Which place is cheaper, Jerusalem or Beirut?
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 Beirut or Jerusalem?
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 Jerusalem. 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 Jerusalem?
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.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, and The Best Budget Tours to Israel.
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Beirut Prices
Lebanon PricesJerusalem Prices
Israel Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.77Jerusalem $163
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.77, while the average daily cost in Jerusalem is $163. 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 Jerusalem in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Jerusalem $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Jerusalem $160
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Jerusalem
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Jerusalem? 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 Jerusalem Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Jerusalem $8.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer | Beirut Hotel to Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: From your hotel in Beirut to Airport: $10
- Private Arrival Transfer | Beirut Airport to Your Hotel: $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $25
- Beirut-Rafic Hariri Airport Luxury Car Transfer: $70
- Paragliding in Lebanon with Hotel Transfer From Beirut: $192
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.95
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Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $249
- Smooth Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge: $230
- Secure Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Service: $240
- Reliable Private Transfer: Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem / Tel Aviv: $250
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Herzlia: $247
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $145
- Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $186
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $95
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Jerusalem?
Prices for flights to both Jerusalem 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 $1.23Jerusalem $68
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: $35
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Beirut Street Food Tour, Lebanon: $85
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Beirut Street Food Tour | Hummus, Knefeh & Manoushe: $135
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
- Beirut Street Food Tour | 4 Neighbourhoods · All Inclusive: $150
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$3.35
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Watermelon$5.02
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Lunch$15
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Food at Market$19
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Juice$3.35
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Bagels$10
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Lunch for 2$18
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Snacks$7.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Mahane Yehuda Market Walking Food Tour in Jerusalem: $85
- Mahane Yehuda Market Guided Food Tour: $89
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
- Christmas Eve Jerusalem and Bethlehem with Dinner from Jerusalem: $180
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Jerusalem $11
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos: Small Group Tour with Hotel pickup: $30
- Hop-On Hop-Off Citysightseeing Tour & Audio Guide: $30
- Small-Group Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Beirut Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Winery | Budget Small-Group Tour Beirut: $45
- Guided Small-Group Tour to Jeita, Harissa, Byblos with Lunch: $45
- Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: $45
- Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: $45
- Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: $45
- Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche | Budget Small-Group Tour From Beirut: $45
- Small-Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos with Lunch: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Cooking Classes for 2$42
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
- 7-Hour Jerusalem Political Guided Tour from Jerusalem: $260
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Along the Path of the Jerusalem Light Rail - Private Tour: $120
- Amazing Private Family Tour in Jerusalem: $458
- Bethlehem & The Dead Sea Full Day Tour from Jerusalem: $150
- Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $100
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $50
- Bethlehem Sightseeing Half Day Biblical Tour from Jerusalem: $60
- Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem: $68
- Bethlehem, Jericho, & Jordan River: Guided Tour -small group: $665
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Jerusalem $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut (Entrance Fee Included): $91
- Private Baalbek Temples & Ksara Wine Tour | From Beirut: $100
- Private Wine Tour | Chateau Musar, Ixsir & Batroun from Beirut: $100
- Private Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Beirut: $100
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
- PRIVATE Wine Tour in Central Bekaa Valley: $113
- Discover Wine Tasting Lebanese Tour Experience: $170
- Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $186
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $234
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Beer$6.03
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Jerusalem, we can see that Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Jerusalem?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Jerusalem, 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 Jerusalem?
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 Beirut or Jerusalem in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Jerusalem. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year.
Beirut usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Jerusalem. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the summer, Beirut often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 364 hours of full sun.
In July, Beirut is generally a little warmer than Jerusalem. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Jerusalem fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Jerusalem 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Jerusalem in the Autumn?
Both Jerusalem and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Beirut usually receives more rain than Jerusalem. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 274 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Beirut is a little warmer than Jerusalem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Jerusalem fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Jerusalem 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Jerusalem in the Winter?
Both Jerusalem and Beirut during the winter 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 Jerusalem year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Jerusalem. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Jerusalem. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 184 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Beirut is much warmer than Jerusalem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Jerusalem averages at about 8°C (46°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Jerusalem 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Jerusalem in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Jerusalem. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Beirut usually receives more rain than Jerusalem. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Jerusalem during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 269 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Jerusalem. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Jerusalem fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Jerusalem 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Jerusalem and Beirut
| Beirut | Jerusalem | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.