Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesRotterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Rotterdam $224
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $224. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Rotterdam $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Rotterdam $180
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Rotterdam $31
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 Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Amsterdam: Private Transfer from Or To Schiphol Airport: $63
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $287
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $189
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $189
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $134
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $92
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to IJmuiden Cruise Port: $134
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to Rotterdam Cruise Port : $92
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $188
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $179
- Private direct transfer from Rotterdam to Brussels: $293
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to or from Rotterdam: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $73Rotterdam $109
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 Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $81
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $88
- Food Tour by Bike: $105
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $105
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $106
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $106
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $176
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Rotterdam $37
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 Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Rotterdam 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.57
- Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.84
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.96
- Explore Gouda with Self-Guided GPS and Audio Tour: $8.29
- Rotterdam Spy Mission: Save the City Exploration Game and Tour: $8.66
- Delfshaven Self-Guided Tour: A Guide to Rotterdam’s Old Town: $9.99
- Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gouda: Canals, Colonies, and Cheese: $9.99
- Art, History and Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- From River to Metropolis: A Rotterdam City Self Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Rotterdam's Highlights and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Pub Trail Dordrecht: an adventure full of surprises: $13
- Pub Trail Breda: an adventure full of surprises: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Rotterdam $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.40
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $15
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $20
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $53
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $582
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam and Aqaba during the summer 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 Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Rotterdam. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Aqaba is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In the spring, Aqaba is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 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.