Which place is cheaper, Varanasi 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 Varanasi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Varanasi, 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 Varanasi?
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.
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
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Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesVaranasi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $165Varanasi $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $165, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is $31. 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 Varanasi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $81Varanasi $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $162Varanasi $28
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Varanasi
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Varanasi? 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 Varanasi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $8.46Varanasi $4.38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.99
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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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.85
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Rickshaw Ride$0.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $33
- Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
- Smooth transfer from Varanasi Airport to Hotel: $60
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $70
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Varanasi?
Prices for flights to both Varanasi 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 $69Varanasi $11
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$3.38
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Watermelon$5.07
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Lunch$15
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Food at Market$19
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Juice$3.38
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Bagels$10
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Lunch for 2$18
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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
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$3.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class with Sona: $39
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $11Varanasi $9.30
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$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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.74
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train: $2.82
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
- Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
- Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $11
- Varanasi Landmark Evening City Tour - Aarti, Boating & Witnessing the GOD: $11
- Sunrise in Banaras with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Varanasi Pedal Rickshaw Tours: $13
- Private Yoga Experience in Varanasi: $15
- Varanasi Tuk Tuk Tour: $16
- Mysticism of Varanasi Tour with a local including free Guided Boat Ride: $17
- Sunrise in Varanasi Tour with a local with free Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride: $17
- Varanasi on Tuk Tuk (2 hours offbeat famous travel experience): $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $20Varanasi $6.96
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$6.08
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Varanasi, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Varanasi 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 Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Varanasi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Varanasi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Varanasi?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Varanasi, 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.