Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $107Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $63Sandakan $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $126Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.64Sandakan $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.13
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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 Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $31Sandakan $19
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.65
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Watermelon$3.98
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.65
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Bagels$7.96
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Lunch for 2$14
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.43Sandakan $7.19
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$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
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Sandakan $6.59
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$4.77
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Sandakan, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Sandakan is in Asia, 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 Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Sandakan?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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 Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan 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 Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Jerusalem is cooler than Sandakan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sandakan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan 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 Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Sandakan. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
In October, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
Jerusalem is much colder than Sandakan in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Sandakan. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Sandakan. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Jerusalem is much colder than Sandakan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.