Jerusalem is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Jerusalem?
You should plan to spend around $132 (₪488) per day on your vacation in Jerusalem. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $55 (₪204) on meals
- $6.79 (₪25) on local transportation
- $130 (₪479) on hotels
A one week trip to Jerusalem for two people costs, on average, $1,851 (₪6,832). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$926
₪3,416
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,851
₪6,832
-
One Month
Per person
$3,966
₪14,640
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,851
₪6,832
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,702
₪13,664
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,933
₪29,280
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Jerusalem cost?
A one week trip to Jerusalem usually costs around $926 (₪3,416) for one person and $1,851 (₪6,832) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Jerusalem on average costs around $1,851 (₪6,832) for one person and $3,702 (₪13,664) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Jerusalem will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Jerusalem on average costs around $3,966 (₪14,640) for one person and $7,933 (₪29,280) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Jerusalem expensive to visit?
Jerusalem is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you choose to make it so, Jerusalem can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $53 (₪194) per day, mid-range travelers spend $133 (₪488) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $333 (₪1,216) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Jerusalem.
Within the Middle East, Jerusalem is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Tiberias or Amman.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Jerusalem Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Jerusalem?
The average Jerusalem trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Jerusalem travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Jerusalem cost?
Jerusalem on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$25
(₪93)
|
$65
(₪239)
|
$169
(₪624)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3
(₪9.86)
|
$7
(₪25)
|
$17
(₪64)
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
(₪83)
|
$55
(₪204)
|
$130
(₪481)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$4
(₪14)
|
$9
(₪32)
|
$17
(₪63)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(₪13-38)
|
$8-24
(₪29-88)
|
$16-47
(₪58-174)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Jerusalem is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $53 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Jerusalem, like Stay Inn, Palm Hostel, and New Swedish Hostel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Jerusalem will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $133 per person, per day.
Jerusalem offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Arthur Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel is an excellent choice, while Stay Kook Suites is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Jerusalem.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $333 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Jerusalem : Private Walking Tour with A Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Jerusalem
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Jerusalem can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Jerusalem in the off-season is $131, but in the peak travel season it will average around $244. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Jerusalem to range from $81 to $459. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Jerusalem for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $130 (₪479). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (₪239) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Jerusalem include:
- Arthur Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel starting at $158
- Stay Kook Suites starting at $105
- Harmony Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel starting at $184
- Villa Ba'Moshava starting at $152
- Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center starting at $143
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Jerusalem
Jerusalem does not has a good public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $6.79 (₪25) per person, per day, on local transportation in Jerusalem. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Jerusalem is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.79
₪25
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman for $160 details
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer for $170 details
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra for $290 details
How much does it cost to go to Jerusalem? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Jerusalem will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Jerusalem are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Jerusalem. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
Local Bus
₪12
-
Light Rail Jerusalem
₪36
Food Budget in Jerusalem
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Jerusalem can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Jerusalem is $55 (₪204) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$55
₪204
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Jerusalem is around $56 (₪204) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $132. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $8 to $22
- Dinner: $17 to $39
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Jerusalem is a large and culturally diverse city with food from all over the world. You can find restaurants that offer everything from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, European, American, or even Ethiopian cuisines. Budget food options include the falafel stands that are found all around town, bagel shops, and fast food restaurants. Sit down restaurants are more expensive than you might expect and dining out can quickly drain your budget. If you want to prepare your own meals, there are several excellent markets around the city. There are also many smaller food shops concentrated in the Old City.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Jerusalem. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem for $99 details
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem for $163 details
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea for $96 details
Food and meal prices in Jerusalem, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
-
Orange Juice
₪10
-
Watermelon
₪15
-
Lunch
₪44
-
Food at Market
₪57
-
Juice
₪10
-
Bagels
₪30
-
Lunch for 2
₪54
-
Snacks
₪21
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Jerusalem
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Jerusalem typically cost an average of $8.61 (₪32) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$8.61
₪32
Jerusalem has an endless supply of sights that are significant to many different religions. It's virtually impossible to see every major sight in the city during one visit, so it is best to prioritize your options. Check out this 5-day Jerusalem itinerary for some ideas and suggestions on how to tackle everything. You should come prepared with a quality guide book that can give you information on each sight, its history, and its significance to various religions. Some of the must-see sights in Jerusalem include Mar Elias Monastery, Tantur Theological Center, St. Simeon Monastery, Ramat Rachel Archaeological Site, Monastery of the Cross, the Israel Museum, Yad Vashem (the holocaust museum), The Garden Tomb, The Palestinian Heritage Museum, The Biblical Zoo, and Mount Herzl. Within the Old City you'll find the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Temple Mount, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Qubbat Al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock), and the Western Wall.
In addition to visiting the religiously important sights, you should also allow yourself time to simply walk through the Old City and other neighborhoods of interest. In addition to being a city of such religious significance, Jerusalem is also a fun city to explore in and of itself, and you should not miss this experience while you're here. With plenty of unusual things to do in Jerusalem, visitors will not be bored. From the old markets with interesting shops (here's a list of what to buy in Israel), to street food vendors, to great views over the city, Jerusalem offers something for everyone.
Arranging a tour of Jerusalem can greatly enhance your experience. The city is filled with history, and without a proper guide or guide book, you'll miss out on much of the meaning of each sight. There are a variety of organizations that offer tours around the Old City. Many should be arranged in advance.
A nice way to explore destinations in Jerusalem is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 2 Hour Shooting Experience for $173 details
- Private Guided Tour to the Culinary World of Jerusalem Market for $165 details
- Jericho Alternative Tour from Bethlehem for $240 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Jerusalem are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
-
Cooking Classes for 2
₪126
Nightlife Budget in Jerusalem
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $16 (₪59) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Jerusalem per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
₪59
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Jerusalem are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Jerusalem. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Nov 30, 2024
Traveling in Jerusalem
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.
As for travel, Jerusalem, and Israel in general, can be quite expensive for travelers. With European standards of living and many imported foods and goods, many travelers quickly realize that Jerusalem's overall costs of travel are definitely one the expensive side.
Jerusalem is also a holy city for three religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Many visitors come to Jerusalem as part of a religious journey. The city is filled with strong beliefs and passionate people with a rich and incredibly diverse culture. The main languages in the city are Hebrew, in western Jerusalem, and Arabic in eastern Jerusalem. English is also very common throughout the city, particularly in the Old City.
Jerusalem's climate is Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. January is the coldest month with the average temperature about 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow flurries may occur a couple of times a year and heavier snowstorms happen every few years, but snow does not linger on the ground for long. July and August are the hottest months with the average temperature in the mid 70s Fahrenheit. The summers are incredibly dry.
Neighborhoods & Around
Jerusalem has many different districts, but as a tourist you are most likely to spend the majority of your time in the Old City. The Old City is still surrounded by a wall and has many places of significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.
West Jerusalem (or New Jerusalem) is the Jewish-Israeli part of the city as well as the commercial center.
East Jerusalem is considered by many Palestinians to be the capital of Palestine. It was claimed by Israel during the Six Day war of 1967 and taken from Jordan. Today there are approximately 200,000 Jews and most of the city's Muslim and Christian populations (about 250,000 people) that reside there.
Me'a Shearim is famous as the home of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish population. If you visit this area you should respect the population and dress modestly.
Ein Kerem is a neighborhood in West Jerusalem that has a unique village atmosphere. It is also a popular place for artists and sculptors.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.