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

Should you visit Aqaba or Rio de Janeiro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

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.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.


Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Aqaba $157
    Rio de Janeiro $121

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $121. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Rio de Janeiro $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Rio de Janeiro

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro


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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Rio de Janeiro $8.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
  • From Transfer to Amman Hotels or Amman Airport: $113
  • Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
  • King Hussein Int Airport Transfers One Way to Aqaba: $25
  • Private Petra Day Trip from Aqaba Port with Return Transfer: $190
  • Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
  • Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $127
  • AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $127
  • Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer: $68
  • Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
  • Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $65
  • Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $89
  • Corcovado Train Guided Tour with Transfer: $114
  • Corcovado Train and Sugarloaf Mountain Guided Tour with Transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Rio de Janeiro?

Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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
    Rio de Janeiro $35

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 Rio de Janeiro

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:


  • Popcorn
    $0.59
  • Corn on the Cob
    $0.79
  • Hamburger
    $0.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
  • Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
  • Rio Roots Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
  • Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
  • Rio Historic Downtown and Lapa Street Food Tour Full Meal: $95
  • Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $101
  • Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
  • Roxy Dinner Show - Dinner & Show: $136
  • Guided Tour to the River Scenarium with Dinner: $165
  • Brazilian Cooking Class, Caipirinhas and Samba: $200
  • Brazilian Cooking Class in Copacabana: $205
  • Samba Show with Dinner Option: $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Rio de Janeiro $22

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 Rio de Janeiro

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

  • Ipanema Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.44
  • Salvador Pelourinho Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.94
  • Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.23
  • A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
  • Authentic Rocinha Favela Walking Experience with a Local Guide: $19
  • Self-Guided Tour of Rio's Journey from Colonialism to Democracy: $20
  • Football Tour at Maracanã Pre game with Caipirinha and Fans: $28
  • Rio de Janeiro Historical Center Walking Tour: $29
  • Walking tour in Rio de Janeiro Historical Center.: $30
  • Private Tour in Cosme Velho with Photographs: $30
  • Little Africa Walking Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Rio de Janeiro $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
  • Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $175


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Aqaba during the autumn 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 visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Aqaba is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Rio de Janeiro. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Aqaba

Aqaba Rio de Janeiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)