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 $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $30. 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 $3.46
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 (AQJ) to Aqaba hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- 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: $31
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
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
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer: $30
- 2 Day Cairo Tour upon arrival day with airport transfer: $138
- 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
- 2 Private days in Giza and Cairo including Free Transfer from Airport: $126
- 2-Day Ancient Egypt and Old Cairo Highlights Tour with Free Airport Transfers: $240
- 2-Day-One night Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $274
- 3-Day Private Tour from Cairo to Aswan and Return with Transfer: $143
- 3-Days Private Guided Tour Package Covering all Cairo,Lunch and Airport Transfer: $300
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.
- 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 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: $4.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $6.30
- Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $6.30
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $7.20
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $7.20
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $7.20
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $8.00
- Cairo Nile Dinner Cruise Belly Dancer Tanora Show Dinner Buffet: $8.10
- Giza pyramids, Sphinx, ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise&shopping: $8.10
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.10
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $8.10
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.10
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Cairo $8.27
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
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Aqaba Walk Tour: History, Culture & Local Flavors: $27
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $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
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
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$0.76
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$5.89
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full experience Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, inside pyramids &tombs: $2.00
- Private Day tour in Khan Elkhalele Market with Shopping and Lunch: $3.00
- Giza Pyramids Tour, Sphinx, Camel Ride and Shopping: $3.00
- Top Day Giza Pyramids the Top complete Pyramids Tour in Cairo: $3.50
- VIP Shopping Private Tour Papyrus Perfume Bazaars and Cotton: $3.60
- Cheap Day tour Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum,Felucca: $3.75
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx Day Tour: $4.00
- Grand Egyptian Museum&Giza Pyramids All-Inclusive Tour with Lunch: $4.00
- Half Day Private Tour of the Giza Pyramids with Camel Ride, Lunch: $4.00
- Full-Day Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, Saqqara&Memphis All-Inclusive Tour: $4.00
- VIP Pyramid Tour Inside the 3rd Pyramid with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.00
- Private 6-Hour Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Nile Felucca Tour: $4.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Cairo $1.34
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: $70
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.