Which place is cheaper, Marrakech 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 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.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesMarrakech Prices
Morocco Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Marrakech $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Marrakech is $86. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Marrakech $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Marrakech $88
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Marrakech $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $80
- Wadi Rum to Petra Private Transfer: $80
- Wadi Rum to Aqaba Port Private Transfer: $80
- Wadi Araba Border Private Transfer To Petra: $105
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $153
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $140
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $155
- Sheikh Hussein Crossing Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $250
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech
Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ESSAOUIRA Day Trip from Marrakech with Transfers: $31
- Hammam and Massage Experience with Transfers: $81
- Transfer Marrakech airport pick-up & drop-off: $7.45
- Transfer Marrakech to Agadir & Marrakech to Agadir One way: $174
- VIP transfer from Marrakech to or from Agadir city one-way: $162
- private transfer : Marrakech from or to Oualidia Beach & hôtels: $81
- private transfer to or from Marrakech and Taroudant one trip: $104
- transfer Marrakech from/to Essaouira one way trip .: $174
- "Marrakech to El Jadida: Private Transfer for Your Comfort": $116
- "Marrakech to Essaouira: Private Transfer for Your Comfort": $81
- "Marrakech to Fes: Your Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $260
- "Marrakech to Rabat: Enjoy a Private Transfer with Ease": $130
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
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Food Meals for one dayAqaba $73Marrakech $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $81
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $108
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orange Juice on the Square$0.32
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Breakfast$1.26
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Dates$0.63
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Olives$0.95
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Sandwich$1.36
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Souvenir Spices$6.52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Agafay Desert Sunset & Romantic Dinner with Transfers - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Chez Ali Fantasia Folklore Show With Oriental Dinner – Marrakesh: $5.00
- Full-Day Essaouira City Tour, Cooking Class & Lunch - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Amazing Sunset in Agafay Desert with Camels & Dinner - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Chez Ali & Fantasia Folklore Show with Moroccan Dinner -Marrakesh: $5.00
- Delight Moroccan Cooking Class in Essaouira with Lunch- Marrakesh: $5.00
- Moroccan Journey, Cooking Class learn & lunch - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Chez Ali Fantasia folklore Show & Oriental Dinner - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Agafay Desert Sunset & Romantic Dinner with Transfer – Marrakesh: $5.00
- Agafay Camel Ride & Romantic Dinner with Transfer - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Agafay Desert Sunset & Romantic Dinner with Transfer – Marrakech: $5.00
- Quad bike in Agafay desert with Camel, Dinner & Show - Marrakesh: $5.79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Marrakech $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
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Wadi Rum Day Tour & Starlight Cave & Traditions Food: $174
- "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $63
- 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
- 1 Day Camel tour with lunch: $75
- 12 Hour Overnight Wadi Rum 4x4 Tour: $110
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Palace Tickets$2.10
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Golf at Atlas Golf$59
Tours and Activities in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Marrakech Medina Self-Guided Walking Tour Experience: $1.10
- Explore Atlas Mountain River With Hiking Adventure - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Agafay Desert ATV Adventure, Show & Sunset Camel Ride – Marrakesh: $5.00
- Majorelle Garden & Koutoubia Day Tour by Horse Carriage-Marrakech: $5.00
- Private City Tour Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef & Medina - Marrakech: $5.00
- Jet Ski Riding 15 Minutes of Aqua Adventure - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Bahia Palace Ben Youssef & Medina Private Guided Tour - Marrakesh: $5.00
- ATV Quad Adventure and Camel Ride at Palmeraie Desert - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Private City Tour To Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef, Medina -Marrakesh: $5.00
- City Tour To Jardin Majorelle & Koutoubia By Horse - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Hot Air Balloon Adventure With Berber Breakfast - Marrakesh: $5.00
- Atlas Mountains Tour and Hidden Berber Villages from Marrakesh: $5.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Marrakech $9.96
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.
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.