Which place is cheaper, Haifa or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Haifa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Haifa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Haifa?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
Haifa
Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Israel, and The Best Cultural Tours in Israel.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Haifa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Haifa is $123. 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 Beirut and Haifa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Haifa $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Haifa $148
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Haifa
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Haifa? 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Haifa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Haifa $4.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa
Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $173
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Haifa?
Prices for flights to both Haifa and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Haifa $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142
Typical Food Prices in Haifa
For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Haifa $5.68
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Anjar baalback & Ksara tour: $130
- Baalback Roman temples tour: $128
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
Tours and Activities in Haifa
For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Romantic Walking Tour In Haifa for Couples: $290
- Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $700
- Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
- From Tel Aviv: Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Guided Tour: $1,300
- From Tel Aviv: Northern Israel Coast Private Tour: $999
- Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
- Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
- Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $388
- Haifa Private Tour: $160
- Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
- Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $405
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Haifa $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $150
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $150
- Wine Tasting Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Haifa, we can see that Haifa is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Haifa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Haifa than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Haifa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Haifa?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Haifa. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Haifa, 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 Beirut or Haifa?
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 Beirut or Haifa in the Summer?
Both Haifa and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than Haifa. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Haifa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Haifa during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while Haifa receives 364 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Haifa. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Haifa fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Haifa 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Haifa in the Autumn?
Both Haifa and Beirut during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round.
Beirut usually gets more rain in October than Haifa. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Haifa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the autumn, Beirut often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Haifa. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Haifa receives 274 hours of full sun.
Beirut is around the same temperature as Haifa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Haifa fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Haifa 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Haifa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Haifa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Haifa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Haifa. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Haifa during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Haifa receives 184 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Beirut is around the same temperature as Haifa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Haifa averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Haifa 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Haifa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Haifa. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year.
Beirut usually gets more rain in April than Haifa. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Haifa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the spring, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Haifa. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Haifa receives 269 hours of full sun.
In April, Beirut is generally cooler than Haifa. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Haifa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Haifa 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Haifa and Beirut
| Beirut | Haifa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 110 mm (4.3 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.