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

Should you visit Aqaba or Haifa?

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

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

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.

Haifa

Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Israel.


Which place is cheaper, Haifa or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Haifa is $125. 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 Haifa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Haifa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Haifa $150
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Haifa

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Haifa? 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 Haifa


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 Haifa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Haifa $5.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Wadi Rum to Petra Private Transfer: $74
  • Wadi Rum to Aqaba Port Private Transfer: $74
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $153
  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $155
  • 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
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Petra City Hotels: $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfers to / from Hotel: $351
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $180
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $180
  • Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Haifa?

Prices for flights to both Haifa 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 $42
    Haifa $45

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
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $74
  • Wadi Rum 4-Hour Sunset Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $83
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Bedouin Cooking Class & full day Desert 4x4 Tour Wadi Rum, Jordan: $96
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $106
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220

Typical Food Prices in Haifa

For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Haifa $5.79

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $57
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour with Overnight: $114
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour & Starlight Cave & Traditions Food: $171
  • Wadi Rum: Premium 4WD Desert Safari Tour: $35
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
  • 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
  • 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 3 Days Wadi Rum Jebel Burdah Tour: $241
  • 3-Day Tour Amman Petra Wadi Rum Madaba Mount Nebo Dead Sea..: $339

Tours and Activities in Haifa

For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
  • Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Tour / From Jerusalem: $150
  • Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Tour / From Tel-Aviv: $150
  • Haifa Private Tour: $167
  • Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour: $257
  • Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
  • Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
  • Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $401
  • Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $419
  • Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $731

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Haifa $14


When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Haifa, we can see that Aqaba 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 Haifa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Haifa?

Haifa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Haifa, 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 Haifa?

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 Haifa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Haifa. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Haifa. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Haifa. 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 Haifa. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Haifa receives 364 hours of full sun.

Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Haifa. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Haifa fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Haifa 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Haifa in the Autumn?

Both Haifa 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 Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Haifa. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Haifa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Haifa during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Haifa receives 274 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Aqaba is around the same temperature as Haifa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Haifa fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Haifa 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Haifa in the Winter?

Both Haifa 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 Haifa year-round.

Haifa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Haifa. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Haifa. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Haifa receives 184 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Haifa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Haifa averages at about 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Haifa 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Haifa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Haifa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Haifa. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Haifa 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 Haifa during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Haifa receives 269 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Haifa. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Haifa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Haifa 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Haifa and Aqaba

Aqaba Haifa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)