Which place is cheaper, Kunming 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 Kunming?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Kunming, 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 Kunming?
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.
Kunming
Kunming, located in southern China, is the modern capital city of the Yunnan province. It is a transportation hub for visitors entering the region, and good transfer point to just about everywhere else in the province by train or bus. Within the city itself there are many things to see and do with a full range of parks and zoos, museums, temples, theatres, and scenic areas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesKunming Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Kunming $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Kunming is $89. 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 Kunming in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Kunming $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Kunming $70
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Kunming
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Kunming? 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 Kunming Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Kunming $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- 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 Petra Day Trip from Aqaba Port with Return Transfer: $190
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Dead Sea Hotels: $160
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153
- Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kunming
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Kunming:
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Taxi Ride$1.62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kunming
Also for Kunming, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kunming Airport Private Transfer - Charge by Vehicle: $48
- Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pickup: $83
- Kunming Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Kunming Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Kunming Private Round Trip Transfer to Fuxianhu Lake: $90
- [Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! : $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Kunming?
Prices for flights to both Kunming 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 $73Kunming $41
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kunming
For Kunming, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Discovery more Kunming evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Discovery More Kunming Evening Food Tour with Locals: $80
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner: $88
- Half Day Private Tour of Kunming Flower Market and Flower Pastry Cooking Class: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Kunming $19
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hour Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $20
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90
- 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $198
- 3 Hours Private Stargazing Experience in Wadi Rum: $49
- 3Days private Tour Petra Wadi Rum from Aqaba: $254
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour (morning or sunset) - Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $47
Tours and Activities in Kunming
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kunming.
- Kunming City & Cultural Walking tour: $26
- Yunnan University & Culture Alley Guided Tour: $26
- Kunming Walking Tour Around Green Lake and University Quarter: $29
- Dynamic Yunnan Cultural Show Ticket in Kunming: $32
- Half Day Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $43
- Kunming City Tour with Private Guide: $44
- Stone Forest + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City Private Tour: $60
- Yiliang Jiuxiang Scenic Area Private Tour: $64
- Kunming Yunnan Ethnic Village Private Tour: $64
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $66
- Old Town Private Tour (Half Day): $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Kunming $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Kunming, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Kunming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Kunming 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 Kunming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kunming 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 Kunming.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Kunming Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Kunming?
Kunming has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Kunming, 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.