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

Should you visit Petra or Saint John's?

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's can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Saint John's?

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's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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's 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 Saint John's is $272. 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's in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Saint John's $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Petra and Saint John's

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Saint John's? 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 Johns


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's $17

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $42
  • Antigua&Barbuda Airport (ANU) to Antigua&Barbuda Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer from Antigua island hotels to St. John's Port: $57
  • Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
  • Antigua to Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) - Departure Transfer: $64
  • Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
  • VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $77
  • Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $84
  • Private Antigua Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hammock Cove: $90
  • Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Saint John's?

Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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's $117
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
  • Nicole's Table - Cooking with Rum: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Saint John's $103
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

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

  • City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
  • Half Day Historical Tour in Antigua with Beach: $70
  • Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
  • Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
  • SoCoHo Eco Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $85
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Biggvee Bus Adventure: $90
  • Clear Kayak Tour in Mangrove Antigua: $90
  • Trek Tours Hiking Experience in Antigua: $90
  • Circumnavigate Tour: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Saint John's $18


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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Saint John's?

Saint John's has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?

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's in the Summer?

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

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Saint John's during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 245 hours of full sun in the summer.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saint John's in the Autumn?

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

It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Saint John's. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Saint John's. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 217 hours of full sun.

Petra is around the same temperature as Saint John's in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saint John's in the Winter?

Both Saint John's 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's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Saint John's. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint John's during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Petra is much colder than Saint John's. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Saint John's averages at about 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Petra or Saint John's in the Spring?

Both Saint John's 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's year-round.

Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Saint John's. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Saint John's. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 240 hours of full sun.

In April, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John's and Petra

Petra Saint John's
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)


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