Which place is cheaper, Sandakan 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Sandakan?
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 Sandakan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
-
Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesSandakan Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Sandakan $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $81. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Sandakan $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Sandakan $46
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Sandakan $37
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:
- 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 city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi 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 Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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
-
Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $78Sandakan $36
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Sandakan $8.15
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 Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $60
- Private Sandakan City Must See 6 Highlights Tour with Guide & Car: $63
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $75
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife and Dawn Cruises Tour in Sandakan: $83
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Sandakan Private City Tour Orangutan Sun Bears and Rainforest: $89
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey & Dawn Cruises: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Sandakan $7.47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Sandakan, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Sandakan 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 Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Sandakan.
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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Sandakan?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Sandakan, 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 Abu Dhabi or Sandakan?
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 Abu Dhabi or Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Sandakan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Sandakan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Sandakan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
Abu Dhabi is cooler than Sandakan in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Sandakan. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Sandakan. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.