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

Should you visit Petra or Utrecht?

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

Where Should I go: Petra or Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht

Utrecht is both a province and a city in the Netherlands. The city is a unique university city with a lively atmosphere. Imagine Amsterdam but smaller, and with fewer tourists. Utrecht has the same underlying historical/magical feel as Amsterdam, but is full of locals rather than crowds of tourists. It has a population of about 300,000 making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

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


Which place is cheaper, Utrecht 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 Utrecht is $255. 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 Utrecht in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Utrecht $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Utrecht $234
Compare Hotels in Petra and Utrecht

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Utrecht? 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 Utrecht


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 Utrecht Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Utrecht $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Petra to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Petra to Aqaba Cruise Port: $72
  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
  • Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Petra to Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) – Private Transfer: $130
  • Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
  • Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Rotterdam: $18
  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Private taxi transfer from Utrecht to Amsterdam: $110
  • Private transfer from Utrecht to AMS Schiphol Airport: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Utrecht?

Prices for flights to both Utrecht 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
    Utrecht $109
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 Utrecht

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

  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Food Tour by Bike: enjoy 6 bites and cycle trough Utrecht: $81
  • Utrecht Food Tour: 7 food stops and a fantastic local guide: $81
  • Utrecht Bike & Bite: The Ultimate Local Food Tour with Guide: $84
  • Utrecht Walking Food Tour with 7 Gourmet Dishes & Local Guide: $84
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour with Full Lunch and 2 Drinks: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Utrecht $50
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:

  • Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
  • Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
  • Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
  • Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
  • Private 3-Hour Petra Tour: The Treasury & Main Ancient Highlights: $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
  • 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
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145

Tours and Activities in Utrecht

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Utrecht are as follows:

  • Utrecht 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.54
  • Private Walking Tour of Nieuwegracht Utrecht Netherlands: $5.90
  • Utrecht Monster Mystery: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.82
  • Utrecht Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.42
  • Uniquely An Audio Tour of its Charming City Centre: $9.99
  • Utrecht Historic City: a Self-Guided Augmented Reality Tour: $12
  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht: $12
  • Pub Trail Utrecht An Adventure Full of Surprises: $13
  • De Haar Castle Gardens and Park Only Entry Ticket: $15
  • Lofen Palace with Entry Ticket & Guide: $15
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $15
  • Utrecht Cultural self guided Audio Cultural & Historical Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Utrecht $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Utrecht

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Utrecht:

  • Ultimate Leo’s Pub Crawl with Local Host & Shots: $36
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $47
  • Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576


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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Utrecht?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Utrecht averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Petra or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht and Petra during the autumn 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In October, Petra is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in October than Utrecht. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Utrecht 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Petra or Utrecht in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Utrecht. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. Petra is much warmer than Utrecht in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Utrecht. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Utrecht 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Petra or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Utrecht. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Petra is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Utrecht averages at about 8°C (46°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in April than Utrecht. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Utrecht 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Petra

Petra Utrecht
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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