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

Should you visit Amman or Nikko?

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 Nikko. 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 Nikko?

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.

Nikko

Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Amman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $110, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Nikko $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Amman and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Nikko? 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 Nikko


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 Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Nikko -
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:

  • Private Transfer to Aqaba from Amman or Queen Alia Airport: $360
  • Wadi Rum transfer from - to Amman: $323
  • Amman Or Airport Private Transfer To Petra By Kings Way: $260
  • Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $257
  • transfers Queen Alia Airport or Amman from/to Petra: $242
  • Petra Full Day Tour with Hotel Transfer: $204
  • Transfer Amman To/From Petra: $200
  • Private Transfer From Amman Airport To Petra: $190
  • Private Transfer from Allenby King Hussein Bridge to Aqaba Airport: $173
  • Petra or WadiRum transfer to/from Amman, Airport, Madaba, Deadsea: $167
  • Amman Private Transfer To Jerusalem With VIP Service: $160
  • Amman to Jerusalem Private Transfer: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko

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

  • Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
  • Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $34
    Nikko $31
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:

  • Amman:Home resturant lunch and dinner: $37
  • Private Day or Night Amman Sightseeing - Optional Cooking or Wine Tasting Tour : $51
  • 3 course dinner with a sommelier: $56
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $71
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience : $109
  • 3-Hours Guided Food Tour in Amman: $130
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Wine Experience : $173

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Nikko $21

Tours and Activities in Amman

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

  • From Amman :Private day tour to Jerash and Ajloun: $81
  • Tour to the hidden Kingdom of the north: $300
  • 01 Day Tour to Dead Sea From Amman: $220
  • 1 Day Tour to Amman Jerash and Ajloun castle : $150
  • 1 Day Tour: Amman and Jerash: $176
  • 1-Day Tour: Amman and Dead Sea: $161
  • 1-Night Private Overnight Madaba Independent Tour from Amman: $170
  • 1-Night Private Overnight Wadi Mujib Independent Tour from Amman: $271
  • 1Day Private spiritual Tour to Amman Madaba Baptism site Dead Sea: $150
  • 2 Day Tour Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $300
  • 2 Days Group Tour From Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead sea: $264
  • 2 Days Tour of Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman: $245

Tours and Activities in Nikko

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.

  • Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
  • Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
  • Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
  • Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
  • Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Nikko $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amman and Nikko, we can see that Amman is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amman is in Middle East and Nikko 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 Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Nikko.

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


Which is Bigger, Amman or Nikko?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amman is generally around the same temperature as Nikko. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 25°C (77°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Nikko. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Amman or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amman as well as Nikko. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

Amman is a little warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the autumn, Amman often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Amman or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In the winter, Amman is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amman in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Nikko. Amman usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during winter. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Amman. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Nikko. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Amman or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko and Amman during the spring 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 Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Amman is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 16°C (61°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Amman. In the spring, Amman often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amman usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Amman

Amman Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)


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