A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jerusalem vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jerusalem or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Amsterdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Amsterdam?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $189. 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 Jerusalem and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Amsterdam $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Amsterdam $220
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Amsterdam? 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 Jerusalem


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Amsterdam $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.13
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $77
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $146
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Herzlia: $247

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.47
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.82
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train transfer From/To Zaandijk Zaanse Schans: $5.01
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Amsterdam: $6.29
  • Airport Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $6.93
  • 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.35
  • Train Transfer From/To Zandvoort in Amsterdam: $7.99
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Utrecht: $12
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $13
  • Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days With Airport Transfer: $19
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Rotterdam: $21
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $26
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Amsterdam: $26
  • From Bus Transfer to Flower Fields Keukenhof: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $31
    Amsterdam $47
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $2.65
  • Watermelon
    $3.98
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.65
  • Bagels
    $7.96
  • Lunch for 2
    $14
  • Snacks
    $5.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem--Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $169

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise through Amsterdam: $31
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Amsterdam $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $33

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $24
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
  • Old City of Jerusalem Guided Walking Tour: $32

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.50
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Red Light District Haunted History Night Tour: $1.69
  • Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam: $2.61
  • City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.20
  • Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $3.20
  • Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.26
  • Alternative tour Amsterdam (Tip-Based): $3.26
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam (CYHIT): $3.27
  • Free Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.27
  • Dark History of the City Walking Tour: $3.41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Amsterdam $26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
  • Kings Night Ultimate Party Pub Crawl: $37
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting - Evening Cruise: $43


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Amsterdam, 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 Jerusalem or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the summer, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Amsterdam. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Amsterdam in the Winter?

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

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Jerusalem is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)