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

Should you visit Eilat or Sendai?

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

Should I visit Eilat or Sendai? 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 Sendai?

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.

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai 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 Sendai is $105. 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 Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Sendai $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Sendai $118
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Eilat or Sendai? 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 Sendai


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 Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Sendai $18
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:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

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

  • Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai 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
    Sendai $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Sendai $18

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 Sendai

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

  • Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $71
  • Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Sendai $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat and Sendai, 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 Sendai?

Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Sendai. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Eilat during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Eilat is much warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the autumn, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sendai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sendai can be very cold. In the winter, Eilat is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Sendai. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Sendai. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In April, Eilat is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the spring, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Eilat

Eilat Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)