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

Should you visit Aqaba or Xi'an?

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

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

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.

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

Which place is cheaper, Xi'an 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 Xi'an is $94. 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 Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Xi'an $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Xi'an? 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 Xian


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Xi'an $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $48
  • Aqaba Airport AQJ Transfer to Multi Destinations: $65
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To NEOM, Saudi Arabia : $370
  • Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
  • Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Aqaba - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
  • Aqaba King Hussein Airport to Petra Round-Trip Private Transfer: $104
  • Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
  • 1-Day Xi'an Layover Tour: Terracotta Army with Round Airport transfers(XIY): $191
  • 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $231
  • 24/7 Private Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Hotel: $23
  • 3-Day Xi'an Private Tour including Mt Huashan and Airport Transfer: $454
  • 4-Hour Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfer Option: $124
  • Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
  • Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $194
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
  • One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
  • One way Xi'an airport to hotel transfer : $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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
    Xi'an $12

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): $45
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour (Overnight & Dinner) in Bedouin Camp: $85
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $86
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
  • 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $175
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
  • Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner from Aqaba: $306

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
  • Xian Muslim Quarter: 2-Hour Small Group Walking Food Tour : $36
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner with Private Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
  • Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $50
  • Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
  • Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
  • Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner: $51
  • Xi'an Authentic Food Tour with Local Beverages: $54
  • Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: $55
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Xi'an $35

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
  • Turgut camp with tour: $15
  • Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $22
  • Aqaba Local Tour : $28
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Aqaba walking and food tasting tour: $30
  • 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $35
  • 02 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum : $37

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

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

  • Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
  • Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $30
  • Xi'an Religions Tour: $41
  • Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
  • Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46
  • Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
  • Xi'an Walking Tour: $46
  • 3-Hour City Wall Park Walking and Foodie Experience at Yongxingfang: $51
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum Ticket with Professional English-speaking tour guide: $51
  • Skip the Line: Xian Dumplings Banquet and Tang Dynasty Show Ticket: $54
  • Xi'an Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 2-hour Small Group Walking Tour: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.08
    Xi'an $7.23


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

Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Xi'an?

Xi'an is bigger, and its population is about 33.9 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the population of Aqaba vs. Xi'an, 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 and the activities 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.
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