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

Should you visit Aqaba or Ise?

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

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

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.

Ise

A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Ise 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 Ise is $110. 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 Ise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Ise $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Ise

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Ise? 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 Ise


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 Ise Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Ise $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $59
  • 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 Private Transfer To Aqaba : $35
  • 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 Wadi Rum: $60
  • 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
  • Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Ise?

Prices for flights to both Ise 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
    Ise $43

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
  • 4h Jeep Tour + Bedouin Night (Dinner & Breakfast): $61
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $84
  • 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
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Ise $6.04

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
  • Turgut camp with tour: $15
  • Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
  • Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $24
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
  • 4 Hour Jeep Tour Wadi Rum Nature Desert morning or sunset: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
  • Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
  • Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
  • Wadi Rum: Explorer Jeep Tour PASS + Local Food + Optional Stay: $38

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
  • Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
  • Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
  • Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
  • Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
  • Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Ise $4.68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Ise, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Ise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Ise is in Asia, 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 Ise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ise 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 Ise.

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Ise?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Ise, 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 Ise?

Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise 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, many travelers come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Ise. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Ise 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise 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 visitors come to Ise in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Aqaba is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Ise. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Ise 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Ise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ise can be very cold during winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Ise during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Ise. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Ise 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Ise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Ise. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches.

Aqaba is much warmer than Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Ise. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Ise. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Ise 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ise and Aqaba

Aqaba Ise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)


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