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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Saint Petersburg?

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

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

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.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

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


Which place is cheaper, Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg is $63. 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 Saint Petersburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Saint Petersburg $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Saint Petersburg $72
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Saint Petersburg

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Saint Petersburg? 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 Saint Petersburg


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
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
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:

  • 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: $213
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv hotels to Haifa Cruise Port: $189
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Herzlia: $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: $146
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $77

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

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


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Saint Petersburg?

Prices for flights to both Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $18
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.

  • Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
  • 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: $169

Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Saint Petersburg $18
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:

  • 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
  • 7-Hour Jerusalem Political Guided Tour from Jerusalem: $199
  • Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $500
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $65
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
  • Bethlehem Full Day Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $4.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Saint Petersburg is in Europe, 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 Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem than you might in Saint Petersburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg 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.

In the summer, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 267 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Saint Petersburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round.

In October, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 70 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Saint Petersburg. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Saint Petersburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around -8°C (18°F).

In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 22 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

Both Saint Petersburg and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Jerusalem is much warmer than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Saint Petersburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)