Which place is cheaper, Chengdu 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 Chengdu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Chengdu, 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 Chengdu?
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.
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Chengdu $71
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $71. 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 Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Chengdu $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Chengdu $44
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Chengdu? 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 $24Chengdu $6.35
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: $60
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- 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
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Beach, Pools, Snorkeling & Boat Trip,Transfer: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Airport transfer between Tianfu(TFU) and Chengdu downtown: $45
- Authentic Chengdu Dining Experience with with Private Transfers: $60
- Chengdu 3-Day Self-Guided Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong with Transfer: $412
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
- Chengdu Airport Private Transfer With English Speaking Driver: $35
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $230
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Chengdu Airports transfers: Private, Meet & Greet Service: $33
- Chengdu City to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Chengdu Panda & Giant Buddha Day Tour With Private Transfer: $240
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu 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 $73Chengdu $40
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
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $81
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $108
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- 成都蜀宴赋Han Culture Dinner Show in Chengdu: $28
- Chengdu Vegetarian Cooking Class at a Local Home: $39
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Chengdu Food Tour Local Delicacies and Ear Cleaning: $59
- Chengdu Hidden Street Food Tour Spice Trails: $60
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $73
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
- Eat with Locals Chengdu Dinner Tour: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Chengdu $17
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
- Wadi Rum Full day Jeep Tour with Stay in Bedouin Camp Overnight: $15
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $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
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $32
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Free Walking Tour in Chengdu, Experience the city like a Local: $5.00
- Bamboo Weaving Experience and Chengdu Wenshu Monastery: $5.00
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Volunteer Day Trip: $9.50
- Chengdu Museum Tours & Tickets: $10
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Optional Private Tour: $14
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $14
- Chengdu Giant Panda Base Ticket: $15
- Chengdu Panda Base Tickets with Optional Private Tour Upgrade: $16
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Panda Base Tour with Guide Option: $17
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Ticket for Adult: $18
- Panda Breeding Base Tickets Booking: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Chengdu $4.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Evening Food and Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Chengdu, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Chengdu 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 Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu 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 Chengdu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Chengdu?
Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Chengdu, 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.
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.