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

Should you visit Aqaba or Pokhara?

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

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

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.

Pokhara

Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Pokhara 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 Pokhara is $22. 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 Pokhara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Pokhara $3.43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Pokhara $6.86
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Pokhara

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Pokhara? 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 Pokhara


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 Pokhara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Pokhara $6.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
  • 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 Petra Day Trip from Aqaba Port with Return Transfer: $190
  • Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:

  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Pokhara to Chitwan: $66
  • From 4-Day Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $130
  • From Private Car Transfer To Chitwan: $59
  • Intercity transfer by private car all over Nepal: $54
  • Pokhara ↔️ Kathmandu: VIP Luxury Sofa Bus Transfer (Rainbow): $16
  • Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $295
  • Airport Transfer by Private Car: $11
  • Annapurna Foothills Day Hike with Transfers: $38
  • Kusma Swing Jumping Experience with Transfer: $150
  • One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Pokhara?

Prices for flights to both Pokhara 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
    Pokhara $12

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
  • Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $90
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109

Typical Food Prices in Pokhara

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $3.95
  • Dessert (for 2)
    $2.63
  • Pastries
    $1.32
  • Dinner
    $5.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara

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

  • Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
  • Nepalese Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
  • Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
  • MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
  • Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
  • 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
  • Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
  • 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
  • Pokhara Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path and Local Food Tour: $50
  • Nepali Cooking Class in Pokhara with a Local Family: $60
  • 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
  • Tour with Dinner to Trout Fish Farm - Bhujung River: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Pokhara $6.37

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
  • Join Us Before Sunset – Aqaba Walking Tour Let's Go!: $27
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
  • Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $32
  • Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • Camel Tours in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $37

Tours and Activities in Pokhara

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

  • Sarangkot Sunrise with Half or Full-Day City Tour: $7.47
  • From Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $7.84
  • Pokhara to Chitwan Tourist Bus Sofa seater: $9.00
  • Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas: Tour 3 hour private tour: $9.16
  • Quick Devi’s Water Fall Tour: $9.26
  • Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $9.52
  • Guided Evening Walking Tour in Lakeside: $9.52
  • Paragliding, Bungy Jump and Zipline Combo Adventure: $10
  • City Sightseeing Group Budget Bus Tour: $10
  • Pokhara Places of Interest Tour by Sharing Bus: $10
  • City Sightseeing Group Bus Tour: $10
  • Tourist Bus Pokhara to Kathmandu (Luxury Sofa Seat): $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Pokhara $5.75


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Pokhara?

Pokhara has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Pokhara, 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.