Which place is cheaper, Haifa or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Haifa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Haifa, 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 Haifa?
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.
Haifa
Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Tours for Seniors to Israel, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Jerusalem.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $109Haifa $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $109, while the average daily cost in Haifa is $125. 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 Haifa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $65Haifa $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $130Haifa $150
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Haifa
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Haifa? 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 Haifa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.77Haifa $5.02
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.19
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.87
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: $216
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Herzlia: $247
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $149
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (Arrival/Departure) Intercity Transfers: $90
- Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $285
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa
Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $180
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $180
- Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195
- Private Airport Transfers to / from Hotel: $351
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Haifa?
Prices for flights to both Haifa 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 $32Haifa $45
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.70
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Watermelon$4.06
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.70
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Bagels$8.11
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Lunch for 2$15
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Snacks$5.68
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
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
Typical Food Prices in Haifa
For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.60Haifa $5.79
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$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
- 1-Day : Jerusalem & Dead Sea Private Tour. : $890
- 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
- Along the Path of the Jerusalem Light Rail - Private Tour: $120
- Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $524
- Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
- Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $92
- Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $150
- Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $147
- Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
Tours and Activities in Haifa
For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
- Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Tour / From Jerusalem: $150
- Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Tour / From Tel-Aviv: $150
- Haifa Private Tour: $167
- Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour: $257
- Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
- Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
- Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $401
- Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $419
- Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $731
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Haifa $14
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$4.87
When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Haifa, we can see that Haifa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Middle East, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Haifa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Haifa?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Haifa. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Haifa, 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 Haifa?
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 Haifa in the Summer?
Both Haifa 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Haifa. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Haifa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Haifa. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Haifa receives 364 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem is cooler than Haifa in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Haifa fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Haifa 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Haifa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Haifa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Jerusalem usually receives around the same amount of rain as Haifa. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Haifa this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Haifa during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Haifa receives 274 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Jerusalem is cooler than Haifa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Haifa averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Haifa 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Haifa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Haifa. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Haifa. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in January than Haifa. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Jerusalem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Haifa. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Haifa receives 184 hours of full sun.
In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Haifa. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Haifa fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Haifa 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Haifa in the Spring?
Both Haifa and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Haifa. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Haifa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Haifa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Haifa during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Haifa receives 269 hours of full sun in the spring.
Jerusalem is cooler than Haifa in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Haifa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Haifa 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Haifa and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Haifa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 110 mm (4.3 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.