A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aqaba vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aqaba or Amsterdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Amsterdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Amsterdam?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Aqaba?

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 Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $248. 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 Aqaba and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Amsterdam $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Amsterdam $240
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Amsterdam? 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 Aqaba


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Amsterdam $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
  • Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
  • Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra : $90
  • Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
  • Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
  • Private Beach, Pools, Snorkeling & Boat Trip,Transfer: $66
  • Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.75
  • Renting a Bike
    $18
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.05
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Amsterdam : $149
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Noordwijk: $139
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Zaandam: $115
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam city to Airport: $119
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam in Amsterdam City: $114
  • Airport Private Transfer: Schiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam City: $149
  • Airport Transfer Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City: $137
  • Airport Transfer: Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport AMS by Luxury Car: $130
  • Airport Transfer: Schiphol Airport AMS to Amsterdam by Luxury Van: $106
  • Airport transfer Amsterdam Schiphol : $108
  • Airport transfer [Schiphol airport - Hotel in Amsterdam]: $116
  • Amsterdam Airport (AMS) Transfer to Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Keukenhof: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Amsterdam $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Afternoon Tea
    $7.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $3.58
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Amsterdam Guided Cruise with New York Pizza, Drinks and Ice Cream: $45
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $93
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $102
  • Anne Frank and the Jewish Quarter Food Tour: $108
  • Discover Amsterdam's Culinary Scene: Morning Food Tour: $117
  • Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Amsterdam $44

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
  • Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
  • Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $24
  • Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $27
  • 4 Hour Jeep Tour Wadi Rum Nature Desert morning or sunset: $30
  • Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $7.04
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.57
  • The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.57
  • Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.58
  • Self Guided Space Tourist Exploration of Amsterdam's Cosmic Side: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $5.97
  • Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
  • Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • An Amsterdam Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the City's Origins: $8.99
  • WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Dutch Experience in Volendam with Traditional Outfits : $11
  • Self-Guided Interactive Walking Tour Jordaan : $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Amsterdam $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $24
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
  • Red Light Halloween Pub Crawl: $42
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Amsterdam 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 Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Aqaba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Amsterdam, 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 Aqaba or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Aqaba or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Amsterdam. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Aqaba is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Aqaba

Aqaba Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 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 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)