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

Should you visit Aqaba or Jerusalem?

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

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

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.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Religious Tours in Israel, and The Best Luxury Tours to Israel.


Which place is cheaper, Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem is $146. 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 Jerusalem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Jerusalem $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Jerusalem $144
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Jerusalem

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Jerusalem? 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 Jerusalem


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 Jerusalem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Jerusalem $7.51

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 Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba : $35
  • Private Transfers from Aqaba Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $47
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $49
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $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 Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $56
  • Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $56
  • Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $59
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.54
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $85
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $150
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $85
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport-Private Departure Transfer: $61
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $149
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Reliable Private Transfer: Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem / Tel Aviv: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Jerusalem?

Prices for flights to both Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $61

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

Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $3.00
  • Watermelon
    $4.50
  • Lunch
    $13
  • Food at Market
    $17
  • Juice
    $3.00
  • Bagels
    $8.99
  • Lunch for 2
    $16
  • Snacks
    $6.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $206

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Jerusalem $9.53

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $38

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
  • Classic Jerusalem Old City Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App : $13
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $13
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $30
  • Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall: $50
  • Jerusalem Jewish Orthodox Neighborhood Walking Tour: $52
  • Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour: $55
  • Hebron City Tour: $55
  • Jerusalem Day Tour: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Jerusalem $18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $5.40


When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Jerusalem, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Middle East, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Jerusalem?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Aqaba or Jerusalem in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Jerusalem. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 364 hours of full sun in the summer.

Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Jerusalem. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Jerusalem fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Jerusalem in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Jerusalem. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 274 hours of full sun.

Aqaba is a little warmer than Jerusalem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Jerusalem fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Jerusalem in the Winter?

Both Jerusalem and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Jerusalem during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 184 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Aqaba is much warmer than Jerusalem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Jerusalem averages at about 8°C (46°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Jerusalem in the Spring?

Both Jerusalem 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 269 hours of full sun.

In April, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Jerusalem. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Jerusalem fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Jerusalem and Aqaba

Aqaba Jerusalem
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)