Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Luxor?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Luxor, 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 Luxor?
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.
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Luxor $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $17. 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 Luxor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Luxor $7.62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Luxor $15
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Luxor
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Luxor? 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 Luxor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Luxor $3.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $48
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Aqaba Airport AQJ Private Transfer to Multi Destinations: $65
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $162
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Aqaba - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $104
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride$0.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- Hotel Transfer to Luxor International Airport: $30
- Luxor Airport Transfer : $15
- Private Transfers From Luxor to Hurghada: $65
- Private Transfers From Luxor to Hurghada : $65
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $20
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $27
- Car transfer for Luxor Temple from Luxor : $70
- Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $272
- Day Tour from Airport to Luxor Monuments Include Lunch Transfers Entry Guide: $106
- Departure Transfer From Hotel To Luxor Airport: $13
- Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40
- Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Luxor?
Prices for flights to both Luxor 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 $42Luxor $5.83
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: $63
- 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
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
- Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
- Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
- Luxor Nile Cruise Dinner: $60
- Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
- Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
- private day in west bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
- Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Luxor $6.74
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
- 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Half day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum incl. water and Bedouin tea: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)$0.57
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.74
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Camel Ride for Two$1.26
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
- Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City : $6.00
- Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $6.40
- Private Tour Shopping in Luxor: $7.00
- Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $7.60
- See the Valley of the Kings & More: Shared Tour (All-Inclusive): $8.80
- Karnak Temple And Luxor Temple Private Day Tour : $8.98
- Mummification Museum Private Guided Tour: $9.00
- Explore Luxor temple and City Private Tour by Flucca: $9.00
- Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20
- Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Luxor $2.26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Luxor, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Luxor is in Africa, 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Luxor?
Luxor has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Luxor, 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 Luxor?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Luxor in the Summer?
Both Luxor and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Aqaba usually receives rain Luxor. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is around the same temperature as Luxor in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Luxor fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Luxor 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Luxor in the Autumn?
Both Luxor 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.
Aqaba usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Luxor. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Luxor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Luxor averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Luxor in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Luxor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Aqaba usually receives more rain than Luxor. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Luxor. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Luxor 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Luxor in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Luxor. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets more rain in April than Luxor. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Luxor in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Luxor and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Luxor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 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.