Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Koh Samui $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $55. 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 $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Koh Samui $48
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 $17
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 Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
- Full Moon Party Speedboat Round Trip Transfer: $55
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
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 $42Koh Samui $19
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 Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
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:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Koh Samui $10
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
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Koh Samui $4.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
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.