Which place is cheaper, Jerusalem or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Jerusalem $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Jerusalem is $107. 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 $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Jerusalem $126
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 $6.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $46
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.13
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $212
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Herzlia: $247
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
- Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $146
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
- Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
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 $0.71Jerusalem $31
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 Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.65
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Watermelon$3.98
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.65
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Bagels$7.96
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Lunch for 2$14
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Snacks$5.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
- Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem--Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $110
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
- Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Jerusalem $8.43
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Half-Day Private Tour to Jeita Grotto and Harissa: $35
- Small Daily Tours in Beirut City: $40
- Small-Group Beirut Historical Tour: $40
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
- Full-Day Private Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa And Baatara Waterfall: $50
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$33
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
- Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
- (From Jerusalem) One-Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho & Jordan River Qasr alyahood: $99
- 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
- 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
- 7-Hour Jerusalem Political Guided Tour from Jerusalem: $199
- Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $499
- Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
- Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
- Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $65
- Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
- Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Jerusalem $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 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: $150
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $150
- Private Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch from Beirut: $150
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $150
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$4.77
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.