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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Melbourne?

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

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

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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $179. 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 Melbourne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $64
    Melbourne $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $128
    Melbourne $240
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Melbourne

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Melbourne? 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 Melbourne


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 Melbourne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.74
    Melbourne $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.17
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $9.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $215
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:


  • Airport Bus
    $11
  • Tram Ride
    $2.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

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

  • Melbourne Airport: Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $16
  • Melbourne Airport: One-Way Transfer to Melbourne: $30
  • GoBlu-EV: 100% Electric Cabs for Airport & City Transfer in MEL: $33
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Cruise Port to Melbourne hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Port: $53
  • Melbourne Airport Luxury Car Transfer: $74
  • From Melbourne Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Melbourne: $79
  • Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $80
  • Melbourne Airport: 1-Way Melbourne Airport Private Transfer: $86
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Melbourne Airports: $87
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Melbourne Airports to Hotel: $87
  • Mt Buller 1 Day Snow Tour (Direct Transfer To Mt Buller Village From Melbourne): $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Melbourne?

Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 $32
    Melbourne $31
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $2.69
  • Watermelon
    $4.04
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $15
  • Juice
    $2.69
  • Bagels
    $8.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Snacks
    $5.65

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 Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.64
  • Pizza
    $4.62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

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

  • Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
  • Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $54
  • Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $87
  • Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $98
  • Secret Food Tour: $109
  • Chinese Cooking Class Master: $120
  • Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $124
  • Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $130
  • Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $132
  • Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour with Dinner and Wildlife Park: $144
  • Phillip Island Penguins, Wine Tasting and Dinner from Melbourne: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.55
    Melbourne $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $34

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: $505
  • Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $102
  • 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 Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Melbourne:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.23
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
  • MoPA Children's Museum Admission Ticket: $9.25
  • Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.91
  • Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.91
  • Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $9.91
  • Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.91
  • Explore Melbourne's Pulse: A CBD In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Melbourne $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.84

Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $5.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Melbourne Pub Crawl: $17
  • Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $19
  • Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
  • Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $33
  • Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more: $87
  • Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $104
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $117
  • Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $129
  • Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $140
  • Yarra Valley Premium Tour Lunch and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon: $181
  • Champion Racehorse Tour with Beer and Wine Tasting: $194
  • Pour Decisions | Wine Tour in Yarra Valley (Private Tour): $260


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Jerusalem during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Melbournein January. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Melbournein January. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Melbourne 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Melbournein April. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Melbourne 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Melbourne. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Jerusalem is cooler than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Melbournein July. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Melbourne 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Melbournein October. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Melbourne 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Melbourne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)