Should I Visit Jerusalem or Dubai for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Jerusalem or Dubai?

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

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

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.

Dubai

Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.

Which place is cheaper, Dubai or Jerusalem?

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

Jerusalem Prices
Israel Prices

Dubai Prices
UAE Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Jerusalem $108

Dubai $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Dubai is $248. 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 Dubai in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Jerusalem $64

Dubai $170
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Jerusalem $128

Dubai $340

Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Dubai

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Dubai? 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 Dubai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Jerusalem $6.74

Dubai $13

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:

Jerusalem Privaet Transfer To Eilat: $915
Jerusalem to Aqaba Private Transfer: $450
Jerusalem to Aqaba Private Transfer: $450
Jerusalem to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $450
Jerusalem Departure Private Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport TLV: $387
Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $330
Private transfer service from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv or Ben-Gurion Airport: $325
Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Herzlia: $247
Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247

Typical Local Transportation prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:

Taxi Ride

$12
Airport Taxi

$12
Sea Taxi

$0.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

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

Global Village Dubai Skip the Line Tickets with Transfer Option: $9.75
Global Village Dubai Ticket with Optional transfer: $10
Global Village Dubai Tickets with Transfers Option: $11
Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Ski Dubai/Wild Wadi: $15
Skip the Line:Global Village Entrance Ticket w/ Optional Transfer: $15
Private Transfer Arrival Dubai International Airport (DXB): $17
Sharing Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa, VR Parks, DAUZ): $18
Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Aquaventure/Lost Chamber: $18
Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Frame: $19
Dubai Airport to Hotel Private Transfers: $20
Dubai Frame Ticket with Optional Private Transfer: $20
Dubai Frame Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Dubai?

Prices for flights to both Dubai 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

Dubai $56

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.

Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem--Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $110
Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $168

Typical Food prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:

French bread

$0.95
Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice

$10
Lemon Mint Tea

$4.36
Coffee & Cake

$6.53
Smoothie

$5.45
Shawarma

$1.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

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

Sunset Deira Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Entertainment: $12
Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner Deira Creek: $13
Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $13
Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner in Deira Creek - Dubai: $15
Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Creek: $15
2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet : $15
Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek: $17
Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $17
Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $17

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Jerusalem $8.55

Dubai $19

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:

2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
Jerusalem Christian Protestant Private Tour: $1,099
Jerusalem Jewish Heritage Private Tour : $1,049
Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
Private Guided Tour in old city Jerusalem: $229
Tour of Jerusalem & Dead sea private tour: $860
“MEAH SHE’ARIM” - Ultra Orthodox Neighborhoods and Bakery Tour: $395
(From Jerusalem) One-Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho & Jordan River Qasr alyahood: $99
1 Day Jerusalem Tour: $462
1-Day Private Guided tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem , : $850
2 Day Petra Tour from Jerusalem + FREE Traditional Lunch : $379
2 Day Tour to Petra and Highlights of Jordan From Jerusalem: $419

Typical Entertainment prices in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

Visit to the Dubai Museum

$0.82

Tours and Activities in Dubai

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

Souqs, Old city & Abra boat tour with guide: $5.45
Dubai Marina: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
Global Village Entry Tickets: $6.00
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.43
Ancient Dubai, Hidden Gems, Souks and Museums Tour: $6.81
Mono Rail Dubai Ticket: $7.00
Skip-the-Line Dubai Global Village Ticket Any Day: $7.00
Miracle Garden and Global Village Skip the Line Combo Tickets: $7.00
Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour: $8.17
Old Dubai Walking Tour, Souks, Museum & Street Food: $8.17
Old Dubai with Museums, Abra Cruise and Souks: $8.17

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Jerusalem $16

Dubai $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 Jerusalem

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Jerusalem:

Judean Hills Wine Tasting Tour From Jerusalem: $475
kosher Israel wine tour: $763
Israel private tours,wine tours,off-road, tailor made,culinary,the best: $923

Typical Alcohol prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:

A Couple Drinks

$25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:

Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $63
Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Dubai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Jerusalem.

Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Dubai?

Dubai is bigger, and its population is about 59% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the population of Jerusalem vs. Dubai, 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 and the activities that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Jerusalem or Dubai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Dubai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Dubai. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.

Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Jerusalem usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dubai. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. In July, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Dubai. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Dubai fluctuates around 35°C (95°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Jerusalem 23°C (73°F)

Dubai 35°C (95°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Dubai in the Autumn?

Both Dubai and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Dubai. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Jerusalem is much colder than Dubai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Dubai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Jerusalem 19°C (66°F)

Dubai 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Dubai in the Winter?

Both Dubai and Jerusalem during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.

January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Dubai. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Jerusalem is much colder than Dubai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Dubai averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Jerusalem 8°C (46°F)

Dubai 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Dubai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Dubai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. In April, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Dubai. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Dubai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Dubai. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Dubai fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Jerusalem 16°C (61°F)

Dubai 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Dubai and Jerusalem

	Jerusalem		Dubai
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	8°C (46°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)	19°C (66°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb	9°C (48°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)	20°C (68°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar	12°C (54°F)	50 mm (2 in)	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr	16°C (61°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	26°C (79°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
May	19°C (66°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	31°C (88°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	33°C (91°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	35°C (95°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	36°C (97°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)	33°C (91°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct	19°C (66°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	29°C (84°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov	15°C (59°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)	25°C (77°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec	10°C (50°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)	21°C (70°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)

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