Which place is cheaper, Jerusalem 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 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 Religious Tours in Israel, and The Best Luxury Tours to Israel.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesJerusalem Prices
Israel Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Jerusalem $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Jerusalem is $165. 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 $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Jerusalem $162
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 $8.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- King Hussein Int Airport Transfers One Way to Aqaba: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Hotels: $27
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Tala bay Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $33
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $48
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $48
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.99
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Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Beit She’an Border: $210
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (Arrival/Departure) Intercity Transfers: $100
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $86
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- Jerusalem to/from Tel Aviv City - Private Intercity Transfers-: $78
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 $73Jerusalem $69
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
- "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$3.38
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Watermelon$5.07
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Lunch$15
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Food at Market$19
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Juice$3.38
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Bagels$10
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Lunch for 2$18
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Snacks$7.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $230
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Jerusalem $11
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Wadi Rum Full day Jeep Tour with Stay in Bedouin Camp Overnight: $12
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Aqaba Walk Tour: History, Culture & Local Flavors: $27
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
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$43
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
- Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
- Jerusalem Old City Half-Day Tour: $39
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall: $50
- Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Jerusalem $20
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$6.08
When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Jerusalem, we can see that Jerusalem 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 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.