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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Phuket?

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

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

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.

Phuket

Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Phuket 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 Phuket is $105. 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 Phuket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Phuket $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Phuket $112
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Phuket

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Phuket? 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 Phuket


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 Phuket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Phuket $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
  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket

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


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    $8.18
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    $6.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:

  • Phuket Airport Bus Transfer from/to Karon Beach: $5.35
  • From Phuket or Pa Tong: Transfer to Gun Shooting Range: $6.76
  • Airport Transfer To / From Hotel & Free Wifi: $10
  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $12
  • Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus) : $13
  • One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $14
  • Airport Transfer To / From Hotel & Free Wifi: $15
  • Phuket International and Domestic Airport - Arrival Transfer : $15
  • Phuket International and Domestic Airport - Departure Transfer : $15
  • Phuket International Airport (HKT): Transfer to/from Phuket: $16
  • Phuket Shared Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Private Phuket Departure Transfer - Hotel to Phuket Airport : $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Phuket?

Prices for flights to both Phuket 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
    Phuket $22
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

Typical Food Prices in Phuket

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $7.88
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $4.64
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $12
  • Thai Noodles
    $2.45
  • Bananas
    $0.68
  • Pizza (for Two)
    $8.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.

  • Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
  • Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
  • Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
  • Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
  • Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
  • Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
  • Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
  • Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
  • Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
  • Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Phuket $42
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:

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Old City Highlights Tour: $39

Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket

Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • One Day Boat Tour
    $25
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    $68
  • Thai Oil Massage
    $17
  • Surfboard Rental
    $8.18

Tours and Activities in Phuket

Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Phuket Botanic Garden Admission Ticket: $3.01
  • The Selfie Experience Phuket Admission Ticket: $4.14
  • Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Phuket to Phi Phi Tonsai Ferry by Royal Jet Cruiser with Pickup Service: $13
  • Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $14
  • Phuket Trickeye Museum Day Admission Ticket: $15
  • Baan Teelanka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $16
  • Original Discovery Tour: $17
  • Old Phuket Farm Ticket - Countryside Local Life Culture: $18
  • Child Ticket age 6 - 12 years old (Tourist): $18
  • Simon Cabaret Show Phuket (Ticket Only): $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Phuket $6.35
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.77

Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket

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


  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Beer
    $2.32

Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket

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

  • All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
  • Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
  • Pub Crawl Tour: $25
  • Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $77
  • Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
  • Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213


When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Phuket, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jerusalem is in Middle East and Phuket is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Phuket?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Phuket, 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 Phuket?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Phuket in the Summer?

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

Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Phuket. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Phuket during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Jerusalem is cooler than Phuket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Phuket averages at about 28°C (82°F).


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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Phuket in the Autumn?

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

Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Phuket. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Phuket. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 181 hours of full sun.

In October, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Phuket. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Phuket 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Phuket in the Winter?

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

The dry season in Phuket is December to March. In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Phuket. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Phuket. Jerusalem usually receives less sunshine than Phuket during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

Jerusalem is much colder than Phuket in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Phuket 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Phuket in the Spring?

Both Phuket and Jerusalem during the spring 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 Phuket year-round.

June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Phuket. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 249 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Jerusalem is much colder than Phuket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Phuket averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Phuket 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Phuket and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Phuket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)