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

Should you visit Aqaba or Tel Aviv?

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

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

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.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, and The Best Budget Tours to Israel.


Which place is cheaper, Tel Aviv or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Tel Aviv is $192. 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 Tel Aviv in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Tel Aviv $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Tel Aviv $208
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Tel Aviv

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Tel Aviv? 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 Tel Aviv


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 Tel Aviv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Tel Aviv $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
  • Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum: $85
  • Exclusive, Comfort & Reliable Door-to-Door Transfer Petra ⇆ Aqaba: $115
  • From Transfer to Amman Hotels or Amman Airport: $113
  • Private Petra Day Trip from Aqaba Port with Return Transfer: $190
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Hotels: $27
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Dead Sea Hotels: $160

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:


  • Local Bus to Central Bus Station
    $1.90
  • Taxi to Airport
    $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • Comfortable Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport: $180
  • Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
  • Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $249
  • Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $183
  • Private Airport Transfer - Dead Sea Hotels from or to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport: $160
  • Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
  • Private Ben Gurion Airport Transfer To/From TelAviv: $67
  • Private Departure Transfer: From Tel Aviv City Center to Ben Gurion Airport: $48
  • Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $210
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Int Airport (TLV) to Ashdod Port: $150
  • Private Transfer: From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: $107
  • Private Transfer: Jerusalem Hotels ↔ Ben Gurion Airport: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Tel Aviv?

Prices for flights to both Tel Aviv 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 $73
    Tel Aviv $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.

  • Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $80
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $80
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $106
  • Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $243

Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:


  • Dinner for Two
    $27
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    $157
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $41
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $4.51
  • Lunch at the airport
    $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.

  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $45
  • Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
  • Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $75
  • Levinsky Market Food Tour: $145
  • Food Tour of Sarona Market and Azraeli Center: $165
  • Try Your Hand At Israeli Home Cooking: $176
  • Christmas Eve Tour Jerusalem and Bethlehem Dinner from Tel Aviv: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Tel Aviv $27

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sea Breeze 3 Hours Snorkeling or 2 Hours Sunset Cruise: $24
  • Aqaba Local Tour: $28
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
  • Aqaba Local Food, Market & Culture Walking Tour: $30
  • Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
  • Half-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum with Sandboarding & Sunset: $33
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • Wadi Rum 3 hours sunset Jeep 4x4 Tour: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Masada tour from Tel Aviv
    $95
  • Etzel museum
    $4.83

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Trail of Independence Quest Experience: $6.78
  • A Self-Guided Jaffa Tour: The Story of its American-German Colony: $7.99
  • Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port, the Flea Market & More: $35
  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour (Graffiti): $35
  • Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port & the Flea Market: $39
  • Tel Aviv Carmel Market & City Walking Tour: $49
  • Carmel Market & Tel Aviv Tour with Tastings: $49
  • Jaffa Half-Day Walking Tour: $49
  • Jerusalem Old City Morning Tour: $49
  • Jaffa: Old City, Port & Shuk Hapishpishim Walking Tour: $50
  • Jaffa Sunset Skyline Walking Tour: $50
  • Carmel Market & Neighborhood Guided Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Tel Aviv $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $27
  • Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $29
  • Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $30
  • Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Tel Aviv, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Tel Aviv?

Tel Aviv has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Tel Aviv, 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.