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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Luang Prabang?

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

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

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.

Luang Prabang

Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Jerusalem?

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

  • Jerusalem Prices
    Israel Prices
    Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jerusalem $146
    Luang Prabang $18

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $146, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is $18. 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 Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $72
    Luang Prabang $5.60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $144
    Luang Prabang $11
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Luang Prabang? 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 Luang Prabang


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 Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $7.51
    Luang Prabang $2.07
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 Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $2.31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang

Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang 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
    Luang Prabang $9.25
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang

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

  • Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
  • Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $9.53
    Luang Prabang $2.66
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 Luang Prabang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.

  • Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
  • Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
  • Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
  • Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
  • Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
  • Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
  • UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
  • Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
  • Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
  • Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
  • Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
  • From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $18
    Luang Prabang $1.78
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 Luang Prabang, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang.

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Luang Prabang?

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

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 Luang Prabang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Luang Prabang. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Jerusalem is cooler than Luang Prabang in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

Both Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is cooler than Luang Prabang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

Both Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang year-round.

Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Luang Prabang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Jerusalem is much colder than Luang Prabang in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)