Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
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.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesReykjavik Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Reykjavik $307
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $307. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Reykjavik $160
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Reykjavik $320
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Reykjavik $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $80
- Wadi Rum to Aqaba Border Private Transfer – Hassle-Free Travel: $100
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
- Private Transfers from Wadi Rum Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $129
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Petra City Hotels: $93
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $31
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $31
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $42
- Alesund : Private Transfer to/from Ålesund Airport and City: $117
- Arrival in Iceland - Private airport transfer from KEF Airport: $125
- Bláfjöll to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Blue Lagoon Admission Including Return Transfers from Reykjavik: $206
- Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $209
- Blue Lagoon Private Transfer To and From Reykjavik/Keflavik: $155
- Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $51
- Blue Lagoon Transfer from/to Keflavik International Airport: $58
- Cruise Port Private Transfer To and From Reykjavik Keflavik : $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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 $73Reykjavik $60
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
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$204
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $143
- The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $145
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
- Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Reykjavik $83
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$12
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Wine and Spa$34
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Reykjavik Viking Roots to Modern Marvels Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Settlement and Egils Saga Exhibition Ticket: $30
- Northern Lights: Aurora Basecamp Observatory Guided Experience: $30
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: $32
- Saga Museum - Entrance ticket: $32
- Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon Self-Guided Driving Tour: $34
- Reykjavik Escape Game Experience - Prison Break 1: $45
- Reykjavík Shared Tuk Tuk Tour: $50
- Walking tour of Reykjavik city: $51
- Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket - Optional Premium Upgrade : $55
- Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland: $55
- Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Reykjavik $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller: $35
- Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Reykjavik. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Aqaba is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Reykjavik in the Winter?
Both Reykjavik and Aqaba during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Aqaba is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.