Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jerusalem or Koh Samui?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Koh Samui, 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 Koh Samui?
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.
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
-
Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesKoh Samui Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $146Koh Samui $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $146, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $79. 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 Koh Samui in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $72Koh Samui $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $144Koh Samui $52
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Koh Samui
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Koh Samui? 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 Koh Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $7.51Koh Samui $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Local Bus$3.54
-
Light Rail Jerusalem$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Reliable Private Transfer: Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem / Tel Aviv: $170
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $150
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $149
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $85
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $85
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport-Private Departure Transfer: $61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
-
Scooter Rental$2.36
-
Gas for Scooter$1.26
-
Airport Taxi$14
-
Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
-
Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $17
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Koh Samui?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui 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
-
Food Meals for one dayJerusalem $61Koh Samui $39
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Orange Juice$3.00
-
Watermelon$4.50
-
Lunch$13
-
Food at Market$17
-
Juice$3.00
-
Bagels$8.99
-
Lunch for 2$16
-
Snacks$6.29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $206
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $78
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $81
- Sunset Dinner Cruise by Red Baron In Koh Samui : $81
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $82
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $82
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $113
- Koh Samui Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $122
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $9.53Koh Samui $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Cooking Classes for 2$38
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
- 1-Day : Jerusalem & Dead Sea Private Tour. : $993
- 2-Days Tour Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, and The Dead Sea : $300
- 7-Hour Jerusalem Political Guided Tour from Jerusalem: $199
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $89
- Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $155
- Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
- Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $30
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
- Boutique Walking Tour of Jerusalem: $273
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui: $2.37
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.97
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Half Day Island Guided Tour: $24
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $27
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $28
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $30
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $18Koh Samui $5.33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Beer$5.40
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Koh Samui, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem than you might in Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Koh Samui Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Koh Samui?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Koh Samui, 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 Koh Samui?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Jerusalem or Koh Samui in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Koh Samui. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Koh Samui. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Jerusalem is generally around the same temperature as Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Koh Samui in the Autumn?
Both Koh Samui and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Jerusalem is cooler than Koh Samui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Koh Samui 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Koh Samui in the Winter?
Both Koh Samui 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Koh Samui. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Jerusalem is much colder than Koh Samui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jerusalem in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 22°C (72°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Koh Samui 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Koh Samui in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 16°C (61°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Koh Samui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.