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

Should you visit Petra or Saint John?

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 Saint John can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Saint John?

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.

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Petra?

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

  • Petra Prices
    Jordan Prices
    Saint John Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Petra $153
    Saint John $233

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Petra and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Saint John? 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 Saint John


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
    Saint John $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • 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
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Saint John?

Prices for flights to both Saint John 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
    Saint John $97
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
    Saint John $23
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:

  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140

Tours and Activities in Saint John

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Saint John $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Saint John, we can see that Saint John 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 Saint John is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John 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 Saint John Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Petra or Saint John?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Petra or Saint John in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Saint John. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Saint John. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is a little warmer than Saint John. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Saint John averages at about 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saint John in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Saint John. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Saint John. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Saint John. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Saint John. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saint John in the Winter?

Both Saint John and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Saint John. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Petra is much colder than Saint John in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saint John in the Spring?

Both Saint John 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

Petra usually gets less rain in April than Saint John. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Petra is around the same temperature as Saint John. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Saint John averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Petra

Petra Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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