Which place is cheaper, Koyasan 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 Koyasan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Koyasan, 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 Koyasan?
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.
Koyasan
Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesKoyasan Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Koyasan $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Koyasan is $90. 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 Koyasan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Koyasan $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Koyasan $76
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Koyasan
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Koyasan? 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 Koyasan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Koyasan $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Arrival Private Transfer: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Beach, Pools, Snorkeling & Boat Trip,Transfer: $66
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
- Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Koyasan?
Prices for flights to both Koyasan 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 $73Koyasan $32
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
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- "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
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Koyasan $13
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
- 2 Hour Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $20
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Join Us Before Sunset – Aqaba Walking Tour Let's Go!: $27
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Koyasan $4.76
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Koyasan, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Koyasan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Koyasan 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 Koyasan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba or Koyasan?
Koyasan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Aqaba or Koyasan in the Summer?
Both Koyasan and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Koyasan in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Koyasan in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Koyasan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Koyasan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koyasan in the Autumn?
Both Koyasan and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Aqaba is a little warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Koyasan averages at about 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.
Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Koyasan. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Koyasan 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koyasan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the museums and the cuisine.
In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Koyasan 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Koyasan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Koyasan. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.
Aqaba is much warmer than Koyasan in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Koyasan fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Koyasan 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Koyasan and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Koyasan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 208 mm (8.2 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.