Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Petra or Matsue?
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 Matsue can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Matsue $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Matsue $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Petra and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Matsue? 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 Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Matsue $20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 dayPetra $38Matsue $27
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 $47Matsue $8.81
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 Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
- An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Matsue $6.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Matsue, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Matsue 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 Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Matsue?
Matsue has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Matsue in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Matsue this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Matsue. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Petra or Matsue in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Matsue. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Petra is much warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Matsue. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Petra or Matsue in the Winter?
Both Matsue 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 Matsue because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Matsue can be very cold. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Matsue. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Petra or Matsue in the Spring?
Both Matsue 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Petra
| Petra | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.