Which place is cheaper, Rome or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Petra or Rome?
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 Rome can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Rome?
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.
Rome
Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesRome Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Rome $237
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Rome is $237. 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 Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Rome $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Rome $206
Compare Hotels in Petra and Rome
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Rome? 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 Rome Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Rome $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Fast and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Ma’in Hot Springs: $180
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)$2.29
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Train to the Airport$17
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Taxi to Airport$51
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome City Center Shuttle Bus: $6.96
- Transfer Fiumicino Airport from/to Vaticano shuttle bus: $9.28
- Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $9.42
- Premium Airport Transfer from FCO to Rome: $29
- Rome from Civitavecchia Transfer with Optional Open Bus: $35
- Rome Private Transfer with Italian Breakfast on demand: $35
- Rome from Civitavecchia Bus Transfer: $35
- Ciampino Transfer: $43
- Rome’s Bone Chapel with Audioguide App and Panoramic Bus Transfer: $44
- Luxury Private Transfer Rome Center to Fiumicino Airport: $46
- Private transfers in the city of Rome (one way): $46
- Ciampino to Rome city transfers: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Rome?
Prices for flights to both Rome 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 $66Rome $96
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.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$16
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.42
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Cafe e doce$4.57
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Pizza (Fast Food)$3.03
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$36
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Cheese and bread$11
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Espresso$2.29
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Dinner$66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Rome Gnocchi and Tiramisu Cooking Class: $40
- Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $41
- Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine: $41
- Roman Dinner after History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $44
- Pizza Cooking Class in Rome - Near Piazza Navona: $45
- Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
- Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $45
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Prosecco in Rome: $45
- Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $46
- Cappuccino, Moka and Tiramisù Cooking Class in Central Rome: $47
- Pesto and Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $48
- The Original Fettuccine & Tiramisu Cooking Class in Rome: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Rome $41
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:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $60
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Petra Tour: Treasury, Siq & Ancient City: $75
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Wadi Rum Private Guided Tour: $105
- 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
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)$79
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$38
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Roma Pass$34
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$23
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Segway Tour$86
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rome Best Kept Secrets: Self-Guided City Tour: $2.28
- Historical Walking Tour in Rome City Center with Hidden Gems: $3.71
- Hidden Treasures — A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.63
- Experience Rome Trevi Fountain with Ticket: $4.64
- Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour: $4.64
- Audio guided tour of the historic center of Rome: $4.64
- Rome:Pantheon Entry Ticket with Hosted Experience and Audio Guide: $5.22
- Pantheon Admission Ticket : Audio Guide or Guided Tour: $5.79
- What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
- Testaccio: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Rome's Food Traditions: $6.10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The gods of the Palatine: $6.72
- Rome Walking Tour 2h40 and 23 audio commentary: $6.84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Rome $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine$7.43
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Pint of Beer$7.25
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Beer$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $22
- Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $32
- Cabaret and Burlesque Show: $35
- Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $38
- Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $45
- Rome Wine Tasting in Monte dei Cocci | Authentic Lazio Wines: $45
- Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $49
- Frascati Wine Tasting Experience with Food Pairing: $52
- Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $56
- Burlesque lessons with the best Italian stars: $58
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $64
- Rome Bar Crawl: Interactive Night Tour with Games and Karaoke: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Rome?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Rome, 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 Rome?
Rome 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 Rome in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Rome. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Rome during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Rome. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Rome 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rome in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Rome. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Petra is much warmer than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°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 Rome. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Rome 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rome in the Winter?
Both Rome 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 Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Petra is generally much warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Rome during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Rome. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Rome 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rome in the Spring?
Both Rome 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 activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year.
Petra is much warmer than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Rome. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Rome 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Rome and Petra
| Petra | Rome | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.