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

Should you visit Aqaba or Matsue?

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

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

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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 Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Matsue $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Matsue? 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 Matsue


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 Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Matsue $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
  • Aqaba Airport AQJ Private Transfer to Multi Destinations: $65
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
  • 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: $163
  • Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
  • Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
    Matsue $27

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: $64
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Matsue $8.81

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $22
  • Aqaba Local Tour : $28
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $28
  • 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
  • Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
  • Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
  • Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38

Tours and Activities in Matsue

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

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Matsue $6.85


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Matsue?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue 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 travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Matsue in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Matsue. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Matsue. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Matsue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue 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, many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Matsue averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Matsue 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Matsue in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Matsue can be very cold during winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Matsue. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Matsue 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Matsue. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.

Aqaba is much warmer than Matsue in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Matsue. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Matsue 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Matsue and Aqaba

Aqaba Matsue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)


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