Which place is cheaper, Riga or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Petra or Riga?
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 Riga can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Riga?
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.
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan.
-
Petra Prices
Jordan PricesRiga Prices
Latvia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Riga $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Riga is $137. 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 Riga in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Riga $58
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Riga $116
Compare Hotels in Petra and Riga
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Riga? 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 Riga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Riga $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Private Transfer From or To Airport, Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea: $33
- Private Transfer from Petra to Aqaba Cruise Port: $70
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $88
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140
- Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Canal and River Cruise with Old Town Transfer: $20
- Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $33
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga by Sedan: $37
- Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $44
- Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minivan: $51
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minivan: $51
- Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga Old city: $52
- Transfer from Riga center to Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $56
- Private Transfer from Hotel to Riga Airport with English speaking driver: $56
- Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $56
- Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Riga?
Prices for flights to both Riga 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 $66Riga $64
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.
- Authentic Jordanian Cooking, Taste of Comfort With Family: $28
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
-
Fast Food Lunch$6.47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Riga Central Market Food Tour with Guide & Tastings ENG, DE: $26
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour with 20 taste samples: $52
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $69
- Latvian Cooking Class in a Local Home: $114
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $248
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Riga $15
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:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Petra 3-Hour Private Tour with a Local Guide: $60
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $70
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private Multilingual Guided Tour in Petra: $90
- Tour Jordan: Private Driver – Customized Travel Experience!: $95
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Tour Privado en Español a Historia y Cultura Nabatea: $130
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- Riga Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.57
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour: Riga's Century of Shadows and Light: $5.47
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour The Hidden Monopolies of Riga: $6.84
- Old Riga Walking History Tour: $9.13
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.22
- Old Riga Walking Tour: Discover Stories and Legends: $10
- Riga Historic Boat Tour with Audio Guide and Captain Stories: $10
- Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $10
- Riga Sightseeing by Canal Boat with Audio Guide: $11
- Old Riga E-Cart Guided Tour with Local Driver & Audio Guide: $11
- Hidden Gems and Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Riga: $11
- Old Riga walking tour with a local: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Riga $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer and Riga Balsam Tasting: $32
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Riga: $33
- Pub Crawl in Riga: $34
- Riga Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience: $37
- Combo Brewery Tour + Canal Boat tour: $39
- Pub Crawl- Your best night out in Riga with our local guide!: $40
- 2 in 1 - Old Town Walking Tour & Pub Crawl: $40
- Private - Riga Pub Crawl: $40
- Riga 2 in 1 Tour: Art Nouveau Tour & Pub Crawl: $45
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Riga, 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 Riga 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 Riga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Riga?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Riga, 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 Riga?
Riga 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 Riga in the Summer?
Both Riga and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Riga fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Riga. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Riga 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Petra or Riga in the Autumn?
Both Riga and Petra during the autumn 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
Petra is much warmer than Riga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Riga. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Riga 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Petra or Riga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Riga averages at about -5°C (23°F).
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Riga. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Riga -5°C (23°F)
Should I visit Petra or Riga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Riga. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Riga fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Riga. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Riga 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Riga and Petra
| Petra | Riga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.