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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Bilbao?

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

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

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.

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao 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 Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $64
    Bilbao $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $128
    Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao


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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.74
    Bilbao $28
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 Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
  • 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: $130
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private One way Airport Transfer Bilbao Airport to from Bilbao: $33
  • Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
  • Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
  • Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
  • Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
  • Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
  • Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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
    Bilbao $48
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 Bilbao

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

  • Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $113
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $115
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
  • The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $135
  • Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $135
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $156
  • Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $198

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.55
    Bilbao $31
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 Bilbao

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

  • Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $1.94
  • Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
  • Panoramic boat tour through the bay of Abra: $6.46
  • Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.52
  • VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
  • Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
  • 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
  • Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
  • Bilbao tour: $18
  • San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
  • Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Bilbao $23
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.84

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

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

  • Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
  • Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
  • Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $81
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $178
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $188
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $201
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $217
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $241
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $242


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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Bilbao?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?

Bilbao 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 Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Bilbao. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°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 Bilbao. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao 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, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Jerusalem is cooler than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao 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, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the spring, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)