Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Tanah Rata $151
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $151. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Tanah Rata $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Tanah Rata $148
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Tanah Rata $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $123
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra : $90
- Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $169
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Aqaba - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra, Jordan: $105
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum, Jordan: $60
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Aqaba to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- From Amman or Amman Airport : Private transfer to Aqaba city: $106
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $150
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $123
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $42Tanah Rata $49
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
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $74
- Wadi Rum 4-Hour Sunset Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $83
- 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 & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $105
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.23
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Dessert$0.69
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Lunch$4.39
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Afternoon tea$4.27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Tanah Rata $38
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
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $23
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $27
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 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: $40
- Half day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum incl. water and Bedouin tea: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.23
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$23
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Tanah Rata $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata 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 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Tanah Rata?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata in the Summer?
Both Tanah Rata and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Tanah Rata. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata and Aqaba during the autumn 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 Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Tanah Rata. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Aqaba is much colder than Tanah Rata in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Tanah Rata. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Tanah Rata. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Aqaba is cooler than Tanah Rata. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.