Which place is cheaper, Washington or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Washington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Washington, 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $108Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74Washington $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.17
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.82
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 to Petra Private Transfer: $300
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
- Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $215
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- 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: $148
- VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $53
- Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer- Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $81
- Private Transfer- Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $81
- Transfer in private vehicle from Washington City to Dulles Airport: $88
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
- Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $32Washington $38
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.69
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Watermelon$4.04
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.69
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Bagels$8.07
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Lunch for 2$15
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Snacks$5.65
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 Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.55Washington $24
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$34
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: $505
- Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
- Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $102
- 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 Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
- Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
- Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
- Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
- Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
- Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Washington $19
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$4.84
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington is in North America, 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Washington?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Washington, 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Washington. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Jerusalem is cooler than Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Washington. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In the autumn, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Washington. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Washington in the Winter?
Both Washington 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In January, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Washington. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Washington. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Washington in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Jerusalem is a little warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Washington during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Washington. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.