A Travel Price Comparison for Israel Tel Aviv vs. Eilat for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Eilat?

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

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

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.

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Eilat 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 $200, while the average daily cost in Eilat is $209. 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 Eilat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tel Aviv $108
    Eilat $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $216
    Eilat $234
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Eilat

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv or Eilat? 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 Eilat


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 and Eilat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tel Aviv $11
    Eilat $17
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
    $1.98
  • Taxi to Airport
    $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • transfer from bengurion airport to Jerusalem: $200
  • suv BG airport transfer to tlv 4 people: $85
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer - Great Service: $183
  • Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $110
  • Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - Private Intercity Transfers: $120
  • Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) Private Departure Transfers: $55
  • Tel Aviv Private Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport TLV in Business Car: $283
  • Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Tel Aviv - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Tel Aviv Airport(TLV) to Haifa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $286
  • Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Jerusalem city - Arrival Private Transfer: $95

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

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


  • Local Bus
    $4.69

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Eilat?

Prices for flights to both Eilat 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 $60
    Eilat $77
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
    $163
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $43
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $4.69
  • Lunch at the airport
    $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

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

  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $45
  • Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
  • Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $75
  • Levinsky Market Food Tour: $145
  • Food Tour of Sarona Market and Azraeli Center: $165
  • Christmas Eve Tour Jerusalem and Bethlehem Dinner from Tel Aviv: $180

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Eilat

For Eilat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Feast at the Camel Ranch in Eilat with Dinner Alcohol Event: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tel Aviv $28
    Eilat $20
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
    $99
  • Etzel museum
    $5.02

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

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

  • 3-Hour Private Morning Bike Tour: $300
  • A Self-Guided Jaffa Tour: The Story of its American-German Colony: $7.99
  • Airport to City Public Transit Experience Israel: $150
  • Ben Yehuda 7, Private Bike Tour with Yalla Bikes: $90
  • Best of Tel Aviv, Jaffa & Carmel Market Tour: $89
  • Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Day Tour from Tel Aviv: $109
  • Bethlehem, Jerusalem Desert and Monasteries Tour from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: $125
  • Caesarea Haifa and Akko Tour from Tel Aviv: $99
  • Caesarea, Haifa, Akko & Rosh Hanikra Full Day Private Tour: $1,662
  • Carmel Market Tasting Tour: $78
  • Carmel Market Tour: $200
  • Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv: $121

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $22
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $75
  • Summer night jeep tour in Eilat mountains: $75
  • Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $98
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Private Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation and Guide: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $27
    Eilat $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $27
  • Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $29
  • Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $30
  • Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $32


When comparing the travel costs between Tel Aviv and Eilat, we can see that Eilat 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 Tel Aviv Expensive? and Is Eilat Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Eilat?

Tel Aviv has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv and Eilat, 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.