A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Petra vs. Ise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Petra or Ise?

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

Where Should I go: Petra or Ise?

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.

Ise

A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Ise or Petra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Ise is $89. 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 Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Ise $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Ise $84
Compare Hotels in Petra and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Ise? 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 Ise


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 Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Ise $43

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise 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 $38
    Ise $24
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. : $45
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Ise $5.83
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:

  • 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

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Ise $4.52


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Ise, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Ise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Ise 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 Ise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ise 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 Ise.

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Ise?

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

Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Ise. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Petra or Ise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Ise. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the shopping scene during these months.

Petra is much warmer than Ise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Ise. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Petra or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise 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 Ise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ise can be very cold. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Ise averages at about 5°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Ise during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Petra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ise. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Petra or Ise in the Spring?

Both Ise 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. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Ise. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Petra

Petra Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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