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

Should you visit Aqaba or Athens?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Athens, 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 Athens?

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.

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

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 Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Athens 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 Athens is $179. 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 Athens in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Athens $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Athens $148
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Athens

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Athens? 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 Athens


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 Athens Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Athens $31

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
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
  • Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Allenby King Hussein Bridge: $173
  • Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
  • Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153
  • Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $140
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Airport: $133

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

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


  • Airport Bus for Two
    $7.45
  • Metro
    $1.75
  • Metro
    $2.33
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    $9.31
  • Taxi from Airport
    $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • AIRPORT TRANSFER to/from hotel (up 14 in a luxurious Minibus ): $33
  • ATHENS HOTEL transfer to/from Piraeus Cruise Port (up to 14 pax): $259
  • Aegean Wonders Santorini Transfers: $32
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $93
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $144
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $129
  • Alimos Glyfada Vouliagmeni to Athens Airport Private Transfer: $40
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Minibus: $146
  • Arrival Transfer from Αthens Airport to Piraeus Port: $51
  • Arrival Transfer from Athens Airport to Athens City: $77
  • Arrival Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $105
  • Athens Airport (ATH) to Athens - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Athens?

Prices for flights to both Athens 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
    Athens $75

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
  • 4h Jeep Tour + Bedouin Night (Dinner & Breakfast): $65
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $110
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    $3.49
  • Souvlaki
    $2.56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Athens Food Tour (5+ Stops) - Full Meal Included by Do Eat Better: $65
  • Classic Athens Food Tour with Local Drink & Market Visit: $70
  • Acropolis Food Tour with a Local Friend: $77
  • Athens's original vegan food tour: $77
  • Athens Traditional Food Tour: $80
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $80
  • Athens at Night Enchanting Walking Tour and Dinner Delights: $82
  • Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $83
  • Small Group Greek Traditional Food Tour in Athens 20+ Tastings: $83
  • Quick Greek Street Food Cooking Class in Athens: $88
  • Greek Cooking Class near Poseidon’s Temple in Sounio with Antonia: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Athens $41

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
  • 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
  • 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $84
  • 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $99
  • 1 Day Camel tour with lunch: $75
  • 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
  • 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
  • 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90

Tours and Activities in Athens

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

  • A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.88
  • Ancient Athens Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.90
  • Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.25
  • Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $9.01
  • Athens Exploration Private Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.42
  • Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.42
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.42
  • Self-Guided Greece Grand Tour with Audio Guide: $9.43
  • Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $9.99
  • Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $11
  • Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Athens $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $12
  • Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $13
  • Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $17
  • The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $22
  • Athens Olive Oil and Herbs Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $24
  • Thursday & Friday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens: $25
  • Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $28
  • Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $37
  • Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $47
  • Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $58
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $58
  • Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $59


When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Athens, we can see that Athens 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 Aqaba is in Middle East and Athens is in Europe, 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Athens Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Athens?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Athens, 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 Aqaba or Athens?

Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Aqaba or Athens in the Summer?

Both Athens and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Athens. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Athens averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Athens. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 357 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Athens. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Athens receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Athens 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Athens in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Athens. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Athens. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Athens fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Athens during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Athens. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Athens receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Athens 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Athens in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Athens. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aqaba is a little warmer than Athens in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Athens fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Athens. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 143 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Athens. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Athens receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Athens 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Athens in the Spring?

Both Athens and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

In the spring, Aqaba is much warmer than Athens. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Athens averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Athens during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Athens. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Athens receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Athens 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Athens and Aqaba

Aqaba Athens
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)