Which place is cheaper, Beirut or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra or Beirut?
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 Beirut can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Beirut?
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.
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Beirut $2.26
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Beirut is $2.26. 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 Beirut in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Beirut $1.26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Beirut $2.52
Compare Hotels in Petra and Beirut
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Beirut? 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 Beirut Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Beirut $0.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Petra to Ma'in Hot Springs Private Transfer: $140
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Petra to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Beirut?
Prices for flights to both Beirut 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 $38Beirut $0.71
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 Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private Lebanese Home Cooking Class in Byblos with a Local Family: $86
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Beirut $0.26
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 Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Half-Day Private Tour to Jeita Grotto and Harissa: $35
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Downtown Beirut Walking Tour Including Lunch: $35
- Small Daily Tours in Beirut City: $40
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Beirut $0.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in The Bekaa Valley: $50
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Private Wine Tasting Tour: $65
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $80
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $100
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $102
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Beirut, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Beirut Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Beirut?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Beirut, 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 Beirut?
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 Beirut in the Summer?
Both Beirut 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 Beirut year-round.
Petra usually gets less rain in July than Beirut. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beirut receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Beirut, 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 Beirut. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beirut receives 369 hours of full sun.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Beirut. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Beirut fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Beirut 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Petra or Beirut in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Beirut. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Beirut. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Beirut receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Beirut during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Beirut receives 254 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Petra is around the same temperature as Beirut in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Beirut fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Beirut 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Petra or Beirut in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Petra as well as Beirut. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Beirut. Petra usually gets less rain in January than Beirut. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Beirut receives 130 mm (5.1 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 Beirut. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beirut receives 149 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Petra is a little warmer than Beirut. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Beirut averages at about 13°C (55°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Beirut 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Petra or Beirut in the Spring?
Both Beirut 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 Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Beirut. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Beirut receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Beirut. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Beirut during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Beirut receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Petra is generally a little warmer than Beirut. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Beirut fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Beirut 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Beirut and Petra
| Petra | Beirut | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.