A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aqaba vs. Ankara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aqaba or Ankara?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Ankara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Ankara?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

Ankara

Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Aqaba?

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 Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $99. 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 Aqaba and Ankara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Ankara $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Ankara $80
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Ankara

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Ankara? 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 Aqaba


Hotels in Ankara


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Ankara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Ankara $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
  • Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
  • Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Arrival Private Transfer: $70
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
  • Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.03
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:

  • Ankara Airport & Hotel Transfers: $47
  • Ankara Airport Transfer: Ankara by Private Luxury Vehicle: $63
  • Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $111
  • Ankara Esenboga Airport to City Hotels Transfer: $46
  • Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $111
  • Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $50
  • Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $52
  • Private Airport Transfer From/To Ankara Airport to Cankaya Hotels: $41
  • Private Transfer Ankara Esenboga Airport ESB to Keçiören Ankara: $40
  • Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $52
  • Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
  • Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Ankara?

Prices for flights to both Ankara and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Ankara $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Typical Food Prices in Ankara

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


  • A Quick Lunch
    $0.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ankara

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

  • Baklava Cooking Class: $61
  • Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class at Local Home with Family: $70
  • Sustainable Home Cooking Class in Ankara: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Ankara $24

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Wadi Rum Full day Jeep Tour with Stay in Bedouin Camp Overnight: $12
  • Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
  • Aqaba Walk Tour: History, Culture & Local Flavors: $27
  • Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
  • 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
  • Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
  • Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
  • Wadi Rum Whole Day Jeep Tour with Traditional Bedouin Lunch: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara

Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Underground City
    $0.17

Tours and Activities in Ankara

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

  • Self-Guided Secrets of Ankara Exploration Game Tour: $30
  • Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $34
  • Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $35
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Ankara Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $39
  • Private Walking Tour with a Local: $41
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • 6-Hour Private Tour with Guide, Car, and Lunch: $175
  • Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $185
  • Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $233
  • Private Ankara Sightseeing Tour: $300
  • Full Day Cappadocia Private Tour: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Ankara $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Ankara?

Ankara has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Ankara, 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.

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