Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar?
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 Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesZadar Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Zadar $129
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Zadar is $129. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Zadar $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Petra and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Zadar? 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 Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Zadar $11
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 Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- Modern bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Zadar: $40
- Private Transfer from Zadar Hotels to Zadar Airport: $55
- Zrmanja River Kayaking, with optional transfer from Zadar: $66
- Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $67
- Private Transfer from Zadar City to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
- Transfer From Zadar Airport to Town Zadar: $67
- Transfer from Zadar airport to Vir: $69
- Private Transfers to Airports & Top Destinations: $72
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $74
- Zadar Private Transfers to or from any location: $80
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Zadar City: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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 $66Zadar $57
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 Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
- Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Zadar $23
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 Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Local Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $12
- A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
- Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Zadar Old Town Walking Tour: $18
- Zadar Walking Tour sponsored by Gligora Cheese and deli.: $18
- Look Around Zadar - Don't Look Up: Cinematic and Musical Sunset Walking Tour: $19
- Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat: $23
- Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
- Half Day Island Hopping Tour With Snorkeling : $24
- The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $24
- 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
- Island half day tour : $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Zadar $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
- Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
- City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
- City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Zadar, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Zadar 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 Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra than you might in Zadar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Zadar?
Zadar has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Zadar, 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 Zadar?
Zadar 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 Zadar in the Summer?
Both Zadar 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, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Zadar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Zadar. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Petra or Zadar in the Autumn?
Both Zadar 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
Petra is much warmer than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Petra or Zadar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Zadar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Zadar. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Petra or Zadar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Zadar. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Petra
| Petra | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.