Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Saint Thomas? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Saint Thomas $37
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
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
- Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
- Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $73Saint Thomas $94
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 Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Saint Thomas $60
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
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
- 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
- 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $45
- 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $202
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas than you might in Aqaba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Saint Thomas?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Saint Thomas. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Saint Thomas. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Saint Thomas receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Saint Thomas. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Aqaba is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Aqaba is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.