Which place is cheaper, Jerusalem or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Jerusalem?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Jerusalem, 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 Jerusalem?
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.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, and The Best Budget Tours to Israel.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Jerusalem $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Jerusalem is $107. 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 Jerusalem in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Jerusalem $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Jerusalem $126
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Jerusalem
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Jerusalem? 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 Jerusalem Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Jerusalem $6.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Aqaba to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $40
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.13
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
- Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $77
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $70
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $146
- Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
- Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Herzlia: $247
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Jerusalem?
Prices for flights to both Jerusalem 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 $42Jerusalem $31
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
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.65
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Watermelon$3.98
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.65
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Bagels$7.96
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Lunch for 2$14
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Snacks$5.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
- Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem--Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
- Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $169
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Jerusalem $8.43
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
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
- 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Half day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum incl. water and Bedouin tea: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Cooking Classes for 2$33
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
- In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
- Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $24
- Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
- Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
- Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
- Old City of Jerusalem Guided Walking Tour: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Jerusalem $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Beer$4.77
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Jerusalem, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Jerusalem Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Jerusalem?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Jerusalem, 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 Jerusalem?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Jerusalem in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Jerusalem. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 364 hours of full sun in the summer.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Jerusalem. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Jerusalem fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Jerusalem 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Jerusalem in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Jerusalem. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 274 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is a little warmer than Jerusalem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Jerusalem fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Jerusalem 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Jerusalem in the Winter?
Both Jerusalem and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Jerusalem during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 184 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Aqaba is much warmer than Jerusalem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Jerusalem averages at about 8°C (46°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Jerusalem 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Jerusalem in the Spring?
Both Jerusalem 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 269 hours of full sun.
In April, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Jerusalem. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Jerusalem fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Jerusalem 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Jerusalem and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Jerusalem | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.