Which place is cheaper, Portland or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jerusalem or Portland?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Portland, 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 Portland?
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.
Portland
Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $108Portland $180
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Portland is $180. 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 Portland in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64Portland $97
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128Portland $194
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Portland
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Portland? 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 Portland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74Portland $28
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland
Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $60
- Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $88
- Portland International Airport - Private transfer from/to Oregon City: $127
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Portland?
Prices for flights to both Portland 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 dayJerusalem $32Portland $43
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 Portland
For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Afternoon Drinks (for 2)$9.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland
For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Pizza Tour: $75
- Secret Food Tour with Local Guide: $94
- Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour: $95
- Downtown Portland Food Tour : $99
- Downtown Food Tour: $102
- Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $105
- The Vibrant Kerns Hood Food Tour: $105
- The Bustling Buckman Hood Food Tour: $105
- Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
- Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $110
- All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $119
- 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.55Portland $24
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 Portland
For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS: $6.75
- Portland, Maine: Walking Tour Audio Guide: $8.99
- Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Smartphone Audio Guide: $10
- Waterfront Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $13
- Downtown Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Portland (Along the Waterfront) Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $13
- Portland Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $14
- Self-Guided Sightseeing Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Portland Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Portland: $25
- Ghosts, Poltergeists, and Psychopaths Walking Tour: $26
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Portland $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 Portland
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:
- Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $40
- Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $59
- Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
- Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
- Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
- Afternoon Tour in Columbia Gorge Waterfall with Free Wine Tasting: $111
- Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included): $135
- Silver Falls Hike and Wine Tour: $179
- Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $189
- Bed and Breakfast Wine Tour - Small Group, Joinable/Sharable: $198
- From Willamette Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Portland?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Portland, 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 Portland?
Portland 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 Portland in the Summer?
Both Portland 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, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Jerusalem is a little warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Portland. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Portland 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Portland in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Portland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Jerusalem is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).
In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Portland. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Portland 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Portland in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Portland. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Portland can be very cold during winter. In January, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).
In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Portland. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Portland. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Portland 40°F (4°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Portland in the Spring?
Both Portland 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, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Jerusalem is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Portland. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Portland 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Portland and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Portland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 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.