Which place is cheaper, David or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Aqaba or David?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or David, 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 David?
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.
David
In the Pacific West of Panama, David is the capital city of Chiriqui province. The city's population of almost 150,000 is among the wealthiest in the country. There is a well established middle class and unemployment remains low in the area. The area has grown rapidly in recent years with growing commercial and banking sectors. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by the Pan American Highway.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Panama, and The Best Budget Tours to Panama.
-
Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesDavid Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157David $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in David is $39. 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 David in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59David $12
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118David $24
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and David
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or David? 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 David Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24David $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Hotels: $27
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Tala bay Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $33
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $47
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $47
- Private Transfers from Aqaba Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $47
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $54
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or David?
Prices for flights to both David 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 dayAqaba $73David $17
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
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $80
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $80
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $106
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $243
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54David $4.38
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
- Sea Breeze 3 Hours Snorkeling or 2 Hours Sunset Cruise: $24
- Aqaba Local Tour: $28
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Aqaba Local Food, Market & Culture Walking Tour: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Half-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum with Sandboarding & Sunset: $33
- Wadi Rum 3 hours sunset Jeep 4x4 Tour: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07David -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and David, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is David much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and David is in Central America, 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 David would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in David 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 David.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is David Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or David?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of David. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and David, 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.