Which place is cheaper, Philadelphia or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Philadelphia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?
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.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the fourth largest urban area, and the fifth largest city in the United States. It's located in southeastern Pennsylvania and has a rich history, having once been the capital of the United States. The city has very impressive architecture, museums, universities, and entertainment venues. It's a cultural and artistic center for the country and it continues to climb as a top travel destination.
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 Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $108Philadelphia $188
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Philadelphia is $188. 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 Philadelphia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64Philadelphia $119
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128Philadelphia $238
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Philadelphia
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74Philadelphia $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.17
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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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Philadelphia
Also for Philadelphia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Philadelphia to Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer: Philadelphia Airport PHL to Philadelphia in Business Car: $95
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Philadelphia - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Philadelphia City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $135
- Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia: $355
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Philadelphia?
Prices for flights to both Philadelphia 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 $32Philadelphia $49
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.69
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Watermelon$4.04
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.69
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Bagels$8.07
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Lunch for 2$15
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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 Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for 3)$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Locals' Favorites Food Tour: $52
- Best of Philly Food Tour: $55
- Best of Philadelphia Food Tour-Small Group Walking Tour: $59
- 9th Street Italian Market Walking Food Tour: $61
- Bites and Booze: Walking Food Tour in Philadelphia : $65
- Flavors of Philly Food Tour: $65
- Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $66
- Secret Food Tour: $84
- Highlights of East Passyunk Food Tour: $85
- Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour: $90
- Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.55Philadelphia $28
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$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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Philadelphia
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Philadelphia's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Big Bus Tour (family of 3)$99
Tours and Activities in Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Philadelphia's Lost Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
- Art and Controversy: An audio tour of Philadelphia's most infamous art scandals: $5.40
- Road to Revolution GPS Walking Audio Tour: $8.99
- The Road to Revolution: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Philadelphia: $8.99
- Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
- Philadelphia In App Walking Audio Tour: $9.00
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Philadelphia by Operation City Quest: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- National Liberty Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
- Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
- Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
- Fantastic Philadelphia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Philadelphia $21
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$4.84
Sample the Local Flavors in Philadelphia
Also in Philadelphia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl: $45
- Guided Tour with Pub Crawl: $45
- Half-Day Philadelphia's Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings: $100
- Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is in North America, 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia in the Summer?
Both Philadelphia 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, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.
In the summer, Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).
In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.
Philadelphia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Philadelphia. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Philadelphia 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Philadelphia in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Philadelphia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Philadelphia 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Philadelphia in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Philadelphia. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Philadelphia. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Philadelphia 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Philadelphia in the Spring?
Both Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Philadelphia 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Philadelphia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
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.