Which place is cheaper, Pamukkale or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $125Pamukkale $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Pamukkale is $156. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Pamukkale $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Pamukkale $112
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Pamukkale $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $82
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Day Trip with Lunch and Transfers: $85
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $124
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $137
- Pamukkale to Antalya Centre Hotels Transfer: $165
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $166
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
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Food Meals for one dayPetra $38Pamukkale $69
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.
- Dinner with a local family in Petra , hotel transfers included .: $45
- 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 $47Pamukkale $54
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
- Private Sightseeing Tour Visit to Petra with Licensed Guide: $100
- 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 Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $38
- Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
- Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
- From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
- Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
- From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
- Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $68
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $81
- Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $82
- Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $82
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85
- Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Pamukkale $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Pamukkale, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Pamukkale is in Europe, 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Pamukkale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamukkale than you might in Petra.
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.
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 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.
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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 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.
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 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.
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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 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) |
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.