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

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Should you visit Petra or Aqaba?

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 Aqaba can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Aqaba?

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.

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.

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, Aqaba 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 Aqaba is $157. 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 Aqaba in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Aqaba? 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 Aqaba


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 Aqaba Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
  • Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
  • Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
  • Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Petra to Aqaba Cruise Port : $200
  • Private Transfers Petra to Dead Sea, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum & vice versa: $140
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
  • transfer Petra to Wadi Rum : $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba : $35
  • Private Transfers Aqaba to Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman & vice versa: $47
  • Small Group Unesco Wadi Rum Jeep Tour w/ Transfer + Optional Stay: $47
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
  • Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
  • Private Beach, Pools, Snorkeling & Boat Trip,Transfer: $66
  • Aqaba:Water Park Entry Ticket with Meal & transfer for 1 way: $66
  • Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Aqaba?

Prices for flights to both Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
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.

  • Dinner with a local family in Petra , hotel transfers included .: $45
  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300

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
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $68
  • Wadi Rum 4-Hour Sunset Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $77
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $97
  • 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
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $229
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Aqaba $54
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
    $70

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
  • Private 2 hour horse riding tour: Petra High Place of Sacrifice: $100
  • Wadi Rum Private Guided Tour: $105
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
  • Private Horse Riding Tour in Petra-tomb Haroun Trial : $190

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Turgut camp with tour: $15
  • Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
  • Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
  • Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
  • Wadi Rum 4-Hour Sunset Tour - Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $40
  • 4 Hour Jeep Tour (morning or sunset) - Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $42
  • Wadi Rum Desert: 4 Hour Private Jeep Tour : $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Aqaba $9.06

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Aqaba, we can see that Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Aqaba?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Aqaba, 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 Aqaba?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Petra or Aqaba in the Summer?

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


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