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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Sendai?

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

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

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.

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Jerusalem Prices
    Israel Prices
    Sendai Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jerusalem $165
    Sendai $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $165, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $122. 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 Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $81
    Sendai $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $162
    Sendai $112
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Sendai? 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 Sendai


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 Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.46
    Sendai $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.99
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
  • Jerusalem to/from Tel Aviv City - Private Intercity Transfers-: $78
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $86
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (Arrival/Departure) Intercity Transfers: $100
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $69
    Sendai $53
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $3.38
  • Watermelon
    $5.07
  • Lunch
    $15
  • Food at Market
    $19
  • Juice
    $3.38
  • Bagels
    $10
  • Lunch for 2
    $18
  • Snacks
    $7.10

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: $107
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $230
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai

For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $124

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $11
    Sendai $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $43

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 1-Day : Jerusalem & Dead Sea Private Tour.      : $993
  • 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
  • Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem: $68
  • Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Day Tour from Jerusalem: $99
  • Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Tour from Jerusalem: $109
  • Christian Private tour in Jerusalem: $250
  • Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $22
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $20
    Sendai $10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Beer
    $6.08


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Sendai, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Sendai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Sendai 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 Sendai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sendai 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 Sendai.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Sendai?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Sendai, 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 Sendai?

Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai 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. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In the summer, Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Sendai. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Sendai. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Sendai. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. Jerusalem is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Sendai. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Jerusalem is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Sendai. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)