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

Should you visit Petra or Geneva?

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 Geneva can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Geneva?

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.

Geneva

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva is $288. 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 Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Geneva $168
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Geneva $336
Compare Hotels in Petra and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Geneva? 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 Geneva


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 Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Geneva $11

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Transfer from Geneva to Chamonix: $18
  • From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) Private Transfer to Geneva/Lausanne/Chamonix: $48
  • Transfer from Geneva airport to hotel or home: $50
  • VIP Transfer: $82
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $104
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Cornavin station CFF to Hotels: $106
  • Geneva hotel to Geneva Gare Cornavinof Station CFF Transfer: $106
  • Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva 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
    Geneva $105
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

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

  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
  • Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $226
  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $227

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Geneva $35
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

Tours and Activities in Geneva

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

  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $18
  • Guided Tour of Capital of Peace ( Outside ): $20
  • 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
  • Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $30
  • Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour: $33
  • International & Panoramic Tours Geneva: $33
  • Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine: $36
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
  • Hop-on Hop-Off Bus & Scenic Mini-Train Tour: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Geneva $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:

  • Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
  • Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $263
  • Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
  • Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Geneva?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Geneva, 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 Geneva?

Geneva 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 Geneva in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Geneva. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Geneva averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Geneva. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Geneva 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Petra or Geneva in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Geneva. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Petra is generally much warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°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 Geneva. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Geneva 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Petra or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. Petra is much warmer than Geneva in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Geneva. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Geneva 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Petra or Geneva in the Spring?

Both Geneva 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. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Petra is much warmer than Geneva. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Geneva averages at about 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Geneva 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Geneva and Petra

Petra Geneva
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)