Which place is cheaper, Dubai 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 Dubai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Dubai, 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 Dubai?
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.
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 United Arab Emirates, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesDubai Prices
UAE Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Dubai $289
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Dubai is $289. 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 Dubai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Dubai $170
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Dubai $340
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Dubai
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Dubai? 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 Dubai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Dubai $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
- Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
- Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Airport: $133
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Abu Dhabi City Tour transfer from Dubai Shared Bus : $52
- Burj Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Transfer Optional: $169
- Dining Experience at Armani Hotel Burj Khalifa With Transfers: $185
- Dubai City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $199
- Dubai Frame Admission Tickets With Transfers Option: $24
- Dubai Frame and La Perle Dragon Gold Tickets with Transfers: $205
- Ekart Zabeel Dubai With Transfer: $150
- "Airport Transfers to or from Dubai with SUV Car": $95
- 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
- 1 Hour Marina Yacht Tour with Optional Transfer : $45
- 1 Hour Self-Drive ATV Experience with Transfer Options: $90
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Dubai?
Prices for flights to both Dubai 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 $73Dubai $96
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 Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.54
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- Virtual Online Cooking Class - Cook Your Classic Curry with Chef Gomez: $16
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai Al Seef: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Evening Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & BBQ dinner: $18
- Red Dune Desert Safari with Camel Riding Sand Boarding BBQ Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dubai Desert Safari With4x4 Pick/Drop camel ride BBQ dinner shows: $18
- Desert Safari With Camel Ride and Dinner: $19
- Vip Red Dune Safari with 4x4 Pick & Drop, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner: $19
- Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sandboarding: $19
- Golden Dune Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & live BBQ Dinner: $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Dubai $19
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
- 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
- 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $45
- 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $202
- 3 Days Wadi Rum Jebel Burdah Tour: $241
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- The Palm Monorail Ticket Dubai: $9.21
- Global Village Tickets : $10
- Dubai Global Village Entry Ticket: $11
- Dubai Global Village Entry Ticket with Optional Transport : $11
- Dubai's Global Village Admission Ticket: $12
- Dubai Miracle Garden Tour with Transportation: $15
- Dubai Frame Golden Gate Ticket with optional transport: $16
- Dubai Half Day City Tour with Blue Mosque Creek and Souks: $16
- AL Shindagha Museum Admission Tickets: $16
- Dubai Butterfly Garden Admission Ticket: $16
- Skip-The-Line Ticket to Butterfly Garden: $17
- Dubai Frame Admission Ticket: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Dubai $23
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- JBR Walk Historic Pub Crawl with Guide and Drinks: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Dubai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Dubai?
Dubai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Dubai, 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 Dubai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Aqaba or Dubai in the Summer?
Both Dubai and Aqaba during the summer 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 Dubai year-round.
June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Dubai. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Dubai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Dubai averages at about 35°C (95°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Dubai 35°C (95°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Dubai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Dubai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Dubai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Aqaba is generally cooler than Dubai. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Dubai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Dubai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Dubai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Dubai. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Dubai. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Aqaba is cooler than Dubai in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Dubai fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Dubai 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Dubai in the Spring?
Both Dubai and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Dubai is June to August. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Dubai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Dubai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Dubai averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Dubai 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Dubai and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Dubai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.