Petra Trip Cost Breakdown 2026: How Much Will You Spend?

One of the first questions any traveler asks: how much is this trip actually going to cost? Not the vague "it depends" answer that most travel blogs give — real numbers, broken down by category, so you can plan with confidence.

Here is what a trip to Petra costs in 2026, from shoestring budget to full luxury, with detailed breakdowns for every major expense.

Daily Cost Summary

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	$11	$28	$80
Food & Drink	$9	$24	$50
Transport	$3	$8	$16
Activities & Entrance Fees	$5	$12	$34
Miscellaneous	$2	$8	$20
Daily Total	$30	$80	$200

These are per-person estimates for 2026. Couples sharing a room will spend less per person on accommodation; solo travelers will pay the full rate.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is typically the biggest single expense and varies dramatically by neighborhood and quality.

Budget ($11/night)

• Hostels with dormitory beds or basic private rooms
• Guesthouses in neighborhoods outside the main tourist core
• Budget hotels with minimal amenities but clean rooms
• Where to look: Areas away from Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance tend to be significantly cheaper

Mid-Range ($28/night)

• 3-star hotels in good locations with breakfast included
• Boutique guesthouses in the Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance or Main Trail — Treasury to the Monastery via colonnaded streets and tombs areas
• Apartment rentals with kitchen access (great for saving on food)
• This is the sweet spot for most travelers — comfortable without overspending

Luxury ($80/night)

• 4-5 star hotels in prime locations
• Boutique luxury properties with rooftop pools, spas, and concierge service
• Serviced apartments with premium finishes in Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance

Pro tip: Booking 2–3 months in advance typically saves 15–25% compared to last-minute rates. Shoulder season rates can be 30–40% lower than peak (March to April (spring) and October (autumn)).

Food & Drink Costs

Petra's food scene is one of its highlights, and you can eat extraordinarily well at every budget level.

Budget ($9/day)

• Breakfast: Local bakery or street stall — $2
• Lunch: Street food or market meal — $3
• Dinner: Local restaurant in a non-tourist area — $4
• What to eat: Mansaf — Jordanian national dish of lamb in fermented yogurt sauce over rice from a street vendor is one of the best budget meals in the city

Mid-Range ($24/day)

• Breakfast: Hotel breakfast or cafe — $5
• Lunch: Sit-down restaurant — $7
• Dinner: Well-reviewed restaurant with drinks — $10
• Snacks & coffee: — $2
• What to eat: Zarb — Bedouin underground barbecue cooked in sand pits at a proper sit-down restaurant is a must

Luxury ($50/day)

• Fine dining, tasting menus, rooftop restaurants, and craft cocktail bars
• What to eat: Knafeh — sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup, a Middle Eastern dessert at a top-rated establishment
• Wine or cocktails at Petra's best bars add $10 per evening

Local tip: The best meal-to-dollar ratio in Petra is almost always at street-level eateries and markets. Tourist-facing restaurants near The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) charge 2–3x local prices for similar quality.

Transport Costs

Budget ($3/day)

• JETT buses connect Amman to Wadi Musa for Petra, 3.5 hours
• Walking between central attractions (free and the best way to discover hidden corners)

Mid-Range ($8/day)

• Mix of public transit and occasional taxis or ride-shares
• Inside Petra, everything is on foot — wear sturdy hiking shoes

Luxury ($16/day)

• Private transfers, taxis for most trips, and possibly a hired driver for day trips
• Hire a private driver for flexibility between Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea

Getting from the airport: Budget $16–$40 for the airport transfer depending on whether you take public transit or a private car.

Activities & Entrance Fees

Budget ($5/day)

• Free walking tours (tip-based), parks, markets, and street exploration
• One paid attraction every other day
• Free highlights: Many of Petra's best experiences cost nothing — walking through Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance, visiting public parks, and people-watching at local cafes

Mid-Range ($12/day)

• 1–2 paid attractions per day (museums, temples, viewpoints)
• Occasional guided tours or food experiences
• The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) entrance: approximately $7
• The Siq canyon entrance entrance: approximately $6

Luxury ($34/day)

• Private guided tours, skip-the-line access, exclusive experiences
• Cooking classes, spa visits, and premium cultural performances

Total Trip Cost by Duration

Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3 days	$90	$240	$600
5 days	$150	$400	$1000
7 days	$210	$560	$1400
10 days	$300	$800	$2000

Per person, excluding international flights. Couples sharing accommodation will spend 20–30% less per person.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy a 2-day Petra pass to explore thoroughly — one day is not enough
2. The Monastery requires 800 steps — start the climb before midday heat
3. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person — there is minimal shade
4. Visit free attractions — Parks, markets, and neighborhood walks cost nothing and are often the highlight of a trip
5. Enter the Siq at 6 AM opening to reach the Treasury before crowds
6. Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen — breakfast and snacks from a supermarket save $10 per day
7. Petra by Night (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) is magical with 1,500 candles
8. Avoid currency exchange at the airport — Rates are always worse. Use ATMs or local exchanges instead
9. Set a daily cash budget in Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and withdraw at the start of each day
10. Book activities directly rather than through hotel concierges, who typically add a 10–20% markup

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Tourist taxes: Some accommodations charge a nightly city or tourist tax ($2–$4/night)
• SIM card / data: A local SIM with data costs $3–$6 for a week
• Visa fees: Check whether Jordan requires a visa — costs vary by nationality
• Travel insurance: $8–$24 per day depending on coverage level
• Tipping: Research local tipping customs — some destinations expect it, others do not
• Baggage fees: Budget airlines charge for checked luggage ($15–$50 per bag)
• ATM withdrawal fees: Some banks charge $3–$5 per transaction; use fee-free cards when possible

Is Petra Expensive?

Compared to other destinations in Middle East: Petra is moderately priced. It is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option in the region.

The verdict: A mid-range traveler spending $80 per day in Petra will enjoy comfortable accommodation, excellent food, and access to all major attractions. That is a strong value proposition for what is genuinely one of Middle East's best destinations.

Budget travelers can absolutely make it work for $30/day with careful planning. And at the luxury end, $200/day buys an outstanding experience by any global standard.

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