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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Khao Lak?

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

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

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.

Khao Lak

Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Lak or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $146, while the average daily cost in Khao Lak is $155. 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 Khao Lak in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $72
    Khao Lak $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $144
    Khao Lak $118
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Khao Lak

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Khao Lak? 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 Khao Lak


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 Khao Lak Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $7.51
    Khao Lak $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.54
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $85
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $150
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Beit She’an Border: $150
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $85
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport-Private Departure Transfer: $61
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $150
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:

  • 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
  • Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
  • 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
  • Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
  • Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
  • Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
  • Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
  • Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
  • Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
  • Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Khao Lak?

Prices for flights to both Khao Lak 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 $61
    Khao Lak $61
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $3.00
  • Watermelon
    $4.50
  • Lunch
    $13
  • Food at Market
    $17
  • Juice
    $3.00
  • Bagels
    $8.99
  • Lunch for 2
    $16
  • Snacks
    $6.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
  • 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
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $206

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak

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

  • Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
  • Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
  • Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
  • Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
  • Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
  • ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $9.53
    Khao Lak $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $38

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
  • Siege of Jerusalem 70AD GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $12
  • Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
  • Classic Jerusalem Old City Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App : $13
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $13
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $30
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall: $50
  • Jerusalem Jewish Orthodox Neighborhood Walking Tour: $52
  • Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour: $55
  • Hebron City Tour: $55

Tours and Activities in Khao Lak

Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Khao Lak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Conservation Experience: $25
  • Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
  • Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $52
  • 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
  • Sky Rock Khaolak Jungle Adventure: $68
  • Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $69
  • Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak: $76
  • James Bond Island Adventure Tour from Khao Lak including Sea Canoeing & Lunch: $77
  • Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $80
  • Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Visit & River Tubing Tour: $80
  • 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
  • Half day Bamboo Rafting Tour with Lunch: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $18
    Khao Lak $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $5.40


When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Khao Lak, we can see that Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak is in Asia, 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 Khao Lak Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Khao Lak?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 420 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Khao Lak, 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 Khao Lak?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Khao Lak in the Summer?

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

Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Lak this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Khao Lak during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jerusalem is cooler than Khao Lak in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Khao Lak 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Khao Lak in the Autumn?

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

Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Khao Lak. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 181 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is cooler than Khao Lak. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Khao Lak 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Khao Lak in the Winter?

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

In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Khao Lak. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. Jerusalem usually receives less sunshine than Khao Lak during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Khao Lak 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Khao Lak in the Spring?

Both Khao Lak and Jerusalem during the spring 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 Khao Lak year-round.

November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Khao Lak. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Khao Lak. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 249 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem is much colder than Khao Lak in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Khao Lak 29°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Khao Lak
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)