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

Should you visit Aqaba or Riga?

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

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

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.

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.


Which place is cheaper, Riga 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 Riga 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 Riga in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Riga? 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 Riga


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 Riga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Riga $11

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
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $48
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $48
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $48
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $55
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $55
  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $59
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minibus: $123
  • Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $72
  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $161
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Pärnu City Tour: $680
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $494
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $448
  • Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
  • Private Transfer from Riga Cruise Port to Riga Airport (RIX): $59
  • Private Transfer from Riga International Airport RIX to Riga City: $38
  • Private Transfer from Riga to Baltics: $265
  • Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $135
  • Private transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga city by Car or Van: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Riga?

Prices for flights to both Riga 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
    Riga $65

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 Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    $6.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

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

  • Riga Central Market Food Tour with Guide & Tastings ENG, DE: $26
  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour with 20 taste samples: $52
  • Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $69
  • Latvian Cooking Class in a Local Home: $114
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $127
  • Riga Medieval Dinner: $128
  • Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $248

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Riga $16

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 Riga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:

  • Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $8.23
  • Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.22
  • Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $10
  • Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $12
  • Old Town E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $12
  • Old Town Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $12
  • Old Riga E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide, 45 min: $12
  • Old Riga Walking Tour: Stories and Legends ENG/DE/ESP: $12
  • Top Panorama Cruise With Bar,WiFi and audioguide: $13
  • Admission Ticket to Live Silver Museum: $13
  • Canal & River Electric Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Riga $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $29
  • Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
  • Brewery Tour with Beer and Riga Balsam Tasting: $32
  • Combo Brewery Tour + Canal Boat tour: $39
  • 2 in 1 - Old Town Walking Tour & Pub Crawl: $40
  • Private - Riga Pub Crawl: $40
  • Riga 2 in 1 Tour: Art Nouveau Tour & Pub Crawl: $45
  • Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
  • Game Night & Pub Crawl: $51
  • Authentic Latvian Brewery Beer Tasting & Riga Highlight Tour: $51
  • Pub Crawl for 50+ with Folk Clubs & Authentic Bars: $52
  • Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $52


When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Riga, 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 Riga is in Europe, 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 Riga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Riga?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Riga, 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 Riga?

Riga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Aqaba or Riga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is much warmer than Riga in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Riga fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Riga. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Riga 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Riga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Riga. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Riga averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Riga. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Riga 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Riga in the Winter?

Both Riga and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Riga fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Riga. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Riga -5°C (23°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Riga in the Spring?

Both Riga and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Aqaba is much warmer than Riga in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Riga fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Riga. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Riga 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Riga and Aqaba

Aqaba Riga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)