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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Railay Beach?

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

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

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.

Railay Beach

If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Railay Beach? 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 Railay Beach


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.64
    Railay Beach $25
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 Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $144
  • Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Railay Beach?

Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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
    Railay Beach $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 Railay Beach

Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Pizza
    $4.64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Railay Beach $23
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 Railay Beach

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Rock Climbing (for Two)
    $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Railay Beach $15
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 Railay Beach

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


  • Beer
    $1.64


When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Railay Beach, 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 Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Jerusalem or Railay Beach?

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 Railay Beach in the Summer?

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

The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Railay Beach during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jerusalem is cooler than Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

Both Railay Beach and Jerusalem during the autumn 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 Railay Beach year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach. Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Railay Beach. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is cooler than Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F).


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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Railay Beach in the Winter?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


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

Should I visit Jerusalem or Railay Beach in the Spring?

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

It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Railay Beach. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem is much colder than Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


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

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Railay Beach
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)