Which place is cheaper, Riga or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Riga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Riga, 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 Riga?
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.
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, and The Best Budget Tours to Israel.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $108Riga $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Riga is $111. 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 Riga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64Riga $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128Riga $112
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Riga
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Riga? 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 Riga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74Riga $16
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:
- 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: $148
- 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
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $26
- Riga Airport to Hotel Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
- Riga Airport Transfer: $33
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
- Riga Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Klaipeda: $39
- Riga Airport to Riga City - Private Transfer: $53
- Riga City to Riga Airport - Private Transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver: $54
- Riga Airport to City Center Private Transfers: $59
- Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $71
- Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Riga?
Prices for flights to both Riga 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 $32Riga $35
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 Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch$6.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
- Unique Food Tour: $52
- Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $97
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $114
- Private Cooking Master Class In The Latvian Family : $131
- Taste Market Tour & Cooking Masterclass: $139
- Cooking Experience with Chef: Learn & Dine: $140
- Latvian Food: Cooking Masterclass with a Chef: $153
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.55Riga $23
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:
- 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
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
- Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
- Old City Highlights Tour: $39
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $7.00
- Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.53
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.50
- Boat tour in Canal and Daugava: $9.69
- Discover Riga's Art Nouveau Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
- Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Riga $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 Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
- Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $37
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $38
- Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
- Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
- Latvian Wine Tasting & Monk Show: $75
- Old Town Sightseeing & Latvian Wine Tasting with Show: $97
- Riga Wine Tasting Session: $103
- Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $526
- Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,341
When comparing the travel costs between Jerusalem and Riga, we can see that Riga 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 Riga is in Europe, 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 Riga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Riga?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Riga, 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 Riga?
Riga 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 Riga in the Summer?
Both Riga and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Riga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Riga averages at about 17°C (63°F).
In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Riga. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Riga 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Riga in the Autumn?
Both Riga 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Riga. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Riga 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Riga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Riga in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Riga fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).
In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Riga. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Riga -5°C (23°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Riga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Riga. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Jerusalem is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Riga averages at about 5°C (42°F).
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Riga. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Riga 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Riga and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Riga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
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.