A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Eilat vs. Kobe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Eilat or Kobe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Eilat or Kobe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Eilat or Kobe?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Eilat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. 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 Eilat and Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Kobe $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Eilat or Kobe? 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.

Hotels in Eilat


Hotels in Kobe


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Kobe $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
  • Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $240
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe and Eilat 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Eilat $35
    Kobe $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Kobe $23

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
  • Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
  • Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299

Tours and Activities in Kobe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.

  • 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $168
  • 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $134
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $167
  • A Tour to Learn all about the international port city, Kobe!: $153
  • Cruise Stop-Over: Explore The City From Kobe Port: $238
  • Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
  • Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $149
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
  • Himeji and Private Guided 1 Day Tour: $228
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
  • KOBE Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]: $282
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Kobe $8.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
  • Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Kobe, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Kobe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat is in Middle East and Kobe is in Asia, 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 Kobe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kobe 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat than you might in Kobe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eilat Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat and Kobe, 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 Eilat or Kobe?

Kobe has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Eilat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Eilat or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Eilat this time of the year. Eilat is a little warmer than Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Kobe. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Kobe. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In the autumn, Eilat is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Eilat in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the autumn, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Kobe. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Eilat is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 14°C (57°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Kobe. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Eilat during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.

Eilat is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the spring, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Eilat

Eilat Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)