Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jerusalem or Edinburgh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
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.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $108Edinburgh $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $178. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64Edinburgh $93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128Edinburgh $186
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Edinburgh
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74Edinburgh $21
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:
- VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $215
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
- 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: $148
- Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
- Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
-
Local Bus$4.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Edinburgh Airport: Bus Transfer: $5.65
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh Airport: $28
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotels to Newhaven Cruise Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to South Queensferry Port: $28
- Edinburgh Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfers: $38
- Private One-Way Transfer from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport: $41
- Private Transfer - South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Airport(GLA): $46
- Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Hotels: $50
- Royal Highland Braemar Gathering, transfer from Edinburgh: $56
- Edinburgh Airport EDI to Edinburgh Accommodation Arrival Transfer: $59
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Glasgow - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Edinburgh?
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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 dayJerusalem $32Edinburgh $49
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
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast$11
-
Dinner at Filling Station$13
-
Lunch for Two$19
-
Sandwich$2.32
-
Cheese & bread$9.07
-
Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$31
-
2 Coffees and Scones$7.28
-
Turkish Delight$1.76
-
Soup at the Pub$7.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $88
- Edinburgh Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- Edinburgh Food Tour: $100
- 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
- 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
- Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $121
- The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour: $162
- Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $188
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.55Edinburgh $25
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
- 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: $505
- Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
- Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $102
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Show Tickets$40
-
Movie Tickets for Two$15
-
Donation for Storytellers$7.53
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Escape Game and Tour: $3.77
- Edinburgh Stand Up Comedy Ticket Show in Scotland: $5.08
- Audio Tour Royal Mile: del Castillo hasta "The Tron Kirk": $5.37
- Edinbourgh, Royal mile: walking tour with audio guide: $5.38
- Edinburgh Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $5.60
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Audio Tour through History of Crime: $7.00
- Edinburgh Royal mile: Self-guided walking tour: $7.20
- Must-See In App Audio Tour: $7.61
- Harry Potter’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Edinburgh Royal Mile (New Self Guided Tour) : $8.02
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Edinburgh $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Beer$4.84
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
-
Beer & Wine$18
-
Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern$2.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
- Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
- Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
- East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
- Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
- Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
- Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
- Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
- Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
- Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Edinburgh?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh in the Summer?
Both Edinburgh and Jerusalem during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Jerusalem is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Edinburgh in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Edinburgh. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Edinburgh in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Edinburgh. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Edinburgh. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Edinburgh in the Spring?
Both Edinburgh and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Jerusalem is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Edinburgh 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Edinburgh | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
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.