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.
Jump to 
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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
-
Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Rio de Janeiro $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $122. 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 personAqaba $59Rio de Janeiro $67
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Rio 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.
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 $24Rio de Janeiro $8.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
- Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $62
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- 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
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$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $111
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro: $122
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Armored Car Airport Transfer Service: $190
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $67
- Arrival Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port to Zona Sul: $64
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $135
- 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
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 dayAqaba $73Rio de Janeiro $35
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 Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $110
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
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$0.60
-
Corn on the Cob$0.79
-
Hamburger$0.99
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.
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- Rio Food Tour: Local Favorites, Hidden Gems & Brazilian Flavors: $96
- Folklore show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $97
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $103
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
- Rio de Janeiro : Official Roxy Dinner Show - Dinner + Show: $129
- Brazilian Cooking Class in Copacabana with Hotel Pickup: $140
- 3-Hour Brazilian Cooking Class in Rio de Janeiro: $195
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Rio 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
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Aqaba Walk Tour: History, Culture & Local Flavors: $27
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $34
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Wadi Rum Whole Day Jeep Tour with Traditional Bedouin Lunch: $35
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.40
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.27
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Self-Guided Tour of Rio's Journey from Colonialism to Democracy: $20
- Authentic Rocinha Favela Walking Experience with a Local Guide: $20
- Private guided tour in Rio de Janeiro: $20
- Skip the Line Maracana Stadium Entrance Ticket: $23
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Rio 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
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $38
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
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 JanuaryAqaba 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 AprilAqaba 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 JulyAqaba 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 OctoberAqaba 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) |
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.