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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Koh Pha Ngan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

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.

Koh Pha Ngan

Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Koh Pha Ngan $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 Koh Pha Ngan


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 Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Koh Pha Ngan $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.13
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.18
  • Ferry Ride
    $14
  • Gas for Scooter
    $3.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Koh Pha Ngan?

Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan 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 $31
    Koh Pha Ngan $10
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $2.65
  • Watermelon
    $3.98
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.65
  • Bagels
    $7.96
  • Lunch for 2
    $14
  • Snacks
    $5.57

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 Koh Pha Ngan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:


  • Noodle Lunch (for One)
    $1.09
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $11
  • Smoothies (for Two)
    $1.09
  • Ice Cream
    $0.55
  • Juice
    $1.64
  • 3 Spring Rolls
    $0.82
  • 2 Pancakes
    $1.64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Koh Pha Ngan $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $33

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Old City Highlights Tour: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.77

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:


  • Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)
    $7.09


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Koh Pha Ngan is in Asia, 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 Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem than you might in Koh Pha Ngan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Koh Pha Ngan?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Koh Pha Ngan. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?

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 Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?

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

Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?

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

Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. October and November in Koh Pha Ngan is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Pha Ngan. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Koh Pha Ngan. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is cooler than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?

Both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Koh Pha Ngan is December to March. In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?

Both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan year-round.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Koh Pha Ngan. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Jerusalem is much colder than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Koh Pha Ngan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)