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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Surat Thani?

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

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

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.

Surat Thani

The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani is $53. 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 Surat Thani in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $63
    Surat Thani $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $126
    Surat Thani $50
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Surat Thani

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Surat Thani? 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 Surat Thani


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
    Surat Thani $24
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:

  • Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $209
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Private Transfer: $170
  • 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: $144
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

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

  • From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
  • Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Surat Thani?

Prices for flights to both Surat Thani 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
    Surat Thani $14
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.

  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • Dinner
    $4.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani

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

  • Khao Sok: Elephant Day Care, Cooking Class, & Bamboo Raft: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.43
    Surat Thani $4.97
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
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.

  • Pick up and drop off tourists around Koh Samui: $14
  • The one and only Zipline Experience of Lamai Viewpoint: $38
  • Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
  • Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
  • Koh Samui: Unique Iocal Tour & Elephant Sanctuary with lunch: $65
  • Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
  • X Quad Novice Waterfall ATV Tour (1 Driver): $76
  • Koh Samui: Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary Half-Day Tour: $81
  • Samui Dolphins Tour by Catamaran Yacht: $87
  • Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
  • From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
  • Samui X Quad ATV Tour (1 Driver) with lunch: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $16
    Surat Thani $4.96
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 Surat Thani, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Surat Thani?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 714000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Surat Thani, 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 Surat Thani?

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 Surat Thani in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Surat Thani. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Surat Thani. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Jerusalem is cooler than Surat Thani in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Surat Thani fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Surat Thani in the Autumn?

Both Surat Thani and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Surat Thani. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is cooler than Surat Thani. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Surat Thani averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Surat Thani in the Winter?

Both Surat Thani 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Surat Thani. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Surat Thani. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Surat Thani fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Surat Thani in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Surat Thani. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Surat Thani. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Jerusalem is much colder than Surat Thani in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Surat Thani fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Surat Thani and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Surat Thani
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)