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

Should you visit Eilat or Sapporo?

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

Should I visit Eilat or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours in Israel, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Eilat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $211, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $121. 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 Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $118
    Sapporo $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $236
    Sapporo $120
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Eilat or Sapporo? 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 Sapporo


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 Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $17
    Sapporo $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

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


  • Local Bus
    $4.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo

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

  • [Airport Transfer] Smoothly move between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with a private car! one way: $210
  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
  • New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
  • Sapporo to Chitose Airport Private Transfer | Licensed Driver: $273
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
  • Private Airport Transfer: Sapporo City→ New Chitose Airport (CTS): $150
  • New Chitose Airport(CTS): Private Transfer to/from Niseko/Sapporo: $90
  • Horseback-Riding in a Country Side in Sapporo - Private Transfer is Included: $209
  • CTS New Chitose Airport To/From Sappro Private Transfer: $248
  • Between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: Private One-Way Transfer: $159

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 $77
    Sapporo $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Eilat

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

  • The Feast at the Camel Ranch in Eilat with Dinner Alcohol Event: $95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo

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

  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
  • Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
  • Izakaya & Street Food Tour (10+ Dishes, Drinks Included): $102
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $20
    Sapporo $16

Tours and Activities in Eilat

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

  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • Eilat Mountains: Sunset Jeep Adventure to Mount Joash: $63
  • Morning Jeep Tour of Eilat Mountains: $63
  • Summer Night Guided Tour with Picnic in the Mountains: $63
  • From Red Canyon Guided Tour: $78
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $78
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $22
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $75
  • Morning jeep tour in Eilat mountains: $75
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Private Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation and Guide: $220
  • Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $98

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

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

  • 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $236
  • 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $161
  • 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Sapporo Historical Sights: $145
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
  • A pairing experience in Sapporo where you can enjoy tempura and 3 kinds of Hokkaido-only sake, along with a soba-noodle making experience!: $121
  • Asahiyama Zoo, Biei tree, Shirohige Falls and Blue Pond Day Tour: $85
  • Asahiyama Zoo, Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls/Ningle Terrace Day Tour: $110
  • Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
  • Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, Biei, and Blue Pond Day Tour: $100
  • Authentic Kendo Experience in Sapporo with a 6 Dan Instructor: $114
  • Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $34
    Sapporo $7.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo

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

  • 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Sapporo, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat is in Middle East and Sapporo 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 Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

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


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Eilat this time of the year. Eilat is much warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Sapporo. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Eilat is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Eilat in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°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 Sapporo. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo 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, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. In January, Eilat is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 14°C (57°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.

Eilat is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the spring, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Eilat

Eilat Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)