Which place is cheaper, Pamukkale or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Pamukkale?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Pamukkale, 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 Pamukkale?
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.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Pamukkale $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Pamukkale is $156. 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 Pamukkale in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Pamukkale $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Pamukkale $112
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Pamukkale
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Pamukkale? 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 Pamukkale Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Pamukkale $35
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 Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $164
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
- Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
- Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $130
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Ma'in Hotel: $120
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Day Trip with Lunch and Transfers: $85
- Antalya; to Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $236
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $166
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $82
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $137
- Izmir Airport Private Transfer to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $361
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Pamukkale?
Prices for flights to both Pamukkale 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 $42Pamukkale $69
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Pamukkale $54
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
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
- 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 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 - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $38
- Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
- Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
- Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
- From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
- Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
- From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
- Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $68
- Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $81
- Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $82
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Pamukkale $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Pamukkale, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Pamukkale is in Europe, 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 Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Pamukkale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamukkale than you might in Aqaba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Pamukkale Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Pamukkale?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Pamukkale, 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 Pamukkale?
Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale in the Summer?
Both Pamukkale 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.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Pamukkale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Pamukkale averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Pamukkale. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamukkale receives 356 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Pamukkale. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Pamukkale 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Pamukkale in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Pamukkale. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.
In October, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Pamukkale. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Pamukkale fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Pamukkale during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Pamukkale receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Pamukkale. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Pamukkale 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Pamukkale in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Pamukkale. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Aqaba is much warmer than Pamukkale in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Pamukkale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Pamukkale. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamukkale receives 137 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Pamukkale. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Pamukkale 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Pamukkale in the Spring?
Both Pamukkale and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.
In the spring, Aqaba is a little warmer than Pamukkale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Pamukkale averages at about 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Pamukkale during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Pamukkale receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Pamukkale. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Pamukkale 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Pamukkale and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Pamukkale | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.