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

Should you visit Aqaba or Zadar?

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

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

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $129. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Zadar $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Zadar $11

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Hiking experience on the Krupa River : incl. transfer & lunch: $154
  • Modern bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Zadar: $40
  • Privat transfer to Novalja: $157
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $106
  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
  • Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $199
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $74
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $67
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Novalja: $299
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $57

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

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

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Zadar $23

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

Tours and Activities in Zadar

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

  • Local Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Zadar Old Town Walking Tour: $18
  • Zadar Walking Tour sponsored by Gligora Cheese and deli.: $18
  • Look Around Zadar - Don't Look Up: Cinematic and Musical Sunset Walking Tour: $19
  • Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat: $23
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Half Day Island Hopping Tour With Snorkeling : $24
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $24
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • Island half day tour : $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Zadar $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Zadar, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Zadar 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 Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Zadar.

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Zadar?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

Zadar 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 Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Zadar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Zadar. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Zadar. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aqaba is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Zadar. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Aqaba is much warmer than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Aqaba

Aqaba Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)