Should I Visit Haifa or Eilat for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Haifa or Eilat?

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 Haifa and Eilat. 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: Haifa or Eilat?

Haifa

Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.

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.

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 Adventure Tours to Israel, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Israel.

Which place is cheaper, Eilat or Haifa?

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

Haifa Prices
Israel Prices

Eilat Prices
Israel Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Haifa $163

Eilat $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $163, while the average daily cost in Eilat is $174. 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 Haifa and Eilat in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Haifa $78

Eilat $98
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Haifa $156

Eilat $196

Compare Hotels in Haifa and Eilat

Looking for a hotel in Haifa or Eilat? 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: Haifa Hotel Prices and Eilat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Haifa $5.18

Eilat $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

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

Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

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

Local Bus

$3.91

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Eilat?

Prices for flights to both Eilat and Haifa 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

Haifa $81

Eilat $64

Typical Food Prices in Haifa

For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

Dinner

$28

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Haifa $5.98

Eilat $17

Tours and Activities in Haifa

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

Romantic Walking Tour In Haifa for Couples: $283
Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Tour / From Jerusalem: $150
Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Tour / From Tel-Aviv: $150
Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $687
From Tel Aviv: Northern Israel Coast Private Tour: $999
Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $419
Haifa Private Tour: $163
Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $437
Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255
Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour: $268

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: $68
Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $215
Private Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation and Guide : $220
Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Haifa $14

Eilat $28

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Haifa and Eilat, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Middle East, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Haifa or Eilat?

Haifa has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Haifa and Eilat, 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 Haifa or Eilat?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Summer?

Both Eilat and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Haifa usually receives more rain than Eilat. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Eilat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Haifa. Haifa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat during summer. Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Eilat receives 384 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's very hot in Eilat this time of the year. In July, Haifa is generally cooler than Eilat. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 27°C (81°F), and Eilat fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Haifa 27°C (81°F)

Eilat 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Autumn?

Both Eilat and Haifa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round.

Haifa usually gets more rain in October than Eilat. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Haifa. In the autumn, Haifa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat. Haifa gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Eilat receives 295 hours of full sun.

Haifa is around the same temperature as Eilat in the autumn. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Eilat fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Haifa 24°C (75°F)

Eilat 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Eilat. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Haifa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Haifa usually receives more rain than Eilat. Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. Haifa usually receives less sunshine than Eilat during winter. Haifa gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Eilat receives 234 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Haifa is around the same temperature as Eilat. Typically, the winter temperatures in Haifa in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Eilat averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Haifa 14°C (57°F)

Eilat 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Eilat. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year.

Haifa usually gets more rain in April than Eilat. Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Eilat receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Haifa this time of the year. In the spring, Haifa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Eilat. Haifa gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Eilat receives 282 hours of full sun.

In April, Haifa is generally cooler than Eilat. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 19°C (66°F), and Eilat fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Haifa 19°C (66°F)

Eilat 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Eilat and Haifa

	Haifa		Eilat
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	14°C (57°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)	14°C (57°F)	2 mm (0.1 in)
Feb	13°C (55°F)	110 mm (4.3 in)	16°C (61°F)	1 mm (0 in)
Mar	16°C (61°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)	19°C (66°F)	6 mm (0.2 in)
Apr	19°C (66°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)	24°C (75°F)	0 mm (0 in)
May	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	27°C (81°F)	0 mm (0 in)
Jun	25°C (77°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	31°C (88°F)	0 mm (0 in)
Jul	27°C (81°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	33°C (91°F)	0 mm (0 in)
Aug	28°C (82°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	33°C (91°F)	0 mm (0 in)
Sep	25°C (77°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	31°C (88°F)	0 mm (0 in)
Oct	24°C (75°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	26°C (79°F)	1 mm (0 in)
Nov	20°C (68°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)	20°C (68°F)	0 mm (0 in)
Dec	15°C (59°F)	110 mm (4.3 in)	15°C (59°F)	6 mm (0.2 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Israel Haifa vs. Eilat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Haifa or Eilat?

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

Where Should I go: Haifa or Eilat?

Haifa

Eilat

Which place is cheaper, Eilat or Haifa?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Haifa and Eilat

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Eilat?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Haifa

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Haifa

Tours and Activities in Eilat

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Haifa or Eilat?

When is the best time to visit Haifa or Eilat?

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Summer?

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Autumn?

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Winter?

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Eilat and Haifa

Related Articles for Haifa

Related Articles for Eilat

A Travel Price Comparison for Israel Haifa vs. Eilat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Haifa or Eilat?

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

Where Should I go: Haifa or Eilat?

Haifa

Eilat

Which place is cheaper, Eilat or Haifa?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Haifa and Eilat

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Eilat?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Haifa

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Haifa

Tours and Activities in Eilat

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Haifa or Eilat?

When is the best time to visit Haifa or Eilat?

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Summer?

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Autumn?

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Winter?

Should I visit Haifa or Eilat in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Eilat and Haifa

Related Articles for Haifa

Related Articles for Eilat

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