Which place is cheaper, Leh or Abu Dhabi?
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 Abu Dhabi or Leh?
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 Abu Dhabi and Leh can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Leh?
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.
Leh
Leh is a small town located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir. Today, the town is best known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. It is situated in northern India, amidst the mountainous Himalayan range.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesLeh Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Leh $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Leh is $46. 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 Abu Dhabi and Leh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Leh $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Leh $32
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Leh
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Leh? 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 and Leh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Leh $7.46
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$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $37
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi hotels to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $38
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers: $40
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to Abu Dhabi City: $42
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leh:
- From Jaipur: 2-Day Ranthambore Tiger Safari with transfers: $278
- Ladakh: 5-Day Family Tour with Accommodation & Transfers: $361
- Ladakh Family Getaway: 6-Day Tour with Stay & Transfers: $428
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Leh?
Prices for flights to both Leh and Abu Dhabi 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 dayAbu Dhabi $78Leh $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
- Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Shows and BBQ Dinner: $79
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
- Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $84
- Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride: $90
- Overnight Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Morning Breakfast: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Leh $14
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Guided Tour at BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi: $6.98
- Skip the Line Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $16
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Entrance Ticket : $18
- Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $20
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi only Tickets: $20
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entry Ticket with Optional Transportation: $20
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $21
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $22
Tours and Activities in Leh
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Leh are as follows:
- Airport Pickup with Shanti Stupa-Leh Palace & Monastery Tour: $28
- Electric Cycle Tour with Leh Old Town Heritage Walk: $45
- Electric Cycle Tour with Heritage Walk & Meal: $51
- Leh in a Day: Guided Tour of Iconic Landmarks and more: $85
- "Leh to Pangong Lake Sameday tour: A Day of Tranquil Wonders: $87
- Overnight Pangong Tour From Leh With Thiksey & Shey Palace: $113
- 4-Day Tour to Leh Ladakh Pangong Lake and Monasteries: $199
- One Night Two Days Pangong Lake Tour with Accommodation: $203
- Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake 3-Day Tour: $259
- Ladakh Highlights Tour with Homestay: $271
- 6-Day Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and Sham Valley Tour: $462
- LADAKH TOUR: $620
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Leh $5.29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Leh, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Leh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Leh is in Asia, 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 Leh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leh 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 Leh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Leh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Leh?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Leh. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Leh, 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.