Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jerusalem or San Francisco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
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.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
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 $108San Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64San Francisco $130
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74San Francisco $16
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:
- Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
- Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
- Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $215
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
- VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
-
Taxi to SFO$45
-
Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
-
Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Francisco Airport to City: $35
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown San Francisco: $97
- Airport Transfer: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Francisco: $107
- Private Airport Transfer: San Francisco to SF International Airport (SFO): $107
- Private Transfer from Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO in Business Car: $108
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $108
- Private Airport Transfer from SFO to San Francisco (One-way): $110
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Arrival Private Transfer: $110
- San Francisco to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $110
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco HTL-APT (SFO): $119
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $32San Francisco $46
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.55San Francisco $46
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 San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- San Francisco’s Chinatown on foot: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Leave your heart at the Wharf: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture: $5.99
- San Francisco's Barbary Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Embarcadero Self-Guided Audio Smartphone Tour: $5.99
- San Francisco self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $6.46
- The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Japantown & Stories: $6.99
- Ghosts & Hauntings Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- Secrets of Golden Gate Park Audio Tour: $7.99
- Design in the Financial District Audio Tour: $7.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16San Francisco $22
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 San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
- Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
- From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
- The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or San Francisco?
San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as San Francisco. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
In July, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Jerusalem usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Jerusalem is around the same temperature as San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or San Francisco in the Winter?
Both San Francisco and Jerusalem during the winter 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 visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Jerusalem is cooler than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
Jerusalem usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Francisco. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.