Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Petra or Quepos?
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 Quepos can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Quepos?
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.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Petra Prices
Jordan PricesQuepos Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Quepos $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Quepos 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 Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Quepos $76
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Petra and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Quepos? 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 Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Quepos $9.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
- Puntarenas city to Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO)-Departure Private Transfer : $105
- Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $135
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
- Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $209
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to the Sierpe: $213
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
- Private Transfer from Quepos Port to Liberia Int Airport (LIR): $259
- Private transfer from Manuel Antonio Quepos to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $269
- Manuel Antonio & Quepos one way transfer to SJO hotels - Airport up to 5 people.: $274
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $276
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos 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 dayPetra $66Quepos $51
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 Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$15
-
Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
- Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Quepos $17
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:
- 2-Day Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Adventure Tour: $220
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
- Hike Tour of Petra: $10
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience: $240
- Private Full Day Tour to Aqaba Red Sea from Petra Hotels: $200
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $25
- Quepos Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $26
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $27
- Manuel Antonio Park: Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $27
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $29
- Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour : $29
- Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park: $29
- Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $30
- Manuel Antonio with Mauro / Tickets not Included! : $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park Group Guided Tour: $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park Tour for 8 People: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Quepos $15
When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Quepos, 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 Quepos is in Central America, 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 Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Quepos?
Petra has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Quepos, 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 Quepos?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Petra or Quepos in the Summer?
Both Quepos and Petra during the summer 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 Quepos year-round.
Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Quepos. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Quepos in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Petra or Quepos in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Quepos. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season. Quepos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Quepos. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Petra is around the same temperature as Quepos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Petra or Quepos in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Petra as well as Quepos. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
Petra usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the winter, Petra often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Petra is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Petra or Quepos in the Spring?
Both Quepos and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Quepos is December to April. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November. In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Quepos. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Quepos. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Petra is cooler than Quepos in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Petra
| Petra | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.