Which place is cheaper, Nara or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Nara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Nara, 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Nara $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Nara 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Nara? 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 Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Nara $5.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $40
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $42Nara $28
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
- 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
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Nara $7.81
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $40
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Nara $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Nara, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Nara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Nara 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 Nara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nara 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 Nara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Nara?
Nara has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Nara, 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 Nara?
Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Nara. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Nara. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Nara. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nara. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nara in the winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Nara. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Aqaba during the spring 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 travelers come to Nara for the natural beauty.
Aqaba is much warmer than Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Nara. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.