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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Bern?

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

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

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.

Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Bern is $252. 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 Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $64
    Bern $163
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $128
    Bern $326
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Bern? 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 Bern


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 Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.74
    Bern $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.17
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $192
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $214
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $228

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern 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 $32
    Bern $60
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $2.69
  • Watermelon
    $4.04
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.69
  • Bagels
    $8.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Snacks
    $5.65

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.55
    Bern $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $34

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
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
  • Old City Highlights Tour: $39

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.39
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.00
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.48
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.61
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Bern $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.84


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Bern, we can see that Bern 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 Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Bern?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Bern, 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 Bern?

Bern 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 Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Bern during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Bern. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Jerusalem during the autumn 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 autumn months attract visitors to Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Bern. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Bern. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Bern in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Bern. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. In January, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Bern during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Bern. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Bern. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty.

Jerusalem is a little warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Bern. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)