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

Should you visit Aqaba or Barcelona?

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

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

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.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Barcelona 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 Barcelona is $201. 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 Barcelona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Barcelona $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Barcelona $206
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Barcelona

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona


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 Barcelona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Barcelona $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Hotels: $27
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Tala Bay Hotels: $33
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $47
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $47
  • Private Transfers from Aqaba Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $47
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $54
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Wadi Rum: Private Transfer to Aqaba through Hotel Pickup: $67

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    $8.76
  • Airport Bus
    $5.62
  • Metro
    $2.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • 24 Hour Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to City Centre: $23
  • Aerobus Barcelona Airport Transfer to or from Plaça Catalunya: $12
  • Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $23
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $90
  • Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $84
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BCN to Barcelona by Business Car: $86
  • Barcelona - Salou private transfer: $194
  • Barcelona Airport & Cruise Port Transfer for Groups(Van XL 7 pax): $103
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Barcelona - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Barcelona - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $64
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Sitges - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $227
  • Barcelona Airport (BNC) to Sitges - Arrival Private Transfer: $113

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Barcelona?

Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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
    Barcelona $65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $80
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $80
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $107
  • 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115

Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    $4.66
  • Sandwich
    $1.91
  • Baguette & Horchata
    $4.27
  • Tapas on the beach
    $9.30
  • Gelatto
    $2.81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $40
  • Top Awarded Flamenco Show Tablao Cordobes with dinner option: $40
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit: $51
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Class in Three Hours: $52
  • Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $55
  • Barcelona Paella and Sangria Cooking Experience: $56
  • Tipsy Food Tour with Paella and Sangria and History in Barcelona: $62
  • Unique Sunset Sailing, Tapas, Drinks, with Music & Dinner Options: $68
  • Barcelona Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience: $68
  • Paella & Tapas Cooking Class with Sangria Making: $78
  • Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona | Small Group, Cava & Wine: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Barcelona $37

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Sea Breeze 3 Hours Snorkeling or 2 Hours Sunset Cruise: $24
  • Aqaba Local Tour: $28
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in 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
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
  • Aqaba Local Food, Market & Culture Walking Tour: $30
  • Half-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum with Sandboarding & Sunset: $33
  • Wadi Rum 3 hours sunset Jeep 4x4 Tour: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    $47
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    $9.60
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    $6.74

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • Barcelona Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $1.71
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Barcelona: $3.42
  • Sagrada Familia Exterior Tour: $3.43
  • Barcelona Gothic Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour, Scavenger Hunt: $3.43
  • Sagrada Familia External Audio Tour - The 3 Iconic Facades: $3.43
  • Self-Guided Private City Tour in Barcelona's Best Kept Secrets: $3.43
  • Barcelona Electric Scooter Tour: $3.43
  • Welcome to Barcelona Segway and eScooter Tour: $3.43
  • Happiness Walking Tour in Barcelona: $3.43
  • Gaudi & Sagrada Familia Donation-Based Tour in English: $3.44
  • Self Guided Podcast Tour: Barcelona's Occupied Heart: $5.48
  • Barcelona Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Barcelona $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $14
  • Amazing Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $15
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $17
  • Largest Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $17
  • Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $17
  • Largest Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $17
  • Pub Crawl 4 nightclubs + skip-the-line entry: $17
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl with Karaoke and Beach bars and VIP Club: $18
  • Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $23
  • Barcelona Rooftop Party + Bar crawl with VIP Club Entry: $23
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $23
  • Bar Crawl at Gaixample: $24


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Barcelona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Barcelona. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Aqaba is much warmer than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Aqaba is much warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Aqaba

Aqaba Barcelona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)