Which place is cheaper, Basel or Petra?
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 Petra or Basel?
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 Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Basel?
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.
Basel
Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesBasel Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Basel $326
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Basel is $326. 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 Basel in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Basel $166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Basel $332
Compare Hotels in Petra and Basel
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Basel? 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Basel Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Basel $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:
- Freiburg: Bus transfer from/to Basel Euro Airport: $31
- Basel to Basel Airpor (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Basel - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $119
- Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $119
- Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $119
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $119
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Luxury Van: $124
- Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) by MB Van: $124
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $126
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $131
- Private Transfer Service from Basel to Basel Airport: $137
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Basel?
Prices for flights to both Basel 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
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Food Meals for one dayPetra $66Basel $123
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Basel
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Basel.
- Self-Guided Food Tour: $49
- Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert: $163
- Cooking Class: Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience by Locals: $189
- Family-Style Italian Pizza Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $189
- Cheese, Chocolate and Pastry Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Basel $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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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
Tours and Activities in Basel
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $3.14
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $3.20
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.29
- Basel's Portrait Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.44
- Basel Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.49
- Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.97
- Basel Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.97
- Basel Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Basel Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.57
- Swiss Cheese Tasting Experience | Basel: $12
- The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Local Cheese Tasting Tour with a Cheese Sommelier: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Basel $38
Sample the Local Flavors in Basel
Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Alsace wine tour & medieval villages small group guided tour: $358
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Basel, we can see that Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Basel?
Basel has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Basel, 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 Basel?
Basel 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 Basel in the Summer?
Both Basel and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Basel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Basel during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Basel. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Basel 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Petra or Basel in the Autumn?
Both Basel and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Petra is much warmer than Basel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Basel. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Basel 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Petra or Basel in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Basel. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Basel can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Basel averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Basel during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Basel. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Basel 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Petra or Basel in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Basel. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Basel. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Basel 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Basel and Petra
| Petra | Basel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.