A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tel Aviv vs. Beijing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Beijing?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv or Beijing, 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: Tel Aviv or Beijing?

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.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Israel, The Best 3-Day Tours from Jerusalem, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Tel Aviv?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $201, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $96. 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 Tel Aviv and Beijing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tel Aviv $109
    Beijing $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $218
    Beijing $84
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Beijing

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv or Beijing? 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 Tel Aviv


Hotels in Beijing


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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tel Aviv $11
    Beijing $8.26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:


  • Local Bus to Central Bus Station
    $1.99
  • Taxi to Airport
    $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • Fast and Reliable Airport Transfers to Tel Aviv Hotels (or back): $94
  • Haifa to Tel Aviv or (TLV) Airport Transfers (Arrival/Departure): $290
  • Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
  • Private Airport Transfer - Dead Sea Hotels from or to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport: $160
  • Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer: From Tel Aviv City Center to Ben Gurion Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Ben Gurion Airport: $116
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Jerusalem: $247
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport: $172
  • Private Transfer from Netanya to Ben Gurion Airport: $172
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Haifa Cruise Port: $229
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Int Airport (TLV) to Ashdod Port: $153

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $5.05
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $7.39
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.87
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.36
  • Metro
    $0.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
  • 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
  • 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $35
  • Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $80
  • Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
  • Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
  • Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing: $112
  • Badaling Night Great Wall Ticket Show and Optional Transfer: $45
  • Beijing Acrobatics Show And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $299
  • Beijing Airport (PEK) to Mutianyu Great Wall Round Trip Transfers: $189
  • Beijing Airport Transfer 24H Flight Tracking and English Driver: $29
  • Beijing Airport Transfer with Private Car and English Driver: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Beijing?

Prices for flights to both Beijing and Tel Aviv 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
    Tel Aviv $61
    Beijing $36
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:


  • Dinner for Two
    $28
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    $164
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $43
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $4.73
  • Lunch at the airport
    $40

Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.89
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $7.39
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.96
  • Watermelon
    $2.07
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $18
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $25
  • Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
  • 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
  • China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
  • Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
  • Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
  • Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tel Aviv $29
    Beijing $26
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:


  • Masada tour from Tel Aviv
    $100
  • Etzel museum
    $5.07

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Israel’s Neve Tzedek: $7.99
  • Trail of Independence Quest Experience: $8.15
  • Jaffa Gatekeeper’s Secret: Exploration Game and Tour: $9.33
  • The White City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the History of the Bauhaus Style: $9.99
  • The Story of Gan HaHashmal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • 30-minute Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $29
  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour (Graffiti): $35
  • Jaffa Walking Tour - Half-Day: $49
  • Discover Jaffa in a Guided Walking Tour: $50
  • Carmel Market Vegetarian Food, History & Culture Tour: $50
  • Highlights of Central Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $50
  • Tel Aviv; Jaffa Old City, Port & Shuk Hapishpishim Walking Tour: $60

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.87
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $63
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $10
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $18
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $18
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $12

Tours and Activities in Beijing

Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Jingshan Park QR Ticket with 4 Language Audio Guide: $1.20
  • Forbidden City Ticket Booking: $2.61
  • Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
  • Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
  • Jingshan Park Ticket - Panoramic Forbidden City View: $3.00
  • Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
  • Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
  • Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
  • Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.99
  • Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking: $4.00
  • Beijing Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square Admission Tickets: $4.00
  • Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Jingshan Park: Tickets / Tours: $4.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $27
    Beijing $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $26
  • Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $29

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Beijing, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East and Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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


Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv and Beijing, 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.