Which place is cheaper, Istanbul 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 Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?
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.
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Istanbul $151
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $151. 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 Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Istanbul $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Istanbul $140
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Istanbul $33
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 Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Tala Bay Hotels: $33
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $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
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Wadi Rum: Private Transfer to Aqaba through Hotel Pickup: $67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Airport Transfer to from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $78
- Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Luxury Van: $71
- Airport transfer Istanbul: $57
- Arrival Private Transfer from New Airport IST to Istanbul City in Van: $74
- BEST of Istanbul City Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $49
- Bodrum Airport Private Transfer Services: $68
- Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise with Guide and Transfers: $77
- Cappadocia Private Tour, Transfers from Local Hotels or Istanbul: $182
- City Center to Istanbul Airport (IST) Departure Transfers: $80
- Departure Private Transfer from Istanbul City to New Airport IST in Van: $74
- Departure Transfer to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): $99
- Fast and Luxury VIP Private Transfer IST Airport and Hotel Pickup: $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $73Istanbul $55
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
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $80
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $80
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $107
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $27
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Bosphorus Night Cruise: Dinner, Drinks & Hotel Pickup: $29
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Show with Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Shows and Drinks: $30
- All Inclusive; Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Live Shows&Unlimited Drinks: $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Istanbul $37
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 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
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Aqaba Local Food, Market & Culture Walking Tour: $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
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour Exploring Two Empires: $6.85
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Balat&Asia: $8.00
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Pera: $8.00
- Istanbul Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour: $8.00
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide: $8.01
- Bosphorus Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $9.90
- Istanbul Istiklal Street Story Self Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $9.99
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $9.99
- Sapanca and Masukiye Tour from Istanbul with Optional Activities: $10
- Kucuksu Pavilion Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Istanbul $9.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $26
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Pub Crawl Original Istanbul Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Taksim Pera Wine Tasting 3 Hour Guided Tour: $130
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $205
When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Istanbul, 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. Even though Aqaba is in Middle East and Istanbul is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Aqaba or Istanbul in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Istanbul in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Istanbul. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Aqaba is much warmer than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Istanbul in the Winter?
Both Istanbul and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Aqaba is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Istanbul in the Spring?
Both Istanbul and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.