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

Should you visit Amman or Phnom Penh?

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 Phnom Penh. 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 Phnom Penh?

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.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.

Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.

Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.


Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh is $41. 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 Phnom Penh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Phnom Penh $12
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Amman and Phnom Penh

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Phnom Penh? 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 Phnom Penh


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 Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Phnom Penh $7.87
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 from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel : $20
  • Active Aqaba Private Transfer from to Amman or Airport or Dead Sea: $60
  • Airport Transfer To Dead Sea Hotel: $59
  • Airport Transfer to Any Hotel In Amman: $37
  • Airport Transfers Upon Arrival to Amman City: $68
  • Airport pickup or drop off transfer from or to Amman city: $23
  • Amman Airport (AMM) to Amman Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
  • Amman Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $27
  • Amman Airport Transfer to/from Multi Destinations: $55
  • Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations : $24
  • Amman Airport: Private Transfer to Amman Hotels: $27
  • Amman Dead Sea Transfer: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Vip Taxi Transfer from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk: $450
  • Vip Taxi Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $450
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh APT-HTL (PNH): $16
  • Transfer Stop Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, English Speaking Driver: $107
  • Transfer Private Car Siemreap to Phnom Penh/PHN to Province.: $110
  • Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville city: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Kompot or Kep: $145
  • Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $129
  • Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Pursat or Battambang: $155
  • Private intercity transfer ! From Phnom Penh to any cities in Cambodia (One Way): $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Phnom Penh?

Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh 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
    Phnom Penh $13
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

Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:


  • Dinner for Two
    $10
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
  • Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
  • Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
  • Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
  • Phnom Penh's Ultimate Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Phnom Penh $7.65

Tours and Activities in Amman

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

  • the apple bottom jeans experience 3: $1.14
  • Discover the hidden gems of Amman's Rainbow street on a self-guided audio tour: $5.00
  • JR The Wine Experience: $26
  • Amman Safe Tour: Authentic Cuisine, Local Experience & Souv.: $35
  • Private Sightseeing City Tour: $40
  • Amman : Must-See attractions Private walking tour: $43
  • History & Culture Immersion, City Tour Of Amman : $43
  • Half Day Private Tour to Iraq al-Amir (Qasr al-‘Abed): $45
  • Half Day Private tour to Dead Sea From Amman. : $50
  • Half Day Tour: Jerash From Amman.: $52
  • Downtown (Amman city) sightseeing 5 hours : $53
  • From Private Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais Tour: $53

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half Day tour Genocide Museum and Killing Field : $130
  • Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $20
  • Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
  • 10 Tastings of Phnom Penh Foodie Tour: $39
  • 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
  • 2 Days of Phnom Penh City Tour: $199
  • 3 Hours Private Morning Market and Art Tour in Phnom Penh: $45
  • 9 Days Cambodia Highlights Guided Motorcycle Tour: $1,952
  • A 10-day ethical animals tour of Cambodia: $1,699
  • A Day Trip From Phnom Penh - Historical Sites Tours : $35
  • A Day Trip Sightseeing of Phnom Penh With Private Tour Guide : $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Phnom Penh $4.33

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $10
  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10


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

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


Which is Bigger, Amman or Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Amman. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Phnom Penh, 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.