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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Ankara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Ankara, 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 Ankara?

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.

Ankara

Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Jerusalem?

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 Jerusalem is $165, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $98. 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 Ankara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $81
    Ankara $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $162
    Ankara $80
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Ankara

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Ankara? 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 Ankara


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 Ankara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.46
    Ankara $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.99
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Beit She’an Border: $210
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (Arrival/Departure) Intercity Transfers: $100
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $86
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
  • Jerusalem to/from Tel Aviv City - Private Intercity Transfers-: $78

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara

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


  • Metro Ride
    $0.03
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:

  • Private Transfer Ankara Esenboga Airport ESB to Keçiören Ankara: $40
  • Private Airport Transfer From/To Ankara Airport to Cankaya Hotels: $41
  • Ankara Esenboga Airport to City Hotels Transfer: $46
  • Ankara Airport & Hotel Transfers: $47
  • Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $50
  • Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $52
  • Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $52
  • Ankara Airport Transfer: Ankara by Private Luxury Vehicle: $63
  • Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
  • Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $111
  • Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $111
  • Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Ankara?

Prices for flights to both Ankara 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 $69
    Ankara $39
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $3.38
  • Watermelon
    $5.07
  • Lunch
    $15
  • Food at Market
    $19
  • Juice
    $3.38
  • Bagels
    $10
  • Lunch for 2
    $18
  • Snacks
    $7.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $230
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237

Typical Food Prices in Ankara

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


  • A Quick Lunch
    $0.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ankara

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

  • Baklava Cooking Class: $61
  • Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class at Local Home with Family: $70
  • Sustainable Home Cooking Class in Ankara: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $11
    Ankara $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $43

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
  • Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Jerusalem Old City Half-Day Tour: $39
  • Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
  • Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall: $50
  • Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour: $55

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara

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


  • Underground City
    $0.17

Tours and Activities in Ankara

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

  • Self-Guided Secrets of Ankara Exploration Game Tour: $30
  • Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $34
  • Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $35
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Ankara Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $39
  • Private Walking Tour with a Local: $41
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • 6-Hour Private Tour with Guide, Car, and Lunch: $175
  • Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $185
  • Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $233
  • Private Ankara Sightseeing Tour: $300
  • Full Day Cappadocia Private Tour: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $20
    Ankara $10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $6.08


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Ankara?

Ankara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Ankara, 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.