Cost of Living in Israel

Updated: January 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Israel, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Israel?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Israel and whether the reported $2925 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $2588.21.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Israel

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	17.14 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	85.7 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	15.71 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	8.57 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	8.0 $
Cappuccino (regular)	3.7 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	2.65 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	1.99 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.72 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	2.3 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	2.67 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	3.76 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	14.0 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	10.13 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	19.54 $
Apples (1 lb)	3.09 $
Banana (1 lb)	2.25 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.84 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.77 $
Potato (1 lb)	1.32 $
Onion (1 lb)	1.16 $
Lettuce (1 head)	1.68 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	1.36 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	11.43 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	2.52 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	3.14 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	10.0 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	1.71 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	60.84 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	4.28 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	1.14 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	28.57 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.99 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	39277.13 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	39574.0 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	230.39 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.09 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	27.93 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	67.91 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	18.97 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	12.0 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	888.79 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	9349.68 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	86.99 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	58.23 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	115.78 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	128.95 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	1128.31 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	924.34 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1773.75 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	1450.7 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	7726.81 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	6256.45 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	2588.21 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	3.5 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 17.14 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 85.7 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.72 USD, a loaf of bread 2.3 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 3.76 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.71 USD and a monthly pass around 60.84 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 230.39 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 67.91 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 18.97 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 888.79 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 9349.68 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 86.99 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 115.78 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1128.31 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 924.34 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 7726.81 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 6256.45 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 2588.21 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 3.5% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Israel

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Israel is overall safe to travel to, with considerably low crime rates where tourists are free to explore without having to worry about street crime. However, it is advised that you remain vigilant at all times, especially on public transport since Palestinian terrorist groups have been known to target buses and bus-stops.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

It is recommended that you remain vigilant when using public transport since it is often the target of terrorist groups. Try to avoid public transport during rush hours and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are a problem like in the majority of destinations frequented by tourists. Be careful, keep your eyes open in public, crowded areas such as train stations and airports, and keep your valuables close by your side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Israel is located in a seismically active area. Apart from that, you can expect sand storms and occasional floods.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

It is not likely you will get mugged in Israel. Crime rates are very low, and violent crime against tourists is highly unlikely. Still, be careful near the borders with Syria, Lebanon or Egypt, since there's a risk of being kidnapped in those areas.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Acts of terrorism are very likely in Israel. Avoid at all costs the areas near the borders with Lebanon, Syria or Egypt.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The risk of getting scammed in Israel is pretty low, though you should still negotiate everything in advance, double check your change and never pay anything upfront.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Israel is definitely safe for women traveling solo. Just use your common sense and have your wits with you. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night and finding yourself in places filled with drunken people.

Cost of Living in Israel

Israel

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing