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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Osaka?

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

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

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.

Osaka

The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Osaka 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 Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Osaka $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Osaka

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Osaka? 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 Osaka


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 Osaka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Osaka $14
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:

  • 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: $209
  • 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: $144
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:


  • Subway
    $7.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka

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

  • Osaka Itami Airport to/from Osaka City: Shared Transfer: $23
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
  • Private Transfer by Sedan from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City : $58
  • Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket with Private Transfer: $62
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
  • Osaka Int Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka Cruise Port: $66
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
  • Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
  • Osaka to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • TeamLab Botanical Garden Ticket and Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Osaka?

Prices for flights to both Osaka 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
    Osaka $25
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 Osaka

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

  • Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
  • 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
  • Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
  • Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
  • Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
  • Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
  • Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
  • Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
  • RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
  • Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
  • Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
  • Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Osaka $20
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Osaka Aquarium (for 2)
    $30

Tours and Activities in Osaka

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

  • Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
  • Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
  • Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
  • Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
  • Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
  • Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
  • Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
  • Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
  • Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
  • Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Osaka $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:

  • Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
  • Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
  • Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
  • Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
  • Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
  • Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Osaka, 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 Osaka?

Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?

Both Osaka 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. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In July, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Osaka. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Osaka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Osaka. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Osaka 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Osaka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Osaka. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Osaka. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Osaka 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Osaka in the Spring?

Both Osaka 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, most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Jerusalem is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Osaka. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Osaka 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Osaka and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Osaka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)