Which place is cheaper, Jerusalem or Petra?
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 Petra or Jerusalem?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Jerusalem can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Jerusalem?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Religious Tours in Israel, and The Best Luxury Tours to Israel.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesJerusalem Prices
Israel Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Jerusalem $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Jerusalem is $165. 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 Petra and Jerusalem in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Jerusalem $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Jerusalem $162
Compare Hotels in Petra and Jerusalem
Looking for a hotel in Petra or Jerusalem? 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Jerusalem Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Jerusalem $8.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Private Transfer from Petra to Aqaba Cruise Port: $71
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140
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:
- Jerusalem to/from Tel Aviv City - Private Intercity Transfers-: $78
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- 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 Tel Aviv Airport: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Jerusalem?
Prices for flights to both Jerusalem and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Jerusalem $69
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Jerusalem $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private 3-Hour Petra Tour: The Treasury & Main Ancient Highlights: $75
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
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:
- Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
- Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
- Jerusalem Old City Half-Day Tour: $39
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall: $50
- Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Jerusalem $20
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 comparing the travel costs between Petra and Jerusalem, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Middle East, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Jerusalem Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Jerusalem?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Jerusalem, 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 Petra or Jerusalem?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Petra or Jerusalem in the Summer?
Both Jerusalem and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Jerusalem. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 364 hours of full sun in the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is a little warmer than Jerusalem. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Jerusalem averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Jerusalem 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Petra or Jerusalem in the Autumn?
Both Jerusalem and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Jerusalem. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 274 hours of full sun.
In October, Petra is generally a little warmer than Jerusalem. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Jerusalem fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Jerusalem 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Petra or Jerusalem in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Jerusalem. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Jerusalem. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Jerusalem during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 184 hours of full sun in the winter.
Petra is much warmer than Jerusalem in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Jerusalem fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Jerusalem 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Petra or Jerusalem in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Jerusalem. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Jerusalem. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 269 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Petra is much warmer than Jerusalem. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Jerusalem averages at about 16°C (61°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Jerusalem 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Jerusalem and Petra
| Petra | Jerusalem | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.