Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Rabat, 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 Rabat?
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.
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Rabat $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $43. 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 Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Rabat? 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 Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Rabat $2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $164
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
- Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
- Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $130
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Ma'in Hotel: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale$3.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $110
- From Rabat : Private Transfer to Fes via Meknes & volubilis : $154
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $88
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $110
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 $42Rabat $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
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Rabat $2.83
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
- Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
- 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
- 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $40
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Rabat -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Rabat, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Rabat is in Africa, 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 Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Rabat.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Rabat, 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 Rabat?
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 Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Aqaba during the summer 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 Rabat year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Rabat. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Rabat in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Rabat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Rabat. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Aqaba is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Rabat. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 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 winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
In January, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Rabat in the Spring?
Both Rabat and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Rabat. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Rabat during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Aqaba is much warmer than Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (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.