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

Should you visit Petra or Phuket?

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

Where Should I go: Petra or Phuket?

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.

Phuket

Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.

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


Which place is cheaper, Phuket 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 Phuket is $139. 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 Phuket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Phuket $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Phuket $128
Compare Hotels in Petra and Phuket

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Phuket? 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 Phuket


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 Phuket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Phuket $12

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 Phuket

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


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $9.42
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $7.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
  • Phuket Airport (HKT) Arrival Transfer to Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
  • Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotel and Vice Versa: $13
  • PHUKET Arrival Transfer-Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotels (Shared): $15
  • Private Arrival Transfer - Phuket Airport to Hotel (SHA Plus): $19
  • Phuket Int Airport (HKT) to Phuket - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Private PHUKET Arrival Transfer - Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotels: $22
  • Phuket To Phi Phi Island By Phi Phi Cruiser - Include Pickup Transfer: $23
  • Private Transfer from Phuket hotels to Phuket Cruise Port: $24
  • Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket Private Hotel Transfer: $25
  • Phuket Phiphi-Phhpi Phuket Ferry include Transfer to hotel: $25
  • Private Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Phuket?

Prices for flights to both Phuket 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
    Phuket $43
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 Phuket

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


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $9.08
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.34
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $13
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.83
  • Bananas
    $0.79
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

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

  • One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
  • Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
  • Phuket Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $55
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
  • Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $57
  • Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
  • Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $58
  • Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $59
  • Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour: $61
  • Choose Your Own Dishes: Half-Day Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Phuket $49
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 Phuket

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


  • One Day Boat Tour
    $28
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $79
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $20
  • Surfboard Rental
    $9.42

Tours and Activities in Phuket

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

  • Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.90
  • Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
  • Phuket City Tour with Pickup Option: $15
  • Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity : $16
  • Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $16
  • Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $19
  • Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
  • Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
  • Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
  • Exclusive Jurassic Mini-Golf Ticket at Dino Park Phuket: $23
  • Patong Beach Water Sports Adventure from Phuket: $24
  • Athena Cabaret Show Admission Ticket in Phuket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Phuket $7.32

Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:


  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $6.28
  • Beer
    $2.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

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

  • Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
  • Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $111
  • Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $136


When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Phuket, we can see that Petra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Petra is in Middle East and Phuket is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Phuket?

Phuket has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Phuket, 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 Phuket?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Petra or Phuket in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Phuket. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Phuket. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Phuket during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Phuket. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Phuket 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Phuket in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Phuket. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Phuket. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Phuket. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 181 hours of full sun.

Petra is around the same temperature as Phuket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Phuket fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Phuket 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Petra or Phuket in the Winter?

Both Phuket and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Phuket is December to March. In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Phuket. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Phuket. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives less sunshine than Phuket during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Petra is much colder than Phuket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Phuket averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Phuket 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Phuket in the Spring?

Both Phuket 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.

June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Phuket. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 249 hours of full sun.

In April, Petra is generally cooler than Phuket. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Phuket 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Phuket and Petra

Petra Phuket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)