A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Haifa vs. Nara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Haifa or Nara?

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 Nara. 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 Nara?

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in Israel, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara or Haifa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $123, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Haifa $74
    Nara $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Haifa $148
    Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Haifa and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Haifa or Nara? 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 Haifa


Hotels in Nara


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 Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Haifa $4.93
    Nara $5.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

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

  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $173
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $173
  • Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:

  • Kansai Airport (KIX):Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $44
    Nara $28
Typical Food Prices in Haifa

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


  • Dinner
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.

  • Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
  • Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Haifa $5.68
    Nara $7.81

Tours and Activities in Haifa

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

  • Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
  • Haifa Private Tour: $160
  • Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour: $248
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255
  • Romantic Walking Tour In Haifa for Couples: $290
  • Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
  • Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
  • Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $388
  • Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $405
  • Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $700
  • Wine private tour of Central Israel: $949

Tours and Activities in Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • 1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick: $166
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Palace, Deer and Inkstick: $147
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
  • EBike Eco Chic Tour Explore 1300 Year Old Primeval Forest: $88
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
  • Experience Authentic Sushi making in Nara: $115
  • Guided Tour of Todai ji and Nara Park: $83
  • Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour : Nara Imperial Palace: $95
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $95
  • Immersive Experience Tour in Totsukawa village: $3,202
  • Katsuragi: Unique Sumo Experience: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Haifa $13
    Nara $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Haifa or Nara?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Haifa. When comparing the sizes of Haifa and Nara, 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 Nara?

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

Should I visit Haifa or Nara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Nara. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Haifa is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Haifa in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Haifa this time of the year. In the summer, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Nara. Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Haifa usually gets less rain in July than Nara. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Haifa 27°C (81°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Haifa is generally a little warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 24°C (75°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Haifa. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Haifa gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In October, Haifa usually receives less rain than Nara. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Haifa 24°C (75°F) 
    Nara 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Haifa during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nara can be very cold during winter. Haifa is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Nara. Haifa gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Haifa. Haifa usually gets more rain in January than Nara. Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Haifa 14°C (57°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Nara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Haifa is a little warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Haifa in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Haifa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Haifa gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Haifa usually receives less rain than Nara. Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Haifa 19°C (66°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Haifa

Haifa Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)