Is Haifa expensive to visit?
In Haifa, budget travelers spend $76 (₪254) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $175 (₪584) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $342 (₪1,141) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Haifa.
Haifa is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Haifa can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within the Middle East, Haifa is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Aqaba or Tel Aviv.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Haifa Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Haifa?
The average Haifa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Haifa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Haifa cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Haifa with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $76 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Haifa, like Al Yakhour Hostel and Backpackers Nest Hostel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Haifa will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $175 per person, per day.
Haifa 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. The Colony Hotel Haifa is an excellent choice, while Templers Boutique Hotel is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Haifa.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $342. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Haifa
Hotel prices in Haifa can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $138, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $257. Budget accommodations range from $79 to $739, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Haifa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $167 (₪557). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $84 (₪279) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Haifa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Haifa include:
- The Colony Hotel Haifa starting at $163
- Beth-Shalom starting at $112
If you plan to avoid and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Haifa
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $5.57 (₪19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Haifa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Haifa is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.57
₪19
The best way to travel around Haifa is by the elaborate bus system. Buses are convenient and run every day of the week. Haifa is also a very walkable city, so with the exception of longer trips, most destinations can be reached on foot.
There are two main bus stations in town. The first is Mercazit HaMifratz, where you can catch buses to the northern suburbs and the Sea of Galilee. This station is located near the Lev HaMifraz train station. The second station, Mercazit Hof HaCarmel, offers buses to more southern destinations including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It is located near the Hof Ha Carmel train station.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan for $199 details
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) for $235 details
How much does it cost to go to Haifa? 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 Haifa 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.
Food Budget in Haifa
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Haifa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Haifa is $87 (₪289) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$87
₪289
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Haifa is around $87 (₪289) per person, with previous travelers spending from $38 to $162. 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 Haifa are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $26
- Lunch: $13 to $35
- Dinner: $26 to $61
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
There are some great restaurants throughout Haifa, but the cheapest food in town is the street food. Like elsewhere in Israel, falafel is readily available throughout the city. There are also plenty of shawarma stands that are great for grabbing a quick lunch. You'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Romanian and Italian options. Restaurants in Haifa, like elsewhere in Israel, are quite expensive, but the food is generally a high quality. You are expected to tip in most restaurants, and approximately 10% is considered customary. If you receive poor service, it is acceptable to tip less.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Listed below are typical food prices in Haifa, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Haifa
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Haifa typically cost an average of $6.42 (₪21) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$6.42
₪21
One of the most significant sights in Haifa is the Bahai Gardens and World Center. This is a beautiful landmark of the city that is open every day with the exception of Wednesdays. Also make sure you visit the Cave of Elijah, Stella Maris, and the National Museum of Science. There is also a German Colony that is centered around Ben-Gurion Boulevard. The main street is a promenade with many restaurants and cafes. The University of Haifa is also worth exploring.
In general, a day or two is sufficient to visit most of the sights in Haifa. While it is a beautiful city, and well worth a visit, there are not a large number of sights and attractions. The city is best visited as a whole, and not on a sight by sight basis.
One of the most popular activities to do in Haifa is to go to the beach. The best beaches can be found near the Hof Hacarmel bus and train station. You can walk straight to the beach from either of the stations. There are beautiful beaches found along the southwest side of the city. There is also a boardwalk that is lined with cafes and restaurants. This area is a center for activity and is a great place to socialize or people watch.
A nice way to explore destinations in Haifa 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:
- Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee for $290 details
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2025 - Small Group for $255 details
- Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port for $120 details
Haifa, Israel
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.