A Travel Price Comparison for Jordan Petra vs. Amman for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Petra or Amman?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Amman can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Amman?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Jordan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Jordan.


Which place is cheaper, Amman or Petra?

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 Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Amman is $135. 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 Petra and Amman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Amman $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Amman $98
Compare Hotels in Petra and Amman

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Amman? 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 Petra


Hotels in Amman


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Amman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Amman $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
  • Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140
  • Private Transfer from Petra to Aqaba Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations By Minivan: $160
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
  • Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amman Queen Alia Airport: Bus Transfer from/to Amman North: $7.79
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel: $19
  • Amman Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $20
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman City: $21
  • Amman Airport Transfer Pickup/Drop-Off: $22
  • Airport Transfer To and From Amman: $23
  • Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations: $24
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer to Amman: $25
  • Amman Airport Luxury Private Transfer to Amman: $25
  • Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) to Amman hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Amman hotels to Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • From Amman :Private transfer to Airport, Dead Sea and Petra.: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Amman?

Prices for flights to both Amman and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Amman $58
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

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

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Amman by Night Tour with Local Dinner: $35
  • private cooking with local chef: $40
  • Private 2 Hour Cooking Class with the Locals in Amman: $50
  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Amman: $100
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $119
  • Half Day Cooking Class Experience with Amman Panoramic Tour: $127
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Amman $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:

  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • From Petra : Wadi Rum Private 8 - hours roundtrip tour .: $190
  • Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
  • Half-Day Private Indiana Jones Petra Back Road Trial Tour: $165
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Petra Highlights Guided Golf Cart Tour with Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Private 2-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $210
  • Private 3-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $270
  • Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Amman by Night Private Tour: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour: $20
  • Seven Sleepers Cave and King Abdullah Mosque Private Tour: $20
  • Amman Old and New Private City Tour: $20
  • Amman City Tour Included Shopping Time: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour with Local Mansaf Lunch: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour with Local Lunch: $20
  • Day or Night Walking Tour in Downtown With Local: $25
  • Madaba Mount Nebo and Ma'in Private Tour: $30
  • Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $30
  • Petra Madaba and Mount Nebo Private Guided Tour: $30
  • Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Ma'in Private Guided Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Amman $14


When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Amman, we can see that Petra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Middle East, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Amman Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Amman?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Amman, 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 Petra or Amman?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Petra or Amman in the Summer?

Both Amman and Petra during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round.

Petra usually gets less rain in July than Amman. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Amman receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the summer, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amman. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amman receives 364 hours of full sun.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Amman. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Amman fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Amman 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Petra or Amman in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Amman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Amman. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Amman receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amman during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Amman receives 274 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Petra is a little warmer than Amman in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Amman fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Amman 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Petra or Amman in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Petra as well as Amman. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Amman. Petra usually gets less rain in January than Amman. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amman receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Amman. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amman receives 184 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Amman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Amman averages at about 8°C (46°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Amman 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Petra or Amman in the Spring?

Both Amman and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Amman. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Amman receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Amman. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amman during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Amman receives 269 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Amman. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Amman fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Amman 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Amman and Petra

Petra Amman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)


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