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

Should you visit Petra or Saaremaa?

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

Where Should I go: Petra or Saaremaa?

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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.


Which place is cheaper, Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa is $148. 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 Saaremaa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Saaremaa $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Saaremaa $82
Compare Hotels in Petra and Saaremaa

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Saaremaa? 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 Saaremaa


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Saaremaa $55

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
  • Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
  • Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
  • Petra to Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) – Private Transfer: $130
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:


  • Rental Car and Gas for a Day
    $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Saaremaa?

Prices for flights to both Saaremaa 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
    Saaremaa $73
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

Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:


  • Salmon
    $1.49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Saaremaa $24
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 Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Saaremaa $13


When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Saaremaa, 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Saaremaa?

Saaremaa has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Saaremaa, 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 Saaremaa?

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Saaremaa. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is much warmer than Saaremaa in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Saaremaa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Saaremaa. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 302 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in July than Saaremaa. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Saaremaa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saaremaa in the Autumn?

Both Saaremaa 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 visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Petra is much warmer than Saaremaa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Saaremaa averages at about 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Saaremaa during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Saaremaa. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Saaremaa 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saaremaa in the Winter?

Both Saaremaa 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, most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months.

Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. In January, Petra is generally much warmer than Saaremaa. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Saaremaa fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It's quite sunny in Petra. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Saaremaa. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 33 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets more rain in January than Saaremaa. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Saaremaa -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saaremaa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Saaremaa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. Petra is much warmer than Saaremaa in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Saaremaa fluctuates around 4°C (38°F).

In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Saaremaa during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Saaremaa. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Saaremaa 4°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Saaremaa and Petra

Petra Saaremaa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -3°C (27°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) -3°C (26°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)