Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Thessaloniki?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?
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.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesThessaloniki Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Thessaloniki $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Thessaloniki is $191. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Thessaloniki $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Thessaloniki $184
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Thessaloniki
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Thessaloniki $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Wadi Rum: Private Transfer to Aqaba through Hotel Pickup: $68
- Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $80
- Wadi Rum to Aqaba Port Private Transfer – Comfortable & Reliable: $80
- Wadi Araba Border Private Transfer To Petra: $105
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Wadi rum: $120
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $59
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $140
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki
Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Athens to/from Thessaloniki : Private Transfer: $1,006
- From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $493
- One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $28
- Private Airport Transfer Thessaloniki (SKG) to Halkidiki Hotels: $187
- Private Arrival Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport: $105
- Private Transfer - Thessaloniki Airport SKG to Thessaloniki Port: $43
- Private Transfer - Thessaloniki Port to Thessaloniki Airport SKG: $43
- Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Port to Thessaloniki hotels: $43
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $43
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Larissa with 2h Stop: $170
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Meteora with 2h Stop: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Thessaloniki?
Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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 $73Thessaloniki $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $53
- Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $53
- Sweet Taste Of Thessaloniki - Food Tour With A Local: $69
- Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $69
- Kavala Food Tour :Taste Local Delicacies with a guide: $76
- Guided Food Tour: $76
- Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $82
- Get a Taste of Thessaloniki - Food tour to local tastes: $88
- Thessaloniki Food Tour: A Feast of Local Delicacies: $89
- Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $92
- Cook Like a Greek Mama – Authentic Home Cooking: $92
- Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour With A Local: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Thessaloniki $30
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
- 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $84
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
- 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90
- 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.37
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $9.37
- Museum of Illusions Thessaloniki Ticket: $13
- Thessaloniki:Selfie Museum, a 60-minute immersive experience: $13
- Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $13
- Experience Ancient Greece: A Musical Journey: $18
- Ticket for Frida Kahlo Beyond the Icon Immersive Experience: $18
- Cretan Olive Oil Tasting Experience: $18
- Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $19
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $19
- City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
- E-ticket to Byzantine Culture Museum & Thessaloniki Audio Tour: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Thessaloniki $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki
Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Friday Night Pub Crawl in Thessaloniki, Greece: $25
- From Pella-Edessa-Naousa wine tasting: $76
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $89
- Wine Tasting & Farm tour in Thessaloniki: $94
- Ktima Gerovassiliou Wine Tour & Museum – Thessaloniki”: $104
- Kavala: Winery tour & Wine Tasting with food pairings in Kavala: $111
- Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $111
- Private Day Trip to Petralona Cave and Afytos with Wine Tasting: $140
- Alexander the Great and Northern Greece Wine Tour: $252
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Thessaloniki, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki is in Europe, 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Thessaloniki. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Thessaloniki. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?
Both Thessaloniki 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Thessaloniki in the Winter?
Both Thessaloniki 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.
In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Thessaloniki. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Thessaloniki in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Thessaloniki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Aqaba is much warmer than Thessaloniki in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Thessaloniki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.