Which place is cheaper, Basel or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Aqaba or Basel?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Basel, 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 Basel?
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.
Basel
Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.
-
Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesBasel Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Basel $326
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Basel is $326. 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 Basel in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Basel $166
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Basel $332
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Basel
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Basel? 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.
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 Basel Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Basel $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $49
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $49
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $49
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $56
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $56
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $56
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:
- Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) by MB Van: $124
- Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $119
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Basel - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg - Round Trip Private Transfer: $251
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $126
- Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $119
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $119
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $131
- Basel to Basel Airpor (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $119
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Luxury Van: $124
- Freiburg: Bus transfer from/to Basel Euro Airport: $31
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Basel?
Prices for flights to both Basel 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 dayAqaba $73Basel $123
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Basel
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Basel.
- Self-Guided Food Tour: $49
- Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert: $163
- Cooking Class: Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience by Locals: $189
- Family-Style Italian Pizza Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $189
- Cheese, Chocolate and Pastry Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Basel $43
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
Tours and Activities in Basel
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $3.14
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $3.20
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.29
- Basel's Portrait Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.44
- Basel Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.49
- Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.97
- Basel Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.97
- Basel Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Basel Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
- Swiss Cheese Tasting Experience | Basel: $12
- The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Local Cheese Tasting Tour with a Cheese Sommelier: $13
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Basel $38
Sample the Local Flavors in Basel
Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Alsace wine tour & medieval villages small group guided tour: $358
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Basel, we can see that Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Basel?
Basel has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Basel, 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 Basel?
Basel 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 Basel in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Basel. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is much warmer than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Basel during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Basel. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Basel 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Basel in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Basel. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Basel. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Basel 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Basel in the Winter?
Both Basel and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Basel during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Basel. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Basel 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Basel in the Spring?
Both Basel and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.
Aqaba is much warmer than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Basel. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Basel 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Basel and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Basel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.