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

Should you visit Petra or Krabi?

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

Where Should I go: Petra or Krabi?

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.

Krabi

Thailand is covered in beaches, but if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to Krabi, also known as "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi. Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Krabi 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 Krabi is $55. 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 Krabi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Krabi $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Krabi $72
Compare Hotels in Petra and Krabi

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Krabi? 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 Krabi


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 Krabi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Krabi $3.80

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 Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
  • Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
  • Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
  • Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
  • Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.18
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $2.73
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.18
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $5.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Don Island: $13
  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $13
  • Private Airport Transfers for Krabi & More: $15
  • Krabi International Airport Departure Shared Transfer from Aonang and Krabi Town: $16
  • Krabi International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer To Aonang & Krabi Town: $16
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $17
  • Krabi Airport: 1-Way Krabi Hotel Private Transfer: $17
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Tiger Cave Temple: $18
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Air port, Krabi: $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Krabi Airport to Krabi Hotel: $19
  • Krabi airport to Aonang any hotel Private transfer: $19

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Krabi?

Prices for flights to both Krabi 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
    Krabi $13
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

Typical Food Prices in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.82
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $6.55
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $17
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $30
  • Mango Shake
    $1.36
  • Pad Thai
    $2.73
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.64
  • Pancakes
    $2.73
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $36
  • Snorkeling and Sunset Dinner Trip From Krabi: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner & Plankton: $37
  • Evening Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $39
  • 4 Islands Sunset Longtail Boat Tour with BBQ Dinner: $41
  • Seven Islands Snorkel Cruise with Dinner: $41
  • Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour: $41
  • Krabi Thai Cooking Class: $42
  • Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Premium Service Trip by Speedboat + BBQ Dinner: $42
  • Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $44
  • Cooking Class at Thai Charm Cooking School with Meal: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Krabi $10
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 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 Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thai-English Book
    $9.00
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $22
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $16
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $12
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $6.82
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $52

Tours and Activities in Krabi

For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $22
  • Ao Nang, Group Boat Tour to 4 Islands with Lunch: $24
  • 4 Islands Separated Sea - The Unseen of Thailand Tour: $24
  • Krabi 4 island tour: $26
  • Half Day Tour Mangrove Tour Kayaking Tour With Lunch: $27
  • 4 Islands & Thale Waek's Sandbar Tour By Speedboat: $27
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
  • The Krabi 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat: $28
  • 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat: $29
  • 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat: $29
  • Shooting Range Experience in Krabi: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Krabi $4.34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.45
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $8.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Railay Pub Crawl: $14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Krabi?

Krabi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Krabi, 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 Krabi?

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 Krabi in the Summer?

Both Krabi 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 Krabi year-round.

August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Krabi. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Krabi. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 206 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is a little warmer than Krabi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Krabi averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Krabi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Krabi in the Autumn?

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

December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Krabi. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Krabi during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Krabi. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Krabi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Krabi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Petra or Krabi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Petra as well as Krabi. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Petra usually gets more rain in January than Krabi. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the winter, Petra often gets less sunshine than Krabi. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Petra is much colder than Krabi in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Krabi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Krabi in the Spring?

Both Krabi 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 Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Krabi. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Krabi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Krabi during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Petra is cooler than Krabi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Krabi averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Krabi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Krabi and Petra

Petra Krabi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)