Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Cairo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Cairo, 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 Cairo?
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.
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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 Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesCairo Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Cairo $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $31. 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 Cairo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Cairo $10
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Cairo $20
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Cairo
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Cairo? 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 and Cairo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Cairo $3.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- 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
- From Transfer to Amman Hotels or Amman Airport: $113
- Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
- King Hussein Int Airport Transfers One Way to Aqaba: $25
- Private Petra Day Trip from Aqaba Port with Return Transfer: $190
- Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 01 way Transfer from Cairo airport to your Hotel in Giza: $13
- 01 way Transfer from hotel in Cairo to Alexandria: $50
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer: $30
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $200
- 2 Days Tours package Include airport transfers (Cairo & Alexandria): $208
- 2 Private day tours in Giza pyramids and Cairo city with 2 airport Transfers: $155
- 24/7 Private Transfer Cairo, Airport, or Giza to/from New Capital: $21
- 3-Days Private Guided Tour Package Covering all Cairo,Lunch and Airport Transfer: $240
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from El Cairo to Alexandria: $81
- 4 Hours Private Transfer in Cairo: $113
- 4 days Cairo ,2 tours Giza pyramids, Cairo museum& old Cairo 2 airport transfers: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Cairo?
Prices for flights to both Cairo 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 $73Cairo $16
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
- Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
- "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: $90
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping,Dinner cruiseII: $8.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
- Romantic Nile Dinner Cruise Experience: $8.00
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $8.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Cairo $8.46
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- Join Us Before Sunset – Aqaba Walking Tour Let's Go!: $27
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $32
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Camel Tours in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.78
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.02
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Best-Selling Giza Pyramids Tour: Camel Ride, Lunch &Private Guide: $2.50
- VIP Luxury Shopping Tour –Local Markets + Gourmet Lunch & Drinks: $4.00
- Full-Day Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, Saqqara&Memphis All-Inclusive Tour: $4.00
- Day tour to Giza pyramids & sphinx, saqqara and Memphis: $4.00
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $4.50
- Chep Full Day tour Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Camel Ride &Quad Bike: $4.50
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.50
- Luxury Private Tour Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum: $4.74
- Private Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Guided Tour: $5.00
- Cairo shopping advisor tour papyrus ,perfume ,golden cartouche , Egyptian cotton: $5.00
- Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Half Day Tour: $5.00
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,camel ride , inside Pyramid: $5.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Cairo $1.37
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Cairo, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Cairo is in Africa, 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Cairo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Cairo?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Cairo, 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 Cairo?
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 Aqaba or Cairo in the Summer?
Both Cairo and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Cairo. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Cairo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Cairo during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 350 hours of full sun in the summer.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Cairo. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Cairo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Cairo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Cairo in the Autumn?
Both Cairo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Cairo. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cairo. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 290 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is a little warmer than Cairo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cairo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Cairo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Cairo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Cairo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Cairo. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cairo during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Cairo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Cairo averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Cairo 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Cairo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Cairo. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Cairo. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cairo. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 276 hours of full sun.
In April, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Cairo. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Cairo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Cairo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Cairo and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Cairo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 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.