Which place is cheaper, Tel Aviv or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Tel Aviv?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, 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 Tel Aviv?
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.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Tours for Seniors to Israel, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Jerusalem.
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Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesTel Aviv Prices
Israel Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $159Tel Aviv $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $159, while the average daily cost in Tel Aviv is $195. 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 Tel Aviv in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $78Tel Aviv $105
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $156Tel Aviv $210
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv? 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 Tel Aviv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $8.18Tel Aviv $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.85
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Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Beit She’an Border: $210
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $285
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Amman with VIP Service: $175
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $183
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:
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Local Bus to Central Bus Station$1.93
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Taxi to Airport$49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:
- Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
- Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Tel Aviv - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) Private Departure Transfers: $55
- Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Tel Aviv Hotels - Private Transfer: $55
- Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
- Private Transfer from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Rishon LeZion: $85
- Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Jerusalem Hotels - Private Transfer: $90
- Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Jerusalem city - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
- Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Tel Aviv - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Private Transfer: From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: $107
- Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $110
- Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Tel Aviv Hotels - Private Transfer: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Tel Aviv?
Prices for flights to both Tel Aviv 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 $67Tel Aviv $59
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$3.26
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Watermelon$4.90
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Lunch$14
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Food at Market$19
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Juice$3.26
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Bagels$9.79
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Lunch for 2$18
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Snacks$6.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Mahane Yehuda Market Walking Food Tour in Jerusalem: $63
- Mahane Yehuda Market Guided Food Tour: $89
- 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
- Christmas Eve Jerusalem and Bethlehem with Dinner from Jerusalem: $180
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $231
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:
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Dinner for Two$27
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Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka$159
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Lunch at Segev Sarona$42
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Aroma Iced Coffee$4.57
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Lunch at the airport$39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.
- Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
- Christmas Eve Tour Jerusalem and Bethlehem Dinner from Tel Aviv: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $10Tel Aviv $28
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$41
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
- In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Tram Tour of The Old City of Jerusalem: $30
- Old City Highlights Tour: $39
- Old City Morning Tour: $39
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Jerusalem Jewish Orthodox Neighborhood Walking Tour: $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv
Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Masada tour from Tel Aviv$96
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Etzel museum$4.90
Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv
Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jaffa Gatekeeper’s Secret: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.98
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Israel’s Neve Tzedek: $8.99
- The Story of Gan HaHashmal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- The White City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the History of the Bauhaus Style: $9.99
- 30-minute Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $29
- Tel Aviv Street Art Tour (Graffiti): $35
- Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port, the Flea Market & More: $35
- Highlights of Central Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $50
- Running Tour - Old and New Jaffa Highlights Tour 5K: $53
- Tel Aviv's Old Neighborhoods walking Tour: $55
- Tel Aviv; Jaffa Old City, Port & Shuk Hapishpishim Walking Tour: $60
- Exclusive Private Tour in The Israel Diamond Exchange: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $19Tel Aviv $26
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$5.88
Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:
- Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $29
- Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Tel Aviv?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, 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.
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.