Which place is cheaper, Lijiang 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 Lijiang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Lijiang, 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 Lijiang?
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.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesLijiang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $159Lijiang $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $159, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $57. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $78Lijiang $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $156Lijiang $34
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Lijiang? 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 Lijiang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $8.18Lijiang $5.97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.85
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Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $245
- Tel Aviv to/from Jerusalem - One Way Private Intercity Transfers: $219
- Smooth Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge: $230
- Secure Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Service: $240
- Reliable Private Transfer: Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem / Tel Aviv: $250
- 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 Jerusalem to Airport: $143
- Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $183
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lijiang Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
- Lijiang Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Ethnic Costume Photoshoot with Hotel Transfers: $131
- Private Transfer from Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) to Dali: $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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 $67Lijiang $31
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$3.26
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Watermelon$4.90
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Lunch$14
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Food at Market$19
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Juice$3.26
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Bagels$9.79
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Lunch for 2$18
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Snacks$6.86
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: $63
- Mahane Yehuda Market Guided Food Tour: $89
- 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
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $231
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Tibet Milk Tea & Homecooking Class with a Market Tour: $29
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $10Lijiang $21
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$41
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 1-Day : Jerusalem & Dead Sea Private Tour. : $993
- 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Amazing Private Family Tour in Jerusalem: $458
- Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $100
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Sightseeing Half Day Biblical Tour from Jerusalem: $60
- Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem: $68
- Bethlehem, Jericho, & Jordan River: Guided Tour -small group: $556
- Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Day Tour from Jerusalem: $99
- Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Tour from Jerusalem: $109
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Via Ferrata with Zipline Experience in Lijiang: $42
- Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $50
- Lijiang/Baisha Ancient Town, Naxi Village, Black Dragon Pool Tour: $68
- 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $90
- Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour: $92
- Tiger Leaping Gorge with Lijiang Private Tour: $112
- Lijiang to Shangri-La HuXiang Road Private Scenic Tour: $116
- Lijiang：Yulong Snow Mountain Yakniuping Cableway Day Tour: $117
- Lijiang to Shangri-La Scenic Drive Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge: $120
- Baisha, Naxi Village, Lashi Wetlands Private Tour: $120
- Ethnic-Style Travel Photoshoot Immersive Experience: $131
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $19Lijiang $8.41
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$5.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Lijiang, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Lijiang 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 Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Lijiang?
Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Lijiang, 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.
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.