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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Phoenix?

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

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

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $64
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $128
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.74
    Phoenix $39
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:

  • Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
  • Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $215
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • 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: $148
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52
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 Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.55
    Phoenix $40
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 Phoenix

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

  • Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $17
  • Private Asylum Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
  • Private Speakeasy Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
  • The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
  • Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27
  • Tempe Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Phoenix Zoo Admission Ticket: $38
  • Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $38
  • Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour : $39
  • Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour: $39
  • Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game Ticket: $40

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

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


  • Beer
    $4.84

Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix

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

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Phoenix. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Phoenix. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Jerusalem is cooler than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix 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. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Jerusalem is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Jerusalem often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round.

In April, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)