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

Should you visit Amman or Quepos?

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 Quepos. 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 Quepos?

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.

Quepos

Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Quepos 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 Quepos is $139. 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 Quepos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Quepos $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Amman and Quepos

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Quepos? 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 Quepos


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 Quepos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Quepos $9.55
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 Quepos

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

  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Quepos?

Prices for flights to both Quepos 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
    Quepos $51
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

Typical Food Prices in Quepos

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


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

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

  • Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
  • Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
  • Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Quepos $17

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

Tours and Activities in Quepos

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

  • 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $158
  • 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
  • 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Sloths: $65
  • ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $93
  • All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $88
  • All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
  • All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
  • All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
  • Canopy Tour From Manuel Antonio: $121
  • Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $121
  • Catamaran Cruise from Manuel Antonio with Snorkeling: $98
  • Chocolate Experience, Waterfall and Cultural Lunch in local home.: $135

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

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


When comparing the travel costs between Amman and Quepos, we can see that Quepos 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 Amman is in Middle East and Quepos is in Central America, 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 Amman Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amman or Quepos?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Quepos, 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 Quepos?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Amman or Quepos in the Summer?

Both Quepos and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Quepos. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Amman is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amman in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Quepos 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Amman or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season. Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Amman. In the autumn, Amman often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.

In October, Amman is generally cooler than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 20°C (68°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Amman or Quepos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Quepos. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Amman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Quepos. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Amman usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amman is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Amman or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amman as well as Quepos. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Quepos is May to November. Amman usually gets less rain in April than Quepos. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the spring, Amman often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Quepos. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Amman is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amman in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Quepos 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Quepos and Amman

Amman Quepos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)