Which place is cheaper, Aqaba or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Aqaba $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Aqaba is $127. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Aqaba $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Aqaba $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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Aqaba $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Petra to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Petra to Ma'in Hot Springs Private Transfer: $140
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- 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 Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
- Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Aqaba to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $40
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $40
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
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Food Meals for one dayPetra $38Aqaba $42
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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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. : $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.
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Aqaba $54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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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:
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- 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
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Aqaba $9.07
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.
In July, Petra usually receives rain Aqaba. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba 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 Aqaba during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Aqaba receives 384 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Aqaba. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Aqaba fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Aqaba 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Petra or Aqaba in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Aqaba. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.
Petra usually gets more rain in October than Aqaba. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aqaba. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aqaba receives 295 hours of full sun.
Petra is around the same temperature as Aqaba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Aqaba fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Aqaba 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Petra or Aqaba in the Winter?
Both Aqaba and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Aqaba. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aqaba during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Aqaba receives 234 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Petra is around the same temperature as Aqaba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Aqaba averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Aqaba 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Petra or Aqaba in the Spring?
Both Aqaba and Petra during the spring 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 Aqaba year-round.
Petra usually gets more rain in April than Aqaba. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aqaba. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aqaba receives 282 hours of full sun.
In April, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Aqaba. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Aqaba fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Aqaba 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Aqaba and Petra
| Petra | Aqaba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
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.