A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jerusalem vs. Leh for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jerusalem or Leh?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Leh, 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 Leh?

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.

Leh

Leh is a small town located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir. Today, the town is best known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. It is situated in northern India, amidst the mountainous Himalayan range.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai.


Which place is cheaper, Leh or Jerusalem?

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 Jerusalem is $146, while the average daily cost in Leh is $46. 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 Leh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $72
    Leh $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $144
    Leh $32
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Leh

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Leh? 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 Jerusalem


Hotels in Leh


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 Leh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $7.51
    Leh $7.46
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 to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport-Private Departure Transfer: $61
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $85
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $85
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $149
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $150
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Reliable Private Transfer: Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem / Tel Aviv: $170
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leh:

  • From Jaipur: 2-Day Ranthambore Tiger Safari with transfers: $278
  • Ladakh: 5-Day Family Tour with Accommodation & Transfers: $361
  • Ladakh Family Getaway: 6-Day Tour with Stay & Transfers: $428

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Leh?

Prices for flights to both Leh 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 day
    Jerusalem $61
    Leh $23
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $9.53
    Leh $14
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:

  • 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 Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App : $13
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $13
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $30
  • Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall: $50
  • Jerusalem Jewish Orthodox Neighborhood Walking Tour: $52
  • Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour: $55
  • Hebron City Tour: $55
  • Jerusalem Day Tour: $69

Tours and Activities in Leh

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Leh are as follows:

  • Airport Pickup with Shanti Stupa-Leh Palace & Monastery Tour: $28
  • Electric Cycle Tour with Leh Old Town Heritage Walk: $45
  • Electric Cycle Tour with Heritage Walk & Meal: $51
  • Leh in a Day: Guided Tour of Iconic Landmarks and more: $85
  • "Leh to Pangong Lake Sameday tour: A Day of Tranquil Wonders: $87
  • Overnight Pangong Tour From Leh With Thiksey & Shey Palace: $113
  • 4-Day Tour to Leh Ladakh Pangong Lake and Monasteries: $199
  • One Night Two Days Pangong Lake Tour with Accommodation: $203
  • Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake 3-Day Tour: $259
  • Ladakh Highlights Tour with Homestay: $271
  • 6-Day Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and Sham Valley Tour: $462
  • LADAKH TOUR: $620

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $18
    Leh $5.29
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 Leh, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Leh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Leh 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 Leh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leh 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 Leh.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Leh?

Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Leh. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem and Leh, 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.