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

Should you visit Aqaba or Ouarzazate?

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

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

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.

Ouarzazate

Morocco can be quite an energetic country, but if you're looking for more of a quiet getaway, consider Ouarzazate. Small by Moroccan standards, this town is built up mostly around a main street – the Avenue Mohammad V. Ouarzazate. The name "Ouarzazate" comes from the Berber language meaning "without noise" or "without confusion." It was once a crossroad for a African traders traveling to northern cities in Morocco and Europe. Today, Ouarzazate is the largest town in the Moroccan Sahara, and its central location serves as a good home base touring the rest of Morocco.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Morocco, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Ouarzazate or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Ouarzazate is $55. 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 Ouarzazate in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Ouarzazate $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Ouarzazate $44
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Ouarzazate

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Ouarzazate? 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 Ouarzazate


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 Ouarzazate Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Ouarzazate $3.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
  • Exclusive, Comfort & Reliable Door-to-Door Transfer Petra ⇆ Aqaba: $115
  • From Transfer to Amman Hotels or Amman Airport: $113
  • Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
  • King Hussein Int Airport Transfers One Way to Aqaba: $25
  • Private Transfer Between Aqaba and the Dead Sea: $136
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Hotels: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ouarzazate

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ouarzazate are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ouarzazate

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ouarzazate:

  • Ouarzazate Airport: Private Transfer: $46
  • Ouarzazate to Marrakech Private Transfer: $115
  • Private Ouarzazate Airport Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfert Between Marrakech & Ouarzazate: $187
  • Private transfer from Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou (round Trip): $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Ouarzazate?

Prices for flights to both Ouarzazate 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 $73
    Ouarzazate $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.

  • Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $80
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $85
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
  • 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115

Typical Food Prices in Ouarzazate

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ouarzazate:


  • Dinner for Two
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ouarzazate

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ouarzazate.

  • Private Moroccan Cooking Classes in Ouarzazate: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Ouarzazate $11

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
  • Turgut camp with tour: $15
  • Sea Breeze 3 Hours Snorkeling or 2 Hours Sunset Cruise: $24
  • Aqaba Local Tour: $28
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Aqaba Local Food, Market & Culture Walking Tour: $30
  • Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Half-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum with Sandboarding & Sunset: $33
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35

Tours and Activities in Ouarzazate

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

  • 3-Day Group Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with Luxury Camp: $5.68
  • Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Tour and Boat Ride: $14
  • Ait-Ben-Haddou - City Tour: $23
  • Half Day Private Tour in Sidiflah Gorge: $24
  • 1 Hour Horse Riding Adventure in Ait Ben Haddou: $26
  • Private tour in the oasis of Skoura with pottery workshop: $28
  • guided tour of the Skoura palm grove by mountain bike: $34
  • Private Skoura Oasis Walking Tour and Homemade Meal with Locals: $35
  • Private tour of Skoura by ATV or E-bike Half-day with guide: $35
  • Private half-day mountain bike tour discover Palmeraie Skoura: $36
  • Ait Ben Haddou to Fint Oasis - Full-Day Quad Adventure: $36
  • Royal Private Tour of Ksar Ait Ben Haddou: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Ouarzazate -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Ouarzazate?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Ouarzazate. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Ouarzazate, 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.

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