Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Cairo $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $17. 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 $9.27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Cairo $19
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 $2.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $59
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra, Jordan: $105
- Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- From Wadi Rum Desert Tour with taxi transfers from Aqaba: $129
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Allenby King Hussein Bridge: $173
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
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$0.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Cairo Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
- Cairo Airport Departure Transfer : $25
- Cairo Airport Transfer to Hotel: $20
- Private Pickup transfer from Windsor Hotel Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx With Transfers : $55
- Private airport Transfer: $15
- Private transfer from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer in Cairo or Giza: $46
- Skip-the-line to Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza with Transfer: $24
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $13
- 01 way Transfer from Cairo airport to your Hotel in Giza: $13
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 $42Cairo $4.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $72
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $89
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
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.
- Cairo Nile dinner cruise night show with belly dancer: $8.00
- Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $8.80
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $10
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $10
- Food Tour in Local Cairo Life with Egyptian tea: $11
- Dinner evening in the heart of the Nile for 3 hours: $11
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River with Buffet belly dancer performance: $12
- Private Dinner Cruise on the Nile River in Cairo with Pickup: $12
- dance, sing and eat on Cairo Dinner Nile Cruise on Nile river: $12
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour : $13
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $13
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Cairo $5.69
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
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $40
- Half day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum incl. water and Bedouin tea: $40
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$0.83
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.43
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.37
- El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket : $4.56
- Baron Palace Entry Tickets : $4.60
- The Baron Empain Palace Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Entry Ticket: $4.80
- Full Day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
- Entry Ticket to the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace : $5.54
- Wonder Tour To Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure Pyramids and Great Sphinx : $5.76
- Private Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx : $6.00
- Skip The Line To Coptic Museum of Cairo Entry Ticket: $6.01
- Skip The Line with Memphis Museum Entry Ticket: $6.77
- Museum of Islamic Arts Cairo Entry Ticket: $7.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Cairo $1.16
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.