Which place is cheaper, Pattaya or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Pattaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?
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.
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Pattaya $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Pattaya is $66. 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 Pattaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Pattaya $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Pattaya $48
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Pattaya
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Pattaya? 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 Pattaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Pattaya $12
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: $163
- 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 Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Big Bee farm Pattaya ( Entry & Return Transfers): $11
- Private Hotel in Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport Transfer: $37
- Admission Ticket to Underwater World Pattaya with Return Transfer: $37
- Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Pattaya Hotel Transfer: $95
- Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $142
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya Transfer: $39
- Bus transfer between Pattaya and Bangkok: $3.69
- DMK Airport to Pattaya Hotel Transfer (Private): $68
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Rayong/Koh Samed Hotel to Bangkok Airport: $97
- Flower Land Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $59
- Frost Magical Ice Of Siam at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $24
- Frost Magical Ice Of Siam at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Pattaya?
Prices for flights to both Pattaya 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 $42Pattaya $22
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 Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Pattaya $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
- 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
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Floating Market Entry Ticket: $3.18
- Pattaya sheep Farm Entrance Tickets: $3.60
- FlowerLand Pattaya Admission Ticket (Optional Activities): $4.97
- Fairy Sweet Village Pattaya Entry ticket: $5.41
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
- Mini Siam Entry Ticket: $6.62
- Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $7.18
- Pattaya : Coral Island Tour by Speedboat with Indian Lunch & Pick Up from Hotel: $7.59
- Half-day Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch from Pattaya: $7.73
- Pattaya Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $9.44
- Mini Siam Miniature World at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $9.44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Pattaya $8.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Pattaya, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Pattaya 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 Pattaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pattaya 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 Pattaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Pattaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Pattaya?
Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Aqaba or Pattaya in the Summer?
Both Pattaya 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Pattaya. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Pattaya. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Pattaya in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Pattaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Pattaya 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Pattaya in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Pattaya during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Pattaya averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Pattaya 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Pattaya in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Pattaya. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Pattaya. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets less sunshine than Pattaya. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Pattaya 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Pattaya in the Spring?
Both Pattaya and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Pattaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.
Aqaba is cooler than Pattaya in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Pattaya fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Pattaya 30°C (86°F)
Typical Weather for Pattaya and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Pattaya | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 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.