Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Dharamsala, 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 Dharamsala?
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.
Dharamsala
With a name that literally means "a spiritual dwelling," Dharamsala roughly translates as a shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travelers. Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is today a popular destination for foreigners on vacation, backpackers seeking the surrounding mountains, as well as students of Buddhism.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Religious Tours in India, and The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesDharamsala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Dharamsala $36
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $36. 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 Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Dharamsala $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Dharamsala $40
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Dharamsala? 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 Dharamsala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Dharamsala $4.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- King Hussein Int Airport Transfers One Way to Aqaba: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Hotels: $27
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Tala bay Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $33
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $48
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $48
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $48
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $48
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:
- Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala 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 $73Dharamsala $13
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
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Dharamsala $4.87
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
- Join Us Before Sunset – Aqaba Walking Tour Let's Go!: $27
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
Tours and Activities in Dharamsala
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
- The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $14
- McLeod Ganj: Triund Trek with Manu Adventures India: $19
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $27
- Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $28
- Guided Cycling tour in Dharamshala: $28
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $39
- Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $39
- Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $63
- Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $88
- Private 2-Days McLeodGanj & Dharamshala Guided Tour: $97
- Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $107
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Dharamsala $4.87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Dharamsala, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Dharamsala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Dharamsala?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Dharamsala, 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.