A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Basel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amman or Basel?

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 Amman and Basel. 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: Amman or Basel?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

Basel

Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Basel or Amman?

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 Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Basel is $328. 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 Amman and Basel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Basel $167
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Basel $334
Compare Hotels in Amman and Basel

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Basel? 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.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in Basel


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: Amman Hotel Prices and Basel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Basel $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amman Queen Alia Airport: Bus Transfer from/to Amman North: $7.79
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel: $19
  • Queen Alia Airport to Amman – Private Transfer with Wi-Fi: $20
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman City: $21
  • Amman Airport Transfer Pickup/Drop-Off: $22
  • Airport Transfer To and From Amman: $23
  • Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations: $24
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer to Amman: $25
  • Amman Airport Luxury Private Transfer to Amman: $25
  • From Amman :Private transfer to Airport, Dead Sea and Petra.: $26
  • Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) to Amman hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Stress-Free Airport Transfers: Queen Alia to Anywhere in Jordan: $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Zurich: $222
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Strasbourg: $251
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Colmar with a local driver: $142
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Bern: $254
  • Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $282
  • Private Transfer from Basel Airport BSL to Basel City: $128
  • Private Transfer Service from Basel to Basel Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer Basel Airport BSL to Zurich City in Car or Van: $235
  • Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $153
  • Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Luxury Van: $122
  • Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $111
  • Basel to Basel Airpor (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Basel?

Prices for flights to both Basel and Amman 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
    Amman $58
    Basel $123
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • private cooking with local chef: $40
  • Private 2 Hour Cooking Class with the Locals in Amman: $50
  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $119
  • Half Day Cooking Class Experience with Amman Panoramic Tour: $127

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Basel

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Basel.

  • Self-Guided Food Tour: $49
  • Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert: $162
  • Cooking Class: Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience by Locals: $187
  • Homemade Italian Pizza & Focaccia Experience with a Local Family: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Basel $43

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Amman Private City Tour: $20
  • Amman Old and New Private City Tour: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour with Local Lunch: $20
  • Amman by Night Private Tour: $20
  • Seven Sleepers Cave and King Abdullah Mosque Private Tour: $20
  • Amman City Tour Included Shopping Time: $20
  • Amman Private Guided City Tour: $20
  • Day or Night Walking Tour in Downtown With Local: $25
  • Full Day Amman Private City Tour: $30
  • Madaba Mount Nebo and Ma'in Private Tour: $30
  • Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Ma'in Private Guided Tour: $30
  • Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Basel

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

  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Basel : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $88
  • Basel Chocolate Workshop & Historic Old Town Tour: $115
  • Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $33
  • Basel City Tour: The Essentials: $32
  • Basel City Tour: The Essentials: $62
  • Basel Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.42
  • Basel Farmer's Market, Cheese, Chocolate & Pastry Tour: $116
  • Basel Historical Old Town Tour: $20
  • Basel Historical Old Town Tour: $26
  • Basel Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $59
  • Basel Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Basel $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Amman and Boulevard Walking Tour: $93

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alsace wine tour & medieval villages small group guided tour: $368


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amman and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Amman much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amman is in Middle East and Basel is in Europe, 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 Amman would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amman 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Amman.

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


Which is Bigger, Amman or Basel?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Basel, 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 Amman or Basel?

Basel has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Amman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Amman or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amman as well as Basel. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Amman is a little warmer than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the summer, Amman often gets more sunshine than Basel. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Amman usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Basel 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Amman or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Amman is much warmer than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amman in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Basel during autumn. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amman usually receives less rain than Basel. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Basel 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Amman or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Amman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. In January, Amman is generally much warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 8°C (46°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Amman often gets more sunshine than Basel. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually gets more rain in January than Basel. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Basel 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Amman or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Basel. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty.

Amman is a little warmer than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amman usually receives less rain than Basel. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Basel 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Basel and Amman

Amman Basel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)