A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aqaba vs. Marrakech for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aqaba or Marrakech?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Marrakech, 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 Marrakech?

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.

Marrakech

Marrakech is on of the most popular travel destinations in Morocco. It is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat and is located near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains only a few hours from the Sahara Desert. It's a beautiful city that is often referred to as the "Pink City" because of the pale pink color of many of the city's buildings. These striking colors make the city particularly beautiful during the evening hours when the low sun creates a very dramatic lighting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Marrakech or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Marrakech is $68. 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 Marrakech in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Marrakech $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Marrakech $92
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Marrakech

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Marrakech? 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.

Hotels in Aqaba


Hotels in Marrakech


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 Marrakech Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Marrakech $6.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Wadi Rum to Aqaba Border Terminal Private Transfer: $85
  • Transfers from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba city: $50
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba hotel or Wadi Rum: $95
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $59
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
  • Private Transfers from Wadi Rum: Dead Sea, Petra, Amman, Aqaba & vice versa: $107
  • Private Transfers Aqaba to Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman & vice versa: $47
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hammam and Massage Experience with Transfers: $68
  • Marrakech Airport Private Transfer: $17
  • Private Transfer Agadir airport - Marrakech: $165
  • Private Transfer From Marrakech To Fez: $209
  • Transfer Marrakech to Agadir & Marrakech to Agadir One way: $116
  • private transfer : Marrakech from or to Oualidia Beach & hôtels: $77
  • transfer Marrakech from/to Essaouira one way trip .: $50
  • transfer from Marrakech city to Agadir city (AGA) one-way: $83
  • transfer from or to marrakech airport & ourika day trip package: $33
  • "Marrakech to Fes: Your Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $225
  • "Marrakech to Rabat: Enjoy a Private Transfer with Ease": $130
  • 2h Buggy Adventure in the Marrakech Desert with Transfer and Tea Break: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Marrakech?

Prices for flights to both Marrakech 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aqaba $42
    Marrakech $13

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
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $70
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $72
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $88
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • 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 Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orange Juice on the Square
    $0.30
  • Breakfast
    $1.19
  • Dates
    $0.60
  • Olives
    $0.90
  • Sandwich
    $1.29
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner In Agafay Desert & Camel Ride with lovely Sunset : $12
  • Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner from Marrakech: $15
  • Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $19
  • Typical Moroccan Dinner at the inhabitant in Marrakech: $22
  • Marrakesh: Agafay desert Sunset tour with dinner show : $22
  • Magical Dinner in Marrakech Desert with Camel ride at the sunset : $22
  • Sunset in Agafay: Dinner, Camel, Quad-Book Adventure with Viator: $22
  • Magical dinner and camel ride on sunset in Desert Marrakech : $23
  • Magical Dinner In Agafay Desert and Sunset Experience: $24
  • Marical dinner and camel ride at sunset in Desert of Marrakech: $24
  • Marrakech Desert Tour with Camel Ride and Dinner Show : $26
  • Berber Dinner In Marrakech Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride : $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Marrakech $6.99

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
  • 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: $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 To 5 Hours Private Tour Glass Bottom Boat At Read Sea: $90
  • 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100

Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Palace Tickets
    $1.99
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    $56

Tours and Activities in Marrakech

For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Marrakech Medina Walking Tour With Local Guide: $5.00
  • 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour: $5.00
  • 3-Hour Colorful Souks Tour: $5.00
  • Skip the Line: Woven History Museum Ticket - musée Histoire Tissée: $6.79
  • Full Day Tour to Atlas Mountains in Imlil Valley: $15
  • Full Day Hiking Tour to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech: $15
  • From full-day tour to Essaouira (private): $16
  • Marrakech highlight tours: $17
  • Private Full Day Tour to Essaouira Mogador from Marrakech: $17
  • Marrakesh Tour Guide: living the vibe as a Local.: $17
  • Atlas Mountains Three Valley and Berber Villages & Watterffalls Day Tour: $17
  • Full Day Tour in Atlas Mountains From Marrakech : $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Marrakech $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Marrakech, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Marrakech much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Marrakech 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 Marrakech would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marrakech 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 Marrakech.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Marrakech Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Marrakech?

Marrakech has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Marrakech, 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.