Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Xi'an $94
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 personAqaba $59Xi'an $60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Xi'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.
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 $24Xi'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
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Aqaba Airport AQJ Private Transfer to Multi Destinations: $65
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $162
- 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: $33
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Petra-Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
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): $100
- 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $231
- 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
- Mt. Hua Entrance Ticket w/ Shuttle Bus&Cable Car&Private Transfer: $224
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
- One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
- Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Airport to Hotel up to 40 pax: $300
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 dayAqaba $42Xi'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): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $63
- 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
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
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
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner: $51
- Xi'an Authentic Food Tour with Local Beverages: $54
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Xi'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
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
- 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Half day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum incl. water and Bedouin tea: $40
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $18
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking: $28
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
- Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
- 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 City Walking Tour: $46
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Xi'an $7.24
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and 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 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.