Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Sandakan $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Sandakan $33
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
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $40
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $42Sandakan $19
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
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Sandakan $7.19
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $40
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Sandakan $6.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Sandakan, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Sandakan 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 Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Sandakan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Sandakan in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Sandakan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Sandakan. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Sandakan. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Sandakan in the Winter?
Both Sandakan and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Sandakan in the Spring?
Both Sandakan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Sandakan. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Sandakan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is cooler than Sandakan in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.