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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Chennai?

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

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

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.

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Jerusalem Prices
    Israel Prices
    Chennai Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jerusalem $157
    Chennai $30

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $157, while the average daily cost in Chennai is $30. 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 Chennai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $77
    Chennai $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $154
    Chennai $28
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Chennai

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Chennai? 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 Chennai


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 Chennai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.07
    Chennai $2.30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.80
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285
  • Reliable Private Transfer: Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem / Tel Aviv: $250
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $249
  • Secure Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Service: $240
  • Smooth Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge: $230
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $186
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $139
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
  • Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
  • Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $26
  • Chennai Private City and Airport Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
  • Private Chennai Airport Transfer Arrival to Hotel: $30
  • Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Chennai Hotels: $35
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $39
  • Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $44
  • From Chennai Mylapore walking trail with Guide & Transfers: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Chennai?

Prices for flights to both Chennai 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 $66
    Chennai $9.75
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $3.22
  • Watermelon
    $4.83
  • Lunch
    $14
  • Food at Market
    $18
  • Juice
    $3.22
  • Bagels
    $9.66
  • Lunch for 2
    $17
  • Snacks
    $6.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Mahane Yehuda Market Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
  • Mahane Yehuda Market Walking Food Tour in Jerusalem: $117
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
  • Christmas Eve Jerusalem and Bethlehem with Dinner from Jerusalem: $180
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $242

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ayurvedic or South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with an Author: $40
  • Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Vidhya: $48
  • PRIVATE Chennai Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class near Chennai Airport: $62
  • Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $71
  • Private Authentic Indian Cooking Demo in Chennai in Tara's Home: $76
  • Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
  • Neighborhood Market Tour & South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $10
    Chennai $2.44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $41

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
  • Along the Path of the Jerusalem Light Rail - Private Tour: $120
  • Amazing Private Family Tour in Jerusalem: $458
  • Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Best of the West Bank Tour from Jerusalem: $156
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $100
  • Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $50
  • Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem: $75
  • Bethlehem, Jericho, & Jordan River: Guided Tour -small group: $665

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

  • Tuk-Tuk Tour of Mahabalipuram Monuments: $11
  • Private Night Walking Tour Chennai: $12
  • Spiritual Stories of Guided Tour through Holy Sites: $12
  • Explore Chennai City in Nightlights: Guided Tour by Foot: $12
  • Exploring Chennai Bustling Markets: Guided Tour by Foot: $12
  • Explore Chennai City: Guided Walking Tour on Foot: $12
  • Explore Chennai City: 2 Hours Guided Walking Tour: $13
  • Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $14
  • Mahabalipuram Heritage Day Tour-Approved by Ministry of India: $18
  • Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour: $19
  • 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $19
  • Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $19
    Chennai $2.71
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $5.80


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Chennai, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Chennai 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 Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Chennai.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Chennai?

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