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

Should you visit Aqaba or Sendai?

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

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

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.

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai 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 Sendai is $105. 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 Sendai in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Sendai? 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 Sendai


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 Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Sendai $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Transfers from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba city: $50
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $59
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
  • Private Transfers from Wadi Rum: Dead Sea, Petra, Amman, Aqaba & vice versa: $107
  • Private Transfers Aqaba to Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman & vice versa: $47
  • Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai 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
    Sendai $33

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Sendai $18

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
  • Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
  • 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
  • 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
  • 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $71
  • Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Sendai $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Sendai, 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 Sendai?

Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Sendai. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Sendai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Aqaba during the winter 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 Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Aqaba is much warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Sendai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Sendai and Aqaba

Aqaba Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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