Which place is cheaper, Quepos 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 Quepos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Quepos, 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 Quepos?
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.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesQuepos Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Quepos $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $139. 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 Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Quepos $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Quepos? 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 Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Quepos $9.55
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: $80
- Wadi Rum to Aqaba Border Private Transfer – Hassle-Free Travel: $100
- 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: $51
- Private Transfers from Wadi Rum Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $129
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Petra City Hotels: $93
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos 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 $73Quepos $51
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
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$15
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Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
- Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Quepos $17
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
- 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": $317
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
- 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
- 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $45
- 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $202
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $25
- Quepos Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $26
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $27
- Manuel Antonio Park: Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $27
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $29
- Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour : $29
- Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park: $29
- Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park guided Tour: $30
- Manuel Antonio with Mauro / Tickets not Included! : $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Guided Tour with Beach Time: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Quepos $15
When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Quepos, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Aqaba is in Middle East and Quepos is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Quepos?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Quepos, 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 Quepos?
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 Quepos in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Quepos. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Quepos. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Quepos. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Quepos in the Autumn?
Both Quepos and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Quepos is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos. It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Quepos. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Quepos in the Winter?
Both Quepos and Aqaba during the winter 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 Quepos year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Quepos. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Quepos in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Quepos. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Quepos. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Aqaba is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.