Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Beijing, 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 Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Beijing? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Beijing $7.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Aqaba Airport AQJ Private Transfer to Multi Destinations: $65
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.71
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Train from Airport for Two$6.90
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Taxi to Hotel$8.28
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer to Daxing International Airport : $35
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $30
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $65
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
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Food Meals for one dayAqaba $42Beijing $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.93
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $22
- Aqaba Local Tour : $28
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $28
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Small Group Summer Palace Walking Tour: $5.00
- Small Group Hutongs Walking Tour : $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $7.90
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Beijing, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Beijing 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 Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Beijing. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Beijing. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Beijing can be very cold during winter. Aqaba is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beijing. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Beijing. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Aqaba is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.