Cost of living in Israel

Why do so many people want to obtain an Israeli passport so badly? Excellent climate, year-round sun, high level of ecology and  of course comfortable life. Israel is a rich and beautiful country, where hundreds of thousands of tourists come every year, and tens of thousands of people move to live forever. However, many are deterred from moving by the cost of living in the state. But are prices in Israel as high as they say?

Salaries

Before talking about expenses, you should touch on the topic of income. In isolation from the earnings of the inhabitants of Israel, the price level may seem really high, but it is worth looking at the salaries – and everything immediately falls into place.

The average salary in Israel in 2023 is 9 thousand shekels (about $ 2,500). However, the living wage established by law is much lower: 1,8 thousand shekels ($ 500) per person and 3,7 thousand shekels ($ 1,000) for a family with one child.

It is important to note that in Israel they value the work of teachers and medical workers. Their salaries are slightly lower than the national average, but still worthy – about 7.5-8 thousand shekels ($ 2,200) per month.

Not so long ago, the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics conducted an interesting study. The purpose of this study was to identify the size of the average salary of an average Israeli. All economic spheres were studied. The results of the study pleased many. It turned out that compared to last year and the year before last, the situation has changed for the better.

In some areas, the salary is strongly influenced by knowledge of English and Hebrew. A driver without knowledge of the language earns $ 2,900. And a taxi driver who understands passengers well gets up to $ 5,000. Let’s compare earnings in different countries for one of the most popular profession – teacher:

The average salary in the Israeli education system is $ 2,500. The school teacher receives $ 2,650 and the principal receives $ 5,000. In the system of higher education, wages are 15-20% higher, the teacher of the university receives 4,350 dollars, and the rector – 8,000 dollars. In preschools, a teacher earns $ 1,800 and a kindergarten teacher $ 4,500.

Food price comparison

There is a strong influence of religion on the territory of the country. It tells the Jews exactly how vegetables and fruits should be grown, how they should be prepared. Kosher food is the key to a healthy nation, and it is not for nothing that the country has the highest life expectancy, an average of 82.5 years.

All other products have a market price, which is subject to change. If you buy in the market, you can save a lot, as prices in stores are much higher. It is also better to cook by yourself, because in restaurants and street establishments the cost of breakfast or takeaway food is high.

Let’s compare prices on food in supermarkets from different countries:

For comparison we took the central cities of different countries. You may notice that the prices of food in Israel are adjusted to the prices in England, while they are cheaper than the cost of food in America.

It is worth noting the high quality of Israeli products. The inhabitants of the country are obsessed with a healthy lifestyle and monitor the quality of food consumed, so you will find only the freshest and most healthy products in local stores.

Israel housing prices

Buying apartment. Housing in Israel is constantly growing in price: over the past 10 years, real estate has risen in price by 100 – 300% depending on the city and region, although the average salary has increased by only 20%. For example, in some central parts of Tel Aviv, the standard offer is $ 23,000-25,000 per “square”. Of course, there are more affordable options.

The cheapest three-room apartment in Tel Aviv in the southern part of the city costs about $ 340,000. A one-room apartment can be found for $ 180,000-200,000. In the vicinity of the capital, prices are about 20% lower. On the periphery, it is quite possible to buy a three-room apartment for $ 140,000.

As housing prices rise, so does rent. The most expensive cities to live in are Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Depending on the area of the city, monthly rates vary between $ 700-1,200 and $ 1,000-1,500, respectively. It will be cheaper to rent an apartment in Netanya and Ashdod – about $ 650-750. The lowest rates are in Haifa, Nazareth, Beer Sheva: about $ 450-650 for a one-room apartment or studio.

Be aware that local landlords are very curious. They always take a detailed interest in potential tenants, wanting the property to fit and you have not moved out in six months due to poor transport accessibility, unsatisfactory conditions for children, or for any other reason.

Keep in mind that you will have to pay not only rent, but also a number of other expenses:

Arnona – municipal tax, which can reach $ 50-100 per month (depending on the city, district, area of premises). Specify the amount immediately with the owner. New immigrants in the first year of their stay in Israel pay only 10% of this tax, if the area of ​​the apartment is not more than 100 sq.m.

