A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aqaba vs. Cologne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aqaba or Cologne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Cologne, 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 Cologne?

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.

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Cologne or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Cologne is $223. 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 Cologne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Cologne $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Cologne $212
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Cologne

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Cologne? 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.

Hotels in Aqaba


Hotels in Cologne


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 Cologne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Cologne $21

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: $62
  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • 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 Dead Sea: $185
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Cologne Bonn CGN Airport to Hotels Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Limousine Transfer from Cologne Airport to Cologne City: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Cologne?

Prices for flights to both Cologne 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aqaba $73
    Cologne $94

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
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • 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
  • Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Typical Food Prices in Cologne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:


  • Dinner
    $16
  • Donner Kebab
    $4.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Private Farmers Market Tour and Home Cooking Class in Cologne: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Cologne $23

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
  • Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
  • Aqaba Walk Tour: History, Culture & Local Flavors: $27
  • 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
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
  • Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $34
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35

Tours and Activities in Cologne

Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Original funky fun tour of Cologne: $3.54
  • Cologne Highlights, Stories, and Local Atmosphere Tour: $3.55
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.92
  • Aachen Self Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.92
  • Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.47
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.47
  • Cologne Cathedral tour audio guide with mobile phone: $6.99
  • Cologne Walking Tour from Roman Era to World War 2 with an App: $6.99
  • Cologne Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.09
  • Cologne Interactive City Tour: $8.29
  • Cologne Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.46
  • Aachen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Cologne $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:

  • Old Town Walking Tour with 1 Brewery Visit & 1 Beer: $21
  • Informative and fun brewery tour in German, public: $23
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $23
  • Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $24
  • Cologne-Kölsch Live: Brewery Tour with a Brewmaster - Kölsch, Culture & Insights: $29
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $32
  • Black wine tasting with secret station – Haus der Manufakturen: $33
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $33
  • Kölsch Brewery Tour with 3 Beers Included: $33
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
  • Brewery Tour with Kölsch and Halven Hahn: $34
  • Veloloco Rickshaw Tour Cologne Sightseeing Wedding Brewery Birthdays: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Cologne, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Cologne is in Europe, 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 Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne than you might in Aqaba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

Cologne 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 Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne 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, most visitors come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Cologne. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Cologne 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Cologne. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Cologne 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Cologne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. Aqaba is much warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Cologne. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Cologne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Cologne. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aqaba is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Cologne 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cologne and Aqaba

Aqaba Cologne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)