Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Koh Samui, 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 Samui?
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 Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesKoh Samui Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Koh Samui $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $75. 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 Samui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Koh Samui $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Koh Samui $50
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Koh Samui
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Koh Samui? 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 Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Koh Samui $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
- Private Transfers To Petra: $200
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Allenby King Hussein Bridge: $173
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Dead Sea Hotels: $160
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $140
- Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.25
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Gas for Scooter$1.20
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $21
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: $25
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $48
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $58
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $35
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $59
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Hassle Free Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $51
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $55
- Koh Samui Airport Transfers: One Price, Anywhere on the Island: $40
- Koh Samui Private Airport Transfer: $15
- Koh Samui Shared Airport Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Koh Samui?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui 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 $73Koh Samui $37
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
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- 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 Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $58
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $76
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $76
- Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Micro Organic Garden: $76
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $76
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $79
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $86
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $107
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Koh Samui $12
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
- 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $84
- 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $99
- 1 Day Camel tour with lunch: $75
- 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90
- 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
- 3 Hours Private Stargazing Experience in Wadi Rum: $49
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui Class@13:30 pm.: $2.29
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $6.86
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $17
- Paris Follies Cabaret Evening Entertainment Ticket from Koh Samui: $17
- Koh Samui Paris Follies Cabaret Spectacular Evening Show Ticket: $18
- Create Your Own Crystal Aroma Oil Ritual Experience: $20
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $26
- Scenic Half Day Island Highlights Tour in Koh Samui: $29
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Koh Samui $5.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Koh Samui, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Koh Samui 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 Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Samui.
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 Samui Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Koh Samui?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Koh Samui, 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 Samui?
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 Samui in the Summer?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui year-round.
Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Koh Samui. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Koh Samui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Samui in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Koh Samui 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Samui in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Koh Samui. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Koh Samui. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Aqaba is much colder than Koh Samui in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Koh Samui 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koh Samui in the Spring?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Koh Samui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Koh Samui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.