Should I Visit Aqaba or Pondicherry for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Aqaba or Pondicherry?

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

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

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.

Pondicherry

Located on the eastern coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry has a long and interesting history of trade and war as the largest French colony in India. Today the French influence in the city remains, especially in the old quarters. This being said, Pondicherry very much embodies and east-meets-west culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, and The Best 2-Week Tours in India.

Which place is cheaper, Pondicherry or Aqaba?

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

Aqaba Prices
Jordan Prices

Pondicherry Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Aqaba $157

Pondicherry $40

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Pondicherry is $40. 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 Pondicherry in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Aqaba $59

Pondicherry $15
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Aqaba $118

Pondicherry $30

Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Pondicherry

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Pondicherry? 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 Pondicherry Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Aqaba $24

Pondicherry $5.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $75
Wadi Rum to Aqaba Port Private Transfer: $80
Wadi Araba Border Private Transfer To Petra: $105
Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Wadi rum: $120
Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $155
Small Group Unesco Wadi Rum Jeep Tour w/ Transfer + Optional Stay: $47
Sheikh Hussein Crossing Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $250
Private Transfers from Wadi Rum: Dead Sea, Petra, Amman, Aqaba & vice versa: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Pondicherry?

Prices for flights to both Pondicherry 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

Pondicherry $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $68
Wadi Rum 4-Hour Sunset Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $77
Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $97
Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $229
Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pondicherry

For Pondicherry, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Indian Cooking Class in Pondicherry: $28
French-Creole Cooking Class in Pondicherry with a Local Family: $78
South Indian Dinner With A Local Family In Pondicherry: $141
Cooking class in Pondicherry (with Lunch or Dinner): $268

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Aqaba $54

Pondicherry $11

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
"Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $330
1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
12 Hour Overnight Wadi Rum 4x4 Tour: $110
2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $75
2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
3 Days Customizable Tour From Amman Petra,Wadi Rum,Dead Sea,: $403
3 Days Wadi Rum Jebel Burdah Tour: $241
3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35

Tours and Activities in Pondicherry

For Pondicherry, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour : $13
Spiritual Walk Tour Pondicherry: $13
Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking Tours): $13
Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour of Pondicherry : $14
The Unique Pondicherry City Bike Tour : $21
Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments: $47
The Best of A Private Sightseeing Tour: $47
Pondicherry Historical and Spiritual Guided Tour: $67
Sri Arunachaleswara Temple Tour From Pondicherry: $77
Private Custom Tour: Pondicherry Sightseeing with Guide: $81
Private Day Tour from Pondicherry to Tranquebar Treasures: $84
Full Day Guided Tour of Pondicherry with lunch and hotel pickup: $95

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Aqaba $9.06

Pondicherry $6.69

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Pondicherry?

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

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

Should you visit Aqaba or Pondicherry?

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

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Pondicherry?

Aqaba

Pondicherry

Which place is cheaper, Pondicherry or Aqaba?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Pondicherry

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Pondicherry?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pondicherry

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Tours and Activities in Pondicherry

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Pondicherry?

Related Articles for Aqaba

Related Articles for Pondicherry

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

Should you visit Aqaba or Pondicherry?

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

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Pondicherry?

Aqaba

Pondicherry

Which place is cheaper, Pondicherry or Aqaba?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Pondicherry

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Pondicherry?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pondicherry

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Tours and Activities in Pondicherry

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Pondicherry?

Related Articles for Aqaba

Related Articles for Pondicherry

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