Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Beijing, 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 Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $107Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $63Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $126Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Beijing? 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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.64Beijing $7.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.13
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
- Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
- Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.71
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Train from Airport for Two$6.90
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Taxi to Hotel$8.28
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Museum of the Communist Party of China Transfer Optional: $10
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $17
- Beijing Daxing International Airport shuttle bus transfer service: $20
- Beijing Airport Transfer: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Train Stations to Hotel: $22
- Beijing Railway Station Departure Transfer: Hotel/Apartment to Railway Station: $23
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
- Private One Way Transfer Services from Train Stations in Beijing to Your Hotels : $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
- Private Beijing Airport Transfer To Beijing Downtown Hotel: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
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Food Meals for one dayJerusalem $31Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.65
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Watermelon$3.98
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.65
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Bagels$7.96
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Lunch for 2$14
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Snacks$5.57
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: $96
- 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: $170
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.93
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- 4-hour Evening Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park & Hutongs Street Food Tour: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.43Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
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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
- 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
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
- Old City Highlights Tour: $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Summer Palace Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Temple of Heaven Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
- Summer Palace Ticket: $9.90
- Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket Pre Booking Service: $9.98
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Beijing $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Beer$4.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Beijing, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Beijing. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Beijing. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Jerusalem is a little warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Beijing. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing 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, most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Beijing can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Jerusalem is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. Jerusalem usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Beijing. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.