Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?
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.
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $162Istanbul $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $162, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $157. 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 Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $79Istanbul $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $158Istanbul $146
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $8.32Istanbul $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.92
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Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (From/To) One Way Intercity Transfers: $100
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
- Tel Aviv to/from Jerusalem - One Way Private Intercity Transfers: $219
- Secure Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Service: $228
- Smooth Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge: $230
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Fast & Luxury VIP Private Transfer | IST Airport & Hotel pickup: $8.16
- Istanbul VIP Shopping Experience with Transfers and Refreshments: $9.00
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
- Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $21
- Full Day Sapanca Tour with Lunch and Transfer From Istanbul: $23
- Narita Airport to Tokyo one way Transfer: $25
- Istanbul IST Airport Transfer to or from Old City & Taksim Hotels: $26
- Transfer Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) to City Center: $28
- Transfer Istanbul City Center to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: $28
- Reliable & Safe Istanbul Airport Taxi Transfer – VIP Service: $30
- Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Private Airport Transfers: $32
- Istanbul Airport Private Transfer: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $68Istanbul $58
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$3.32
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Watermelon$4.98
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Lunch$15
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Food at Market$19
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Juice$3.32
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Bagels$9.96
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Lunch for 2$18
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Snacks$6.97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Mahane Yehuda Market Walking Food Tour in Jerusalem: $56
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $26
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $28
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $28
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
- İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $11Istanbul $38
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$42
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
- Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Jerusalem Old City Half-Day Tour: $39
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Jerusalem Jewish Orthodox Neighborhood Walking Tour: $49
- Hebron City Tour: $55
- Old City of Jerusalem Guided Walking Tour: $58
- Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem: $68
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Old City: $8.00
- Istanbul's Old Town Through Time: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Ihlamur Pavilion Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide: $10
- Sapanca and Masukiye Tour: $10
- Istanbul Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12
- Enjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus:2-Hour Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises: $12
- TOP Istanbul : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
- Istanbul's Golden Hour: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise By Boat: $12
- Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul: $12
- 2 Hours Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $19Istanbul $10
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$5.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $17
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $209
When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Istanbul, we can see that Jerusalem 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. Even though Jerusalem is in Middle East and Istanbul is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul in the Summer?
Both Istanbul and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Istanbul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Istanbul in the Autumn?
Both Istanbul and Jerusalem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Istanbul in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Istanbul in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Istanbul. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Jerusalem is a little warmer than Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.