Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Singapore?
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 Singapore can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Singapore?
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.
Singapore
Singapore is a city-state that was originally founded in 1819 as a British trading colony. Today it is a very international country that is incredibly modern and cosmopolitan. There is a strong financial industry in this country, and a correspondingly strong work ethic. It is one of the most prosperous cities in the world, and has one of the world's busiest ports.
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 Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.
Which place is cheaper, Singapore 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.
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $179. 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 Singapore in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Singapore? 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
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 Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport:
$29
-
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer:
$33
-
Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport):
$35
-
Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE:
$37
-
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer:
$37
-
Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer:
$37
-
Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port:
$38
-
Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels:
$38
-
Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi hotels to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port:
$38
-
Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Dubai hotels:
$39
-
Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers:
$40
-
Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port:
$41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:
-
Attractions Shared Transfers from Hotel:
$12
-
Changi Airport (SIN) Private One-Way Transfer:
$23
-
Private Transfer: Singapore to Sentosa Island:
$26
-
Singapore Airport Private Transfer:
$27
-
Private Airport Transfer in Singapore:
$28
-
Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer:
$29
-
Singapore Changi Airport: Singapore Private Airport Transfer:
$30
-
Singapore City Hotel to Marina Bay Cruise Terminal /SCC Transfer:
$30
-
Transfer City Hotel to Cruise Terminal ( SCC OR MBCC ):
$30
-
Private Attraction Transfers for Singapore:
$31
-
Singapore Airport: Shared Arrival or Departure Car Transfer :
$33
-
Luxurious Airport/Cruise Transfers Singapore:
$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Singapore?
Prices for flights to both Singapore 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 day
Abu Dhabi $78
Singapore $50
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 Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner:
$60
-
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner:
$63
-
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
-
Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner:
$75
-
Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Shows and BBQ Dinner:
$79
-
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows:
$80
-
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii):
$80
-
Abu Dhabi Dune Bashing, Sand Surfing, Camel Ride, and BBQ Dinner:
$89
-
Abu Dhabi Desert safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel ride:
$90
Typical Food Prices in Singapore
Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:
-
Breakfast
$4.75
-
Sugarcane Juice
$1.56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.
-
Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner:
$53
-
Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings:
$54
-
Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner:
$55
-
Singapore Food Tours - Chinatown Complex Hawker:
$58
-
Authentic Singapore Street Food Tour:
$60
-
Plant-Based Food Tour with Local Guide:
$61
-
Hawker Center Street Food Tour with Guide:
$68
-
Guided Street Food Tour at Night:
$74
-
Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings:
$74
-
Hawker Culture Food Tour and Sightseeing:
$75
-
Eat Snap Katong Walking Food Tour:
$76
-
Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road:
$78
Entertainment
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
-
Abu Dhabi Mission: Play by Mattel Experience Ticket:
$9.14
-
Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets:
$13
-
Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket:
$16
-
Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket:
$16
-
Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace of Abu Dhabi Tickets:
$16
-
Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket:
$18
-
Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket :
$18
-
Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi Ticket:
$18
-
Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi:
$20
-
Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket:
$20
-
Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass):
$21
Tours and Activities in Singapore
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:
-
Artoholic A Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$5.00
-
Follow the Money: A self-guided audio tour of Singapore's Financial District:
$5.00
-
Science Center E-Ticket:
$6.43
-
Peranakan Museum Admission Ticket:
$6.51
-
The Civic District with Singapore Boy Hossan Leong: A Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$6.99
-
National Orchid Garden Admission Ticket:
$7.65
-
Gardens by the Bay Bundle Entry Ticket:
$7.75
-
Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket:
$7.75
-
Outdoor Audio Tour at Gardens by the Bay:
$8.23
-
BikingSG Best of Take in the sights on a relaxed audio cycling tour:
$8.31
-
Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Singapore:
$8.36
-
National Orchid Garden Entry Tickets:
$8.37
Alcohol
Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:
-
Little India Pub Crawl :
$24
-
Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:
$30
-
Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:
$31
-
Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local:
$39
-
Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour Ticket:
$41
-
LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting:
$77
-
LeVeL33 Craft-Brewery Restaurant & Lounge Package:
$192
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Singapore, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Singapore is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Singapore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Singapore?
Singapore has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Singapore, 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.
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