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

Should you visit Petra or Sydney?

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

Where Should I go: Petra or Sydney?

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.

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

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


Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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 Sydney is $207. 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 Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Sydney $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Sydney $206
Compare Hotels in Petra and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Sydney? 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 Sydney


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 Sydney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Sydney $15

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 Sydney

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
  • Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD shared ride seat in vehicle shuttle transfer: $13
  • Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer to Sydney CBD: $22
  • Shuttle Transfer from Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay to Sydney Airport: $24
  • Shuttle Transfer from Sydney City Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $24
  • Shuttle Transfer from Sydney Airport to Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay: $25
  • Sydney Arrival Transfer: Airport to City or Overseas Passenger Terminal: $25
  • Transfer from White Bay Cruise Terminal to Sydney Airport: $27
  • Sydney Airport to White Bay Port transfer: $27
  • Sydney Port Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $36
  • Sydney Airport Vip Transfer to city: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney 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
    Sydney $77
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 Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.62
  • Lunch Special
    $9.81
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.81
  • Meat Pies
    $3.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.

  • Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $50
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Taste of Sydney Fish Market Food Tour: $64
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Sydney $31
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 Sydney

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


  • Theatre Show
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $125
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.85

Tours and Activities in Sydney

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

  • Sydney's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $1.79
  • Sydney Cockatoo Island Escape: Convict Adventure Game: $7.20
  • Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.20
  • Sydney Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
  • Sydney Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Haunted Sydney Self-Guided Audio Ghost Tour: $10
  • Experience Sydney Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Aboriginal Art Exhibition Ticket, Art Gallery of NSW: $17
  • Razor Gangs True Crime Tour: $17
  • Tickets & Tours at Art Gallery of New South Wales: $17
  • Tours & Exhibitions at Art Gallery of New South Wales: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Sydney $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:

  • Wollongong Bar Crawl Go Out with a Gong: $15
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
  • Marrickville Brewery Tour: $78
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $103
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Small Group Hunter Valley Wine Tour + Lunch, Gin & Choc ex Sydney: $151


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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Sydneyin January. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Sydney 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Petra or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Sydney. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Petra is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Sydneyin April. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Sydney 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Petra or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney 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, most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Petra is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Sydney. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Sydney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Petra or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Petra is a little warmer than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

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

Petra usually gets less rain in April than Sydneyin October. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Sydney 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Sydney and Petra

Petra Sydney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)