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

Should you visit Aqaba or Cozumel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Cozumel, 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 Cozumel?

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.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. It'as a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. With crystal clear waters and vibrant colored coral, Cozumel is one of the most popular dive destinations in the area. The island's economy is centered around tourism, and as such, you'll find plenty of amenities for visitors. The prices are comparable to other coastal towns in the area and there is no shortage of activities or attractions nearby.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Cozumel 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 Cozumel is $122. 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 Cozumel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Cozumel $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Cozumel $126
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Cozumel

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Cozumel? 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 Cozumel


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 Cozumel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Cozumel $21

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
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
  • Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
  • Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
  • Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cozumel

Also for Cozumel, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ATV tour to jade cavern with transfer (single or double): $55
  • Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $100
  • Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Cozumel Cruise Port to Cozumel island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
  • Cozumel Island hotels to Cozumel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Cozumel Jungle ATV Tour Adventure and Caverns with transfer: $65
  • Cozumel Mayan Experience And Beach Getaway with Transfer: $55
  • Cozumel Private Airport Transfer: $130
  • Shared Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $27
  • Mexico Cozumel Airport (CZM) to Cozumel Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
  • Private One Way Transfer from Cozumel Airport to Cozumel: $67
  • Private One Way Transfer from Cozumel to Cozumel Airport: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Cozumel?

Prices for flights to both Cozumel 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
    Cozumel $37

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 Cozumel

For Cozumel, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Mayan Cooking Class in Cozumel: $61
  • Private Mexican Trompitos Cooking Class in Cozumel: $79
  • Under the Stars Twilight Snorkel and Seaside Dinner at Money Bar: $90
  • Cozumel Food Tour: $90
  • Cozumel Cooking Class: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Cozumel $40

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
  • 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
  • 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
  • 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $45
  • 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $202

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cozumel.

  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket to El Cedral Town and Mayan Temple: $16
  • Transparent Boat Tour in See Marine Life Up Close: $19
  • Crystal Boat Trip and Snorkeling Tour from Cozumel: $19
  • Crystal-clear Boat trip & Snorkeling tour: $19
  • Tequila History and Tasting Experience and Unlimited Beach Break: $25
  • Cozumel's Reefs in El Cielo, Palancar and Columbia Guided Tour: $29
  • El Cielo Snorkeling Tour and The Top Reefs of Cozumel: $29
  • Cozumel’s Mayan Journey: Dance, Rituals, and Tasting Tour: $29
  • Bicycle Adventure With Snorkel and Lunch: $33
  • Cozumel Catamaran Tour: Snorkel at Top Reefs & Open Bar: $35
  • VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour: $35
  • Transparent Boat Tour in Cozumel Reefs: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Cozumel $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Cozumel

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cozumel:

  • Cozumel Downtown & Brewery: $69
  • Downtown Cozumel and Brewery Experience: $89
  • Craft Beer Tasting Experience with Brewery Tour: $99
  • Cozumel Rum Tasting & Distillery Experience: $107
  • Cozumel Mixology Experience at Distillery : $109


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Cozumel?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Cozumel, 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.