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

Should you visit Petra or Pamukkale?

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

Where Should I go: Petra or Pamukkale?

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.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Pamukkale or Petra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Pamukkale is $144. 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 Pamukkale in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Pamukkale $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Pamukkale $78
Compare Hotels in Petra and Pamukkale

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Pamukkale? 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 Pamukkale


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 Pamukkale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Pamukkale $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Fast and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Ma’in Hot Springs: $180
  • Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations By Minivan: $160
  • Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
  • Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • Antalya/Belek/Lara: Land Of legends Night Show Transfer: $20
  • Gumbet Turkish Bath with hotel transfer and Oil massage: $38
  • Pamukkale : Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight w/Transfer: $70
  • Paragliding Tour w/ Scenic Views & Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Denizli Airport Transfer From Pamukkale - Karahayit Hotels: $85
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $85
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $111
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $111
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $111
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $111
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $117
  • Denizli Airport Transfer to Pamukkale (Private): $141

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Pamukkale?

Prices for flights to both Pamukkale 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 $66
    Pamukkale $84
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.: $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Pamukkale $38
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:

  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • From Petra : Wadi Rum Private 8 - hours roundtrip tour .: $190
  • Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
  • Half-Day Private Indiana Jones Petra Back Road Trial Tour: $165
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Petra Highlights Guided Golf Cart Tour with Hotel Pickup: $169
  • Private 2-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $210
  • Private 3-Day Jordan Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: $270
  • Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75

Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $1.40

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • From Antalya or Kemer: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $41
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $47
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Entry Tickets and Audio Guide: $50
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Skip the line tickets and Audio Guide: $53
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $64
  • Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $65
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Pamukkale&Hierapolis Small Group Tour (Entrance Tickets Extra): $70
  • Natural Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale - Small Group: $81
  • Izmir: Ephesus, House of Mary Tour w/Entry Tickets & Lunch: $84
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $88
  • Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Pamukkale $10


When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Pamukkale, we can see that Petra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Petra is in Middle East and Pamukkale is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Pamukkale?

Petra has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Pamukkale, 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 Pamukkale?

Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Pamukkale. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamukkale this time of year.

It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Pamukkale in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Pamukkale fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Pamukkale. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamukkale receives 356 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in July than Pamukkale. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Petra or Pamukkale in the Autumn?

Both Pamukkale 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, many travelers come to Pamukkale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Petra is a little warmer than Pamukkale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Pamukkale averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Pamukkale during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Pamukkale receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Pamukkale. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Petra or Pamukkale in the Winter?

Both Pamukkale 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. Also, many visitors come to Pamukkale in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Petra is generally much warmer than Pamukkale. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Pamukkale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Petra. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Pamukkale. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamukkale receives 137 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in January than Pamukkale. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Petra or Pamukkale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Pamukkale. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, most visitors come to Pamukkale for the natural beauty during these months.

Petra is a little warmer than Pamukkale in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Pamukkale fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Pamukkale during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Pamukkale receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Pamukkale. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Pamukkale receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Pamukkale and Petra

Petra Pamukkale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)