Which place is cheaper, Similan Islands or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Similan Islands?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Similan Islands, 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 Similan Islands?
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.
Similan Islands
There are places divers like, and there are places divers love. One of the most popular spots to visit the underwater world is at the national park of the Similan Islands in southern Thailand. With 140 square kilometers of land and nine islands, this area is a paradise for those ready to get their feet wet.
The park is made up of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Paying and Ko Huyong. If these names are a bit too similar for you to easily differentiate, don't worry. Most refer to each island with a number from 1 to 9. Two more islands were added to the park – Koh Bon and Koh Tachai – in 1998.
Even though the park was only established in 1982, the islands have been around for approximately 65 million years. They are the product of swells of hot magma during the Cretaceous period and smoothed over by glacial ice and water erosion. The reefs beneath the surface are approximately 5,000 years and therefor the oldest in Thailand. Luckily, because of its deep waters, the islands' underwater landscapes were essentially unharmed during the 2004 tsunami.
Each island is covered in lush, tropical jungle and white, sandy coastlines. There is fish of every shape, color and size – including the famous "Nemo" clownfish, batfish, barracudas, whale sharks and manta rays.
You'll want to plan your visit around monsoon season. So book a trip sometime between December and April. March is a particularly good time to visit as the winds have died down and the water is crystal clear. The park is closed from May to November.
There are a few tents and bungalows on some of the islands. They are government run, and you'll need to reserve them in advance. Many divers will simply take day trips, or sleep on board boats. There are several organized tour and boat options available out of Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both areas will likely offer day trips and live-aboard cruises. These cruises typically start at four days and 4 nights, but shorter trips are available. There is an entry fee to the park, along with a daily usage fee for those spending multiple days in the park. This fee is paid to your driver before the trip.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $107Similan Islands $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $107, while the average daily cost in Similan Islands is $164. 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 Similan Islands in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $63Similan Islands $68
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $126Similan Islands $136
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Similan Islands
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Similan Islands? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.64Similan Islands $98
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:
- 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: $209
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $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: $144
- Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Similan Islands?
Prices for flights to both Similan Islands 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 $31Similan Islands $36
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.43Similan Islands $44
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:
- 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: $502
- Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
- Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $84
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Similan Islands $9.35
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 Similan Islands, we can see that Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands 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 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 Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Jerusalem or Similan Islands?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Jerusalem or Similan Islands in the Summer?
Both Similan Islands 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Similan Islands. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Similan Islands. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Similan Islands receives 206 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Jerusalem is cooler than Similan Islands. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Similan Islands averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Similan Islands 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Similan Islands in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Similan Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Similan Islands. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Similan Islands during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Similan Islands receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Similan Islands. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Similan Islands fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Similan Islands 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Similan Islands in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Similan Islands. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year.
Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Similan Islands. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. In the winter, Jerusalem often gets less sunshine than Similan Islands. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Similan Islands receives 287 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem is much colder than Similan Islands in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Similan Islands fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Similan Islands 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Similan Islands in the Spring?
Both Similan Islands and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Similan Islands. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Similan Islands receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Similan Islands during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Similan Islands receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Jerusalem is much colder than Similan Islands. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Similan Islands averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Similan Islands 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Similan Islands and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Similan Islands | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.