Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Aqaba or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Koh Phi Phi $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Koh Phi Phi $6.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
- Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
- Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $130
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Ma'in Hotel: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
-
Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 dayAqaba $42Koh Phi Phi $11
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: $64
- 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
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.64
-
Sit Down Lunch$9.27
-
Casual Lunch$5.73
-
Coconut Donut$0.27
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
-
Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Koh Phi Phi $45
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
- Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
- 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
- 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
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Phuket Trick Eye 3D Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Highlights Tour: $50
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$14
-
Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Koh Phi Phi?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Aqaba during the summer 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 Koh Phi Phi year-round.
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Koh Phi Phi. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
Aqaba is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 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.