Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Johor Bahru, 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 Johor Bahru?
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.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesJohor Bahru Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Johor Bahru $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $66. 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 Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Johor Bahru $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Johor Bahru $82
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Johor Bahru? 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 Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Johor Bahru $13
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: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- 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 Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $48
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $48
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $56
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $56
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port: $56
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $123
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Van]: $88
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Transfer [Car]: $216
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Penang Island Transfer [Van]: $159
- Johor Bahru City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru to Cameron Highland Hotels (Door to Door) Private Transfer: $235
- Johor Hotels to Malacca Hotels (Door to Door) Transfer: $142
- LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $189
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- Malaysia：Senai International Airport（JHB）One-Way Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer : Johor Bharu (JB) to Kuala Lumpur (KL): $136
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru 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 $73Johor Bahru $16
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
- Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
- "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $83
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $110
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Johor Bahru $8.07
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- Aqaba Local Tour: $28
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Two-hour Jeep tour - Wadi Rum desert: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- Camel Tours in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $37
- Wadi Rum: Explorer Jeep Tour PASS + Local Food + Optional Stay: $38
Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
- Sentosa Magical Island Adventure Pass: $6.34
- Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $6.55
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
- Wings of Time Admission Ticket: $14
- Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $17
- Malaysia: Johor Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Entry Ticket: $19
- Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony Tickets: $19
- Adventure Waterpark Ticket Desaru Coast: $19
- DaVinci & The Wheel of Time - Cinematic Walkthrough VR Experience: $19
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $21
- Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
- Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony Tickets: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Johor Bahru $5.26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Johor Bahru, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Johor Bahru is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Johor Bahru would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Johor Bahru?
Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Johor Bahru, 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.
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.