Which place is cheaper, Sapa or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Sapa, 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.
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.
Sapa is a beautiful town in the northern mountains of Vietnam by the border with China. Many travelers pass through the area on their way from China into Hanoi. Alternatively, some travelers head north from Hanoi to spend a few days in the beautiful mountains where tribal cultures are still alive and well. There are a good number of ethnic minorities that populate the area. The eight populations in the area include H'mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa, and Xa Pho, but the vast majority in the area are H'mong. Within the town of Sapa itself, there are about 7,000 people. The rest of the population lives in the surrounding countryside and are peasant farmers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam.
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 Sapa is $36. 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 Sapa in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Sapa? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Sapa are as follows:
Prices for flights to both Sapa 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Sapa:
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Sapa, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Sapa are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Sapa, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Sapa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Sapa 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 Sapa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapa 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 Sapa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Sapa Expensive?.
Sapa has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Sapa, 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.