Which place is cheaper, Eilat or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Eilat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Eilat, 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 Eilat?
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.
Eilat
Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.
Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.
Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.
Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Israel, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Eilat $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Eilat is $140. 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 Eilat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Eilat $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Eilat $186
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Eilat
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Eilat? 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 Eilat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Eilat $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- transfer from aqaba airport to aqaba city(or hotel ): $50
- Wadi Rum to Aqaba Border Terminal Private Transfer: $85
- Wadi Araba Border (Eilat) Private Transfer To Petra: $135
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $45
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $59
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
- Sheikh Hussein Crossing Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $250
- Private Transfers from Wadi Rum: Dead Sea, Petra, Amman, Aqaba & vice versa: $107
- Private Transfers Aqaba to Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman & vice versa: $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:
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Local Bus$3.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat
Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
- Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Eilat?
Prices for flights to both Eilat 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 $42Eilat $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $63
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Eilat $16
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
- Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $54
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
- 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
- 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
- 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
- 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $48
- 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $183
- 3 Days Wadi Rum Jebel Burdah Tour: $241
Tours and Activities in Eilat
For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
- Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
- From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $64
- Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
- Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
- Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
- Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
- Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
- 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
- Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Eilat $27
When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Eilat, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Middle East, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Eilat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Eilat?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Eilat, 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 Eilat?
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 Eilat in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Eilat. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets rain in July Eilat. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Eilat receives 384 hours of full sun.
Eilat 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 Eilat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Eilat averages at about 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Eilat 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Eilat in the Autumn?
Both Eilat and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of rain as Eilat. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Eilat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Eilat receives 295 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Eilat. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Eilat fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Eilat 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Eilat in the Winter?
Both Eilat and Aqaba during the winter 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 Eilat year-round.
Aqaba usually gets more rain in January than Eilat. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Eilat receives 234 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Eilat in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Eilat fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Eilat 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Eilat in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Eilat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Aqaba usually receives more rain than Eilat. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Eilat receives 282 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Eilat. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Eilat averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Eilat 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Eilat and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Eilat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.