Which place is cheaper, San Jose 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 San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or San Jose, 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 San Jose?
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.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesSan Jose Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157San Jose $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $103. 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 San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or San Jose? 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 San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24San Jose $19
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $185
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $205
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to San Jose City by Minivan: $50
- Braulio Carrillo 6 in 1 Full Day Pass with Optional Transfer: $112
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $263
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Limon, English Speaking Driver: $210
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $197
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) to San Jose - Private Transfer: $76
- Luxury transfer to Fortuna & Arenal from San José: $175
- One way Transfer from Arenal or La Fortuna to Conchal beach up to 5 passengers: $240
- One way Transfer from SJO airport or San José to Playa Dominical max 5 passenger: $240
- One-Way Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Uvita or Dominical: $290
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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 $73San Jose $31
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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets: $34
- San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner, Cooking & Cocktail Class: $47
- San Jose Cooking Classes visit Central Market: $52
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum : $65
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner : $80
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $92
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $114
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54San Jose $21
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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Sarapiqui Frog Experience: Night Experience in the Jungle.: $30
- Private Guided Tour of Cheese in Canaan de Rivas: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- Sarapiqui Rainforest Night Walk : Wildlife & Adventure.: $35
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $35
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- San Jose : Private Custom Guided Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $36
- San Jose Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $36
- Corso Lecheria Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07San Jose $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and San Jose, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and San Jose is in Central America, 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 San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or San Jose?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and San Jose, 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 San Jose?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Aqaba or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as San Jose. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in San Jose is December to April. The hurricane season in San Jose is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than San Jose. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than San Jose. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Aqaba is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in San Jose is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than San Jose. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Aqaba is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Aqaba
| Aqaba | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.