Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Queenstown?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Queenstown, 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Queenstown $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $123. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Queenstown $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Queenstown $104
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Queenstown $9.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- King Hussein Int Airport Transfers One Way to Aqaba: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Tala bay Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $33
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Tala Bay Hotels: $33
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Private Transfers from Aqaba Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $47
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $47
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $165
- One way transfer to Remarkable or Coronet Peak Ski Fields: $187
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $169
- QUEENSTOWN Best Private Airport Transfer:1 Way from/to Hotel: $51
- Queenstown Airport to Towncenter Transfer: $75
- Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer: $37
- Queenstown Private Airport Transfer: Door to Door Service: $28
- Queenstown private transfer: $76
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $121
- Queenstown to Wanaka Transfer: $218
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $901
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $1,016
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $73Queenstown $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $80
- "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $80
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $107
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola with Lunch or Dinner: $80
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $108
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $129
- Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $160
- Queenstown Dinner & Wine Experience (Adults Only) 3 Iconic Venues: $281
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Queenstown $20
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Aqaba Local Tour: $28
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Aqaba Local Food, Market & Culture Walking Tour: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Half-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum with Sandboarding & Sunset: $33
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- Wadi Rum 3 hours sunset Jeep 4x4 Tour: $35
- Wadi Rum 4 hours morning tour or sunset tour Desert Highlights: $36
- Wadi Rum 4-Hour Sunset Tour - Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$28
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Queenstown on Foot: An Audio Tour: $5.00
- Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour: $7.99
- Hidden Underwater Theatre Experience: $8.47
- Queenstown Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- Coronet Peak Snow Touch Experience from Queenstown: $11
- From the Green to the Grave: An Audio Tour of Queenstown: $12
- Escape Adventure: $20
- The Dreamery Interactive Sensory Journey Entry Ticket: $22
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $25
- Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour: $28
- Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket: $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Queenstown $8.41
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $17
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Marlborough Wine Tour: Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Guide: $23
- Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience: $26
- Queenstown NZ Wine Tour: Self-Guided Drive or Bike Audio Guide: $29
- Kinross Winery: Premium Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $43
- Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $70
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $73
- Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting: $95
- Queenstown's Original Premium Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $101
- Small Group Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting: $129
- Classic Wine Tour: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Queenstown, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Queenstown?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Queenstown, 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.
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.