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

Should you visit Aqaba or Nikko?

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

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

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.

Nikko

Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.

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 Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Nikko? 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 Nikko


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 Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Nikko -

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
  • Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
  • Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
  • Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
  • Wadi Araba Border (Eilat) Private Transfer To Petra: $135
  • Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $133
  • Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $130
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko

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

  • Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
  • Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
    Nikko $31

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
    Nikko $21

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
  • Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
  • 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
  • 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
  • 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 (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $28
  • 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
  • 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $48

Tours and Activities in Nikko

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.

  • Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
  • Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
  • Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
  • Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
  • Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Nikko?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Aqaba is much warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Nikko. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Nikko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Nikko. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Aqaba is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Nikko. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Nikko. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Nikko and Aqaba

Aqaba Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)


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