Which place is cheaper, Phuket or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Phuket?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Phuket, 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 Phuket?
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.
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesPhuket Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Phuket $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $139. 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 Phuket in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Phuket $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Phuket $128
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Phuket
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Phuket? 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 Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Phuket $12
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $133
- Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $118
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $114
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $130
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer : $42
- Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer : $127
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $43
- Departure Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $118
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $123
- Freedom Party Boat Cruise By HYPE Boat Club Phuket - Include Pickup Transfer: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Phuket?
Prices for flights to both Phuket 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
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Food Meals for one dayAqaba $73Phuket $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
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Phuket Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $55
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $57
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $58
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $59
- Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour: $61
- Choose Your Own Dishes: Half-Day Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Phuket $49
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 Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.90
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket City Tour with Pickup Option: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity : $16
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $16
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Exclusive Jurassic Mini-Golf Ticket at Dino Park Phuket: $23
- Patong Beach Water Sports Adventure from Phuket: $24
- Athena Cabaret Show Admission Ticket in Phuket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Phuket $7.32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $111
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $136
When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Phuket, 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. Even though Aqaba is in Middle East and Phuket is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Phuket Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Phuket?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Phuket, 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 Phuket?
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 Phuket in the Summer?
Both Phuket and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Phuket. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Phuket. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Phuket during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Phuket in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Phuket in the Autumn?
Both Phuket 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Phuket. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Phuket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Phuket averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Phuket 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Phuket in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Phuket. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Phuket is the dry season. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Phuket. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives less sunshine than Phuket during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Phuket. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Phuket in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Phuket. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Phuket. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Phuket. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 249 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is cooler than Phuket in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Phuket fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Phuket 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Phuket and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Phuket | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.