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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Chiang Rai?

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

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

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.

Chiang Rai

If you find yourself dreaming of a vacation in Northern Thailand, consider the metropolitan city of Chiang Rai. This centrally located capital of the Chiang Rai province provides an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding areas. While it serves well as a home base, it has its own charms worth wandering.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Chiang Rai or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, while the average daily cost in Chiang Rai is $39. 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 Chiang Rai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Chiang Rai $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Chiang Rai $34
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Chiang Rai

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Chiang Rai? 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 Chiang Rai


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 Chiang Rai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Chiang Rai $3.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.13
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $209
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • 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 Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $77
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Rai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Chiang Rai:


  • Bus to White Temple
    $1.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Rai

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chiang Rai International Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Private Airport (CEI) Transfer to Hotel: $22
  • Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Rai: $22
  • Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer Chiang Rai Airport to and from Mueang Chiang Rai: $41
  • Chiang Rai Airport: Transfer To Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: $77
  • Private Transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $83
  • Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $119
  • Private Transfer From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $122
  • Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $141
  • SUV Private car Chiang Mai transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $149
  • Chiang Khong Border Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $159

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Chiang Rai?

Prices for flights to both Chiang Rai 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 $31
    Chiang Rai $12
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $2.65
  • Watermelon
    $3.98
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.65
  • Bagels
    $7.96
  • Lunch for 2
    $14
  • Snacks
    $5.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
  • 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 Chiang Rai

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

  • Authentic Private Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $33
  • 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $47
  • Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $50
  • Chiang Rai Private Cooking Class - Cooking With Ann: $57
  • Jungle Adventure-Group Trekking & Bamboo Cooking: $68
  • Chiang Rai by Night with Show, Dinner and Trishaw Ride: $82
  • Chiang Rai City Tour with Dinner and Show: $86
  • Chiang Rai by Night: Incredible Temples, Market and Northern Dinner: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Chiang Rai $7.38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $33

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
  • Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
  • (From Jerusalem) One-Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho & Jordan River Qasr alyahood: $99
  • 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $502
  • Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $84
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $147
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20

Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai

For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI: $30
  • Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch: $34
  • Chiang Rai:Guide with lunch full day Highlight Tour: $34
  • Guided Highlights Full-Day Tour with Thai Lunch: $36
  • Popular Sightseeing Tour 8 Places - Small group: $38
  • Full Day Group Tour in Chiang Rai: $40
  • Day tour visit the top attractions in chiang rai: $41
  • Popular Sightseeing Tour 8 places, Buffet Lunch: $41
  • Temple Treasures & Popular Sightseeings (Buffet): $41
  • JOIN TOUR 1 day trip around Chiang Rai included lunch buffet: $41
  • Explore the adventures of Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle: $41
  • Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Chiang Rai $8.32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.77


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Chiang Rai?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Chiang Rai, 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.