A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Petra vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Petra or Amsterdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Amsterdam?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Petra?

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 Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $248. 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 Petra and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Amsterdam $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Amsterdam $240
Compare Hotels in Petra and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Amsterdam? 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 Petra


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Amsterdam $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.75
  • Renting a Bike
    $18
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.05
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $15
  • Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transfer Service: $40
  • Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $41
  • From Keukenhof Gardens Ticket and Transfer: $41
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $42
  • Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $49
  • Amsterdam Airport & Non-Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $58
  • Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise & Transfer from Amsterdam: $66
  • Amsterdam City to Schiphol Airport Transfer: $73
  • Amsterdam Private Local Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port : $77
  • Amsterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $77

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Amsterdam $94
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

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

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $7.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Bike Rental and Dinner or Lunch: $52
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $63
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Bens Local Food Tour - 8 Tastings: $78
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $94
  • Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $94
  • Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide: $102
  • Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Amsterdam $44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $7.04
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.59
  • The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.59
  • Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $6.01
  • Amsterdam Center Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.40
  • Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.42
  • WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Volendam Marken Express Boat Cruise: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Amsterdam $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • City Centre Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $30
  • Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings : $78
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl With Optional Club Entrance: $84
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Amsterdam 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Petra.

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Amsterdam, 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 Petra or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Petra or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Petra or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Amsterdam. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Petra is much warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Petra or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Petra or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Petra

Petra Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 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 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)