar.

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.

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Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Tehran?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Tehran Prices
Iran Prices

Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Tehran $89

Abu Dhabi $197

The average daily cost (per person) in Tehran is $89, while the average daily cost in Abu Dhabi is $197. 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 Tehran and Abu Dhabi in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Tehran $62

Abu Dhabi $98
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Tehran $124

Abu Dhabi $196

Compare Hotels in Tehran and Abu Dhabi

Looking for a hotel in Tehran 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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Tehran $0.38

Abu Dhabi $20

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:

Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $203
Ferrari World with Fast Track Access , Meal Voucher and Transfer: $200
Miracle Garden And Global Village Dubai Tour With Transfers From Abu Dhabi: $195
From Scuba Dive and Snorkeling with BBQ, Transfer: $190
From 2 Dives for Certified Divers with transfer: $190
Qasr Al Watan/King Palace Abu Dhabi with Entry Ticket & Transfer: $182
Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai: $172
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $169
Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Dubai hotels: $168
Dining at Talea by Antonio Guida - Emirates Palace with Transfer: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Prices for flights to both Abu Dhabi and Tehran 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

Tehran $24

Abu Dhabi $78

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: $25
Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $41
Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $49
Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $65
Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Festival with Dinner: $65
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
Desert Safari Adventure With Dinner In Dubai: $95
Desert Safari with Sheikh Zayed Festival & Dinner: $95

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Tehran $4.59

Abu Dhabi $39

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20
Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $95
Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $279
Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
Yas island abu dhabi 1/2/3 park admission tickets : $95
1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $130
45 minutes Yas Experience: $42
8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
20 Minutes Rolls Royce Jet Car Tour: $204

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Tehran -

Abu Dhabi $13

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tehran and Abu Dhabi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Tehran much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tehran would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tehran 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 Tehran.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tehran Expensive? and Is Abu Dhabi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Tehran has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Tehran 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.

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

Should you visit Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Tehran

Abu Dhabi

Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Tehran?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Tehran and Abu Dhabi

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Is it cheaper to fly into Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Related Articles for Abu Dhabi

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

Should you visit Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Tehran

Abu Dhabi

Which place is cheaper, Abu Dhabi or Tehran?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Tehran and Abu Dhabi

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Is it cheaper to fly into Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Tehran or Abu Dhabi?

Related Articles for Abu Dhabi

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