Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra or Nikko?
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 Nikko can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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 Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Nikko $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Petra and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Nikko? 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 Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $38Nikko $31
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Nikko $21
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 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
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Nikko, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Nikko 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 Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Nikko.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Nikko?
Nikko has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Nikko. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is a little warmer than Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Petra or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Petra is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Nikko. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Petra or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko and Petra during the winter 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 winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Nikko can be very cold. Petra is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Petra or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
In the spring, Petra is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Nikko. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Petra
| Petra | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.