Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Bodh Gaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Bodh Gaya, 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 Bodh Gaya?
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.
Bodh Gaya
Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.
Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.
Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.
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Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesBodh Gaya Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $165Bodh Gaya $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $165, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $56. 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 Bodh Gaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $81Bodh Gaya $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $162Bodh Gaya $40
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Bodh Gaya
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Bodh Gaya? 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 and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $8.46Bodh Gaya $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.99
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Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
- Jerusalem to/from Tel Aviv City - Private Intercity Transfers-: $78
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- 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 (Arrival/Departure) Intercity Transfers: $100
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
- Gaya Airport (GAY) Private Transfer to Gaya City/Hotels: $25
- Private Airport Transfer Gaya to or from Bodhgaya Hotel: $25
- 3 Day Private Bodhgaya Sightseeing Tour with Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Bodh Gaya?
Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya 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 $69Bodh Gaya $24
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$3.38
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Watermelon$5.07
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Lunch$15
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Food at Market$19
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Juice$3.38
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Bagels$10
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Lunch for 2$18
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $11Bodh Gaya $8.71
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$43
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 1-Day : Jerusalem & Dead Sea Private Tour. : $993
- 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
- Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem: $68
- Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Day Tour from Jerusalem: $99
- Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Tour from Jerusalem: $109
- Christian Private tour in Jerusalem: $250
- Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya
For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour from Delhi by Car – Fast Entry: $4.51
- Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
- Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $30
- Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $31
- Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $49
- Private Tour of Bodhgaya and Gaya Including Vishnupad Temple: $50
- Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $52
- Private Bodhgaya Spiritual Tour with Expert Guide: $55
- Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $63
- Half Day Private Guided Tour in Bodh Gaya & Dungeshwari Caves: $88
- Private Day Tour to Rajgir and Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $105
- Guided Tour of Bodhgaya Temples and Buddha Sites: $130
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $20Bodh Gaya $5.00
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$6.08
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Bodh Gaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Bodh Gaya 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 Bodh Gaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodh Gaya 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 Bodh Gaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Bodh Gaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Bodh Gaya?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Bodh Gaya, 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.
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.