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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Luang Prabang?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Luang Prabang, 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 Luang Prabang?

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.

Luang Prabang

Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, and The Best Adventure Tours to Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang is $14. 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 Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Luang Prabang $5.72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Luang Prabang? 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 Luang Prabang


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 Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Luang Prabang $2.11
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
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $209
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang

Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $29
  • Private Transfer from Tortola island to Tortola Cruise Port: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang 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
    Luang Prabang $5.47
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang

For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $50
  • Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $51
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
  • Laos Cooking Class in Luang Prabang: $55
  • Cooking Class: $55
  • Luang Prabang Evening food tour by Tuktuk: $56
  • Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $57
  • Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk : $58
  • Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Luang Prabang $2.72
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:

  • 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
  • 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $502
  • Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $84
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $147
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.

  • Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
  • UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $32
  • Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
  • Luang Prabang Mountain Bike Cycling Tour: $39
  • Guided Meditation Experience in Luang Prabang: $40
  • Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing: $40
  • Morning local food Market experience option waterfall tour: $40
  • Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
  • From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls: $42
  • Kayak Tour to Pak Ou Caves: $43
  • Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Luang Prabang $1.82
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Luang Prabang, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Luang Prabang?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Luang Prabang, 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 Luang Prabang?

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 Luang Prabang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Luang Prabang. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

Both Luang Prabang and Jerusalem during the winter 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 Luang Prabang year-round.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Jerusalem is much colder than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)