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

Should you visit Aqaba or Sado?

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

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

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.

Sado

Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.

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


Which place is cheaper, Sado or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Sado is $62. 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 Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Sado $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Sado $60
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Sado? 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 Sado


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 Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Sado $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
  • Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
  • Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Aqaba to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $40
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport AQJ: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado 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 $42
    Sado $23

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
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Sado $8.43

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $22
  • Aqaba Local Tour : $28
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $28
  • 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
  • Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
  • Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
  • Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Sado $66


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

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



When is the best time to visit Aqaba or Sado?

Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?

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

Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Sado during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Sado. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Sado 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Sado in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Sado. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Aqaba is much warmer than Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Sado. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Sado 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado 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 Sado this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sado in the winter. In the winter, Aqaba is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Sado. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Sado 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado 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.

In April, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Sado. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Sado. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Sado 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sado and Aqaba

Aqaba Sado
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 3°C (37°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (41°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 10°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)


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