Vaad-bayt (house manager) – payment for the care of the common area of the house (lawns, lighting, etc.). It ranges from $ 15 to $ 60 per month, depending on the size of the service area and infrastructure.

Communal payments. You will also have to pay for electricity, water, gas on your own. Please note that there is no central heating in Israel – water is heated in boilers installed on the roof of the house. There are two types of boilers: solar and electric. If you plan to rent a house, try to find the first option – then you will have to use electric heating very rarely, because in Israel the sun is almost all year round. If you don’t have a solar boiler, get ready to pay $ 25-30 more each month.

In general, utility bills are made up of the following items:

house manager, you will have to pay at least $ 190-200 for utilities per month. Although, depending on the type of complex, housing area, city and your personal expenses, this figure can reach up to $ 350.

Here is a comparative table of prices for buying and renting real estate in different countries:

Among the countries shown in the table, housing in Israel occupies an average price category. If you like a warm comfortable climate all year round, proximity to the sea and excellent ecology – feel free to look at housing in Israel.

Transport price comparison

Some parts of Israel can only be traveled on foot. This includes the center of Tel Aviv and the Old City in Jerusalem. In all other cases, you will have to resort to the services of transport.

Public transport. The most popular option is buses. Two large companies operate in Israel: Egged (flights both between cities and within cities) and Dan (transportation in Tel Aviv and the surrounding area). Fares vary by city and area. For example, a ticket for a trip inside Tel Aviv or Jerusalem starts at $ 1,5. The price of a ticket varies in the same way. For example, the cheapest monthly pass for Tel Aviv and a number of suburbs will cost $ 60, for a week – $ 18. Students are provided with good discounts: a similar travel pass for a semester will cost $ 165,5 for them, and $ 361 for a year.

Taxi. A convenient way to travel short distances, as well as on special holidays when public transport does not run (for example, on Shabbat). The average cost of a taxi ride in Tel Aviv is $ 7-10. When boarding, be sure to ask to turn on the meter, as local taxi drivers will not miss the opportunity to “slightly” overcharge for a non-local.

Bicycles. In large cities, for example, in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, many move in this way. Bicycles are municipal, and parking lots are “scattered” throughout the city: you can take one and return it to another. To rent such transport, you need a credit card – the rates are indicated on the monitor next to the parking lot. For example, renting a bike for a day costs $ 4,8-6,5, for a week – $ 20.

Rent a Car. Renting a car costs about $ 30-40 per day, depending on the chosen company. But keep in mind that in Israel – expensive gasoline ($ 1,7 per liter on average) and most parking lots – paid ($ 8-15 per day). Fines for incorrect or unpaid parking are high: from $ 30 to $ 140, and you will have to pay about $300 for towing a car to a fine parking lot.

Your own car is expensive. In addition to gasoline, annual auto insurance (like OSAGO) will cost $ 400-450. Car maintenance is also expensive. Often, Israelis rent a car from the company they work for. But this option is only good for those who make good money: monthly payments are $ 700-1,000 with all maintenance and gas expenses included.

Yes, life in Israel is not cheap. However, despite the fact that Israel occupies an average price category among the USA, UK and France, it has very significant advantages.Comfortable climate. You will have the sunniest days in Israel. Despite the small area, the country has several significantly different climatic zones:

• three seas;
• desert territories;
• mountainous areas.

Each zone corresponds to a unique microclimate that has a constant impact on the human body. Contrasts allow you to live where it is more comfortable, and relax where it is more useful. High standard of living in Israel. Qualified specialists receive a decent salary, allowing them to live comfortably, discarding worries about the future. Confidence is reinforced by social benefits. The State of Israel has done a great job:

Every Israeli citizen has health insurance, a high level of medical care using new technologies and modern equipment. The age of the citizens of the country is constantly growing. In terms of longevity, Israeli citizens occupy high positions in the world. Low crime. Israel is famous for its calm streets, children walk on their own, in the evening, at night, without fear, you can walk through the streets alone. Street criminals are rare.

Ecological situation. The condition of water and air complies with the standards, which is constantly monitored by the state, special supervision services. To eliminate pollution, the number of cars on the roads of Israel is regulated. The resort areas of the country have been given a special status – the state monitors the maintenance of the environment at a high level.