Which place is cheaper, Cairns or Amman?
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 Amman or Cairns?
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 Cairns. 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 Cairns?
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.
Cairns
Most travelers go to Cairns specifically to visit Great Barrier Reef. The city itself is surprisingly large and cosmopolitan with a population of approximately 140,000. The city's economy is almost exclusively based on tourism, although you will find some jobs centered around agriculture, or more specifically sugar cane, bananas, coffee, tea, wine, and some tropical fruits. The city itself is surrounded by rainforest and makes a great base for exploring Kuranda, with the Barron Gorge National Park and the Daintree offering a quieter tropical getaway than Cairns.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.
-
Amman Prices
Jordan PricesCairns Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmman $135Cairns $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Cairns is $116. 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 Cairns in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmman $49Cairns $43
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmman $98Cairns $86
Compare Hotels in Amman and Cairns
Looking for a hotel in Amman or Cairns? 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: Amman Hotel Prices and Cairns Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amman $24Cairns $12
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:
- Transfer to Petra from Amman /Amman Airport: $250
- Transfer From Airport To Amman: $28
- Stress-Free Airport Transfers: Queen Alia to Anywhere in Jordan: $26
- Reliable Door-to-Door Private Transfer Amman ⇆ Dead Sea ⇆ Airport: $40
- Queen Alia Intl Airport Private Transfer to Amman City or Hotels: $20
- Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $235
- Private Transfer: From Amman City to Airport: $40
- Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Wadi Rum: $133
- Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Aqaba Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from/ to Amman Airport and Petra City: $95
- Private Transfer from Madaba Hotel to Amman Airport: $47
- Private Transfer from Amman to Petra, Wadi Musa: $259
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairns
Also for Cairns, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shuttle Bus Transfer - Kuranda to Cairns City: $20
- Shared Transfer Between Cairns and Port Douglas: $87
- Private Transfers - Cairns Airport to Palm Cove: $96
- Private Transfers - Cairns Airport to Cairns City: $69
- Private Transfer from Cairns hotels to Port Douglas Cruise Port: $161
- Private Transfer from Cairns Cruise Port to Port Douglas hotels: $180
- Private Transfer from Cairns Cruise Port to Cairns Airport (CNS): $87
- Private Transfer from Cairns City Hotels to Cairns Cruise Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Port Douglas Port: $161
- Private Transfer from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Cairns Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer From Cairns Cruise Port to Cairns City Hotels: $72
- Private Transfer - Cairns Airport to/from Cairns CBD : $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Cairns?
Prices for flights to both Cairns 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 dayAmman $58Cairns $49
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:
- Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
- 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: $106
- Private Panoramic Amman Tour and Local Lunch or Dinner-Wine Taste: $107
- Traditional Cooking Class in Amman with Return Hotel Transfers: $118
- Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairns
For Cairns, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ancient Egypt Sunset Tour with optional 3 Course Dinner : $66
- Ancient Egypt Night Tour with optional 2 Course Dinner: $66
- Dinner Cruise Experience: $92
- Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise: $93
- Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $96
- Aquarium Guided Twilight Tour with 3-Course Dinner: $118
- Ancient Egypt Sunset Tour with 3 Course Dinner in Cairns: $124
- Ancient Egypt Night Tour with 2 Course Dinner in Cairns: $124
- City Sights Tour with Evening Dinner Cruise: $171
- Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise: $174
- Paronella Park Rainforest Full-Day Tour with Dinner: $66,130
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amman $32Cairns $37
Tours and Activities in Amman
For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Um Qais Private Tour Enjoy The History And Stunning Scenery.: $130
- 1 Day Tour to Amman Jerash and Ajloun castle : $136
- 1-Night Private Overnight Dead Sea Independent Tour from Amman : $145
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
- 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
- 2 Day Private Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Amman : $215
- 2 Day Tour Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $300
- 2 Day Tour of Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $250
- 2 Day Tour to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman: $200
- 2 Days Group Tour From Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead sea: $395
- 2 Days Ma'in Hot Springs Private Tour: $95
- 2 Days Petra Private Guided Tour: $225
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairns
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cairns's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Scuba Diving$36
Tours and Activities in Cairns
For Cairns, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket (BNP): $47
- 1 Hour Jetski Tour Cairns: $134
- 2 Days Tour on Atherton Tablelands and Cape Tribbin: $288
- 2-Day Daintree & Outback Tour from Cairns & Port Douglas: $261
- 2-Day Paronella Park & Tablelands Tour+Cape Tribulation Tour: $324
- 2-Day Waterfall and Daintree Tour: $191
- 30 min Jetski Tour Cairns: $74
- All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef: $168
- All Inclusive Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour from Cairns : $120
- Ancient Egypt Night Tour in the heart of Cairns: $65
- Ancient Egypt Sunset Tour in the heart of Cairns: $65
- Atherton Tablelands: Lakes, Waterfalls, Rainforest Day Tour: $112
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmman $14Cairns $13
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
- Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting : $127
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairns
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cairns:
- Cairns Party Bus Pub Crawl Night Out Experience: $44
- From Atherton Tablelands Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $169
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amman and Cairns, we can see that Amman is more expensive. And not only is Cairns much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amman is in Middle East and Cairns is in Pacific, 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 Cairns would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairns 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 Amman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amman than you might in Cairns.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is Cairns Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amman or Cairns?
Amman has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Cairns, 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 Cairns?
Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?
Both Cairns and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Amman is cooler than Cairns. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amman in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cairns averages at about 29°C (84°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAmman 25°C (77°F)Cairns 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Amman or Cairns in the Autumn?
Both Cairns and Amman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Amman is generally cooler than Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 20°C (68°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAmman 20°C (68°F)Cairns 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Amman or Cairns in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Amman is much colder than Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.
Amman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAmman 8°C (46°F)Cairns 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Amman or Cairns in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Amman as well as Cairns. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches.
In the spring, Amman is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amman in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.
Amman usually gets less rain in April than Cairnsin October. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAmman 16°C (61°F)Cairns 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Cairns and Amman
| Amman | Cairns | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 429 mm (16.9 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 469 mm (18.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 471 mm (18.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 273 mm (10.8 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 211 mm (8.3 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.