Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra or Beijing?
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 Beijing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Petra and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Beijing? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Beijing $7.63
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 South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.71
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Train from Airport for Two$6.90
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Taxi to Hotel$8.28
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Museum of the Communist Party of China Transfer Optional: $10
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $17
- Beijing Daxing International Airport shuttle bus transfer service: $20
- Beijing Airport Transfer: $21
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Train Stations: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Train Stations to Hotel: $22
- Beijing Railway Station Departure Transfer: Hotel/Apartment to Railway Station: $23
- Private Airport Pick Up or Drop Off Transfer: $26
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
- Private One Way Transfer Services from Train Stations in Beijing to Your Hotels : $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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 $38Beijing $21
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
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.93
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Beijing $24
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
- Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Hutongs Free Walking Tour : $5.00
- Summer Palace Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Temple of Heaven Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Temple of Heaven Ticket: $7.90
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $162
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Beijing, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra than you might in Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Petra or Beijing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Beijing in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Beijing. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Petra or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Beijing. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Petra is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Beijing. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Petra or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In January, Petra is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Beijing. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Petra or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Petra is much warmer than Beijing in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Petra
| Petra | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 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.