Which place is cheaper, Phuket or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Phuket?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Phuket, 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 Phuket?
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.
Phuket
Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Phuket $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $105. 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 Phuket in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Phuket $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Phuket $112
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Phuket
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Phuket? 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 Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Phuket $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $48
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra, Jordan: $105
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $60
- Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Aqaba Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.18
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $70
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $139
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $116
- Airport Private Departure Transfers from Phuket: $45
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $37
- Arrival Transfer Phuket Airport HKT to Talang, Kathu or Muang: $21
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $37
- Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $93
- Departure Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport (Private): $17
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $108
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $149
- From Krabi: Phuket Transfer with Phi Phi Longtail Boat Tour: $362
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Phuket?
Prices for flights to both Phuket 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 $42Phuket $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
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.88
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Thai Noodles$2.45
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Bananas$0.68
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Pizza (for Two)$8.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
- Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
- Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Phuket $42
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$25
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
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Thai Oil Massage$17
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Surfboard Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Botanic Garden Admission Ticket: $3.01
- The Selfie Experience Phuket Admission Ticket: $4.14
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Phuket to Phi Phi Tonsai Ferry by Royal Jet Cruiser with Pickup Service: $13
- Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Trickeye Museum Day Admission Ticket: $15
- Baan Teelanka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $16
- Original Discovery Tour: $17
- Old Phuket Farm Ticket - Countryside Local Life Culture: $18
- Child Ticket age 6 - 12 years old (Tourist): $18
- Simon Cabaret Show Phuket (Ticket Only): $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Phuket $6.35
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$5.46
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Beer$2.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
- Pub Crawl Tour: $25
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $77
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Phuket, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Phuket 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 Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Phuket.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Phuket Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Phuket?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Phuket, 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 Phuket?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Phuket in the Summer?
Both Phuket and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Phuket. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Phuket. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Phuket during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Phuket in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Phuket in the Autumn?
Both Phuket and Aqaba during the autumn 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 Phuket year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Phuket. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Phuket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Phuket averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Phuket 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Phuket in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Phuket. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Phuket is the dry season. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Phuket. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives less sunshine than Phuket during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Phuket. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Phuket in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Phuket. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Phuket. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Phuket. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 249 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is cooler than Phuket in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Phuket fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Phuket 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Phuket and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Phuket | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.