Which place is cheaper, Ulaanbaatar 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 Ulaanbaatar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Ulaanbaatar, 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 Ulaanbaatar?
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.
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's capital city. It has a population of slightly over two million people, or about sixty percent of the country's entire population. You are likely to arrive in Ulaanbaatar either by train, coming from China or Russia, or by plane. Many people use Ulaanbaatar as a stop off while doing the Transsiberian Railway. The city is a great place to organize a tour of the surrounding countryside. It's also good city to relax, so make sure you allow yourself a few days to recover from your tour, enjoy some of the great food options, and see some of the fascinating cultural sights around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mongolia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mongolia.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesUlaanbaatar Prices
Mongolia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Ulaanbaatar $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Ulaanbaatar is $30. 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 Ulaanbaatar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Ulaanbaatar $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Ulaanbaatar $22
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Ulaanbaatar
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Ulaanbaatar? 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 Ulaanbaatar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Ulaanbaatar $2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
- Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Arrival Private Transfer: $70
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ulaanbaatar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ulaanbaatar:
- Airport - Ulaanbaatar transfer service: $40
- Airport Private Transfer: $75
- BEST 5* Chinggis Khaan Airport UBN Ulaanbaatar Transfer Taxi 24/7: $21
- Best Price :Terelj National Park Best Non-Guided Transfers: $36
- Chinggis Khaan Airport (UBN) Taxi Transfers to/from Ulaanbaatar: $20
- Private Transfer to Ulaanbaatar Airport UBN by private Vehicule: $52
- Transfer Service to Khustai National Park: $178
- Transfer service to Kharkhorin: $220
- Transfer service to Terelj national park: $51
- Airport Transfer Taxi Shuttle Pick Up: $23
- Chinggis Khaan Airport (UBN) Taxi Transfer 24/7: $21
- ULN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Ulaanbaatar?
Prices for flights to both Ulaanbaatar 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 $73Ulaanbaatar $15
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 Ulaanbaatar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ulaanbaatar.
- Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs: $229
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Ulaanbaatar $4.25
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Wadi Rum Full day Jeep Tour with Stay in Bedouin Camp Overnight: $12
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Aqaba Walk Tour: History, Culture & Local Flavors: $27
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
Tours and Activities in Ulaanbaatar
Here are a few actual costs in Ulaanbaatar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Terelj National Park Via Genghis Khan Statue Full Day Tour: $35
- Gobi Cashmere Flagship Store Shopping Tour: $35
- Terelj national park transport /Best price tour: $36
- Private custom walking tour with a local guide: $40
- Genghis Khan Tour – Mongolia’s #1 Daily Escape: $50
- Genghis Khan Tour – Mongolia’s #1 Daily Escape: $50
- Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Sain Nomun Monastery Tour: $50
- Mongolian Traditional Music and Dance Performance Ticket: $50
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $52
- From UB: Day Tour to Chinggis khaan statue and Terelj NP.: $58
- Chinggis Khaan Statue and Turtle Rock Day Tour: $59
- From UB:Chinggis Khan Statue&Turtle Rock&Aryapala temple Day Tour: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Ulaanbaatar $3.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Ulaanbaatar, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Ulaanbaatar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Ulaanbaatar 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 Ulaanbaatar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ulaanbaatar 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 Ulaanbaatar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Ulaanbaatar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Ulaanbaatar?
Ulaanbaatar has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Ulaanbaatar, 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.
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.