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Cost of living in Israel: Food, transport, and more
The cost of living in Israel can be high, so if you’re planning to spend some time there, here’s what you should know.
In this guide, we want to show you the cost of living in Israel in 2026 and what you can expect to pay each month for everyday expenses.
We’ll take a look at the different types of housing and their prices, which represent the biggest expense of living in the country. You’ll also find out how much some common food items cost, what options are available for public healthcare, and the prices of certain medical services.
Finally, we will cover transportation, entertainment, and internet costs, which are essential expenses you need to budget for whether you are staying in Israel for a while or planning to live there permanently. Let’s dive in!
Average cost of accommodation in Israel
Housing in Israel comes in many forms and prices, but overall it can be quite expensive because demand is high. Living near the coast or in a central area, for instance, tends to be especially costly.
Here, we break down the average costs of staying in Israel. We cover different types of accommodation, including hotels, furnished apartments, Airbnb, and co-living spaces.
- Furnished apartments: These accommodations are available in both upscale neighborhoods and more affordable areas, depending on your needs. Most offer over 45 square meters of space, with monthly rents typically ranging from $1,220 to $2,506.
- Airbnb: The national average is around $195. Rentals are usually houses, apartments, or rooms, mainly in major cities and popular tourist areas.
- Coliving: These spaces are perfect for digital nomads, students, and professionals, offering work, study, relaxation, and leisure areas all in one place. They make it easy to socialize and network, while staying close to the city’s main attractions. Monthly rents typically range from $1,000 to $1,500.
- Mid-range hotels: These accommodations offer a higher level of comfort than most, providing everything from breakfast to relaxation areas like pools, spa facilities, daily housekeeping, and other amenities. Prices can be relatively high, starting at around $186 per night.
Food costs
Food prices in Israel have risen in recent years, making it one of the more expensive countries in the region for groceries. Still, the cuisine is high quality, and there’s a wide variety of food available, as well as plenty of supermarkets where locals do their shopping.
Below is a list of average prices based on supermarkets like the Israeli chain Rami Levy and the international chain Carrefour, both of which have widespread coverage across the country.
- 1 liter of milk: $1.85
- 12 eggs: $4.10
- Chicken breast, 1 kg: $11.40
- Beef, 1 kg: $28
- Pasta, 500 g: $1.90
- Chocolate bar, 100 g: $2.45
- Ground coffee 250g: $6.80
- Bread: $1.25
Keep in mind that cooking at home is generally cheaper than eating out at a mid-range restaurant. That said, here are the approximate prices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a typical restaurant in an Israeli city.
- Traditional Israeli breakfast: This includes shakshuka, salad, bread, and coffee, and starts at $18.
- Typical Israeli lunch: The daily menu includes a main course and drink and costs around $21.
- Dinner: For one person, dinner at a mid-range restaurant can cost between $25 and $35.
Transportation prices in Israel
Israel’s transportation system is efficient enough to connect major cities through high-speed trains, buses, and trams, while also making it easy to get around quickly within the cities themselves.
These are the costs for each type of transportation:
- City buses and trams: Public transportation is widely used, and a single ticket, which allows travel and transfers for 90 minutes, costs $2.20. If you plan to make multiple trips, you can get a Rav-Kav card for $1.60, which can be topped up via an app or at recharge points in stations. There’s also an unlimited monthly pass available for $67.
- Taxis and transportation via apps such as Gett and Yango: While these options are more convenient for getting around, they tend to be a bit pricier. A taxi ride, for instance, starts at about $4.12, with each kilometer after that costing around $0.65. Private cars are rarely used for transport, so taxis remain the main choice.
Costs of owning a car in Israel
SUVs like the Hyundai Kona and the Jaecoo 7 have become the most popular vehicles for getting around in Israel. They were the top-selling cars from mid-2025 to early 2026, thanks to their style and practicality for both city driving and longer trips.
Prices for these vehicles usually fall between $25,800 and $45,900, depending on the model and whether it’s gas or electric. This is a good moment to consider what you might spend on fuel or charging.
- Gasoline: $2.31 per liter.
- Home charging cost: $0.22 per kWh.
- Slow public charging cost: Between $0.51 and $0.67 per kWh.
- Cost of fast public charging: Between $0.80 and $1.03 per kWh.
- You should also take into account the cost of compulsory insurance (Bituach Chova), which can cost between $500 and $1,000.
Healthcare costs
In Israel, foreign residents don’t automatically have access to public healthcare unless they hold a residence permit. Otherwise, any medical expenses resulting from an accident or illness are your responsibility.
The best way to protect both your finances and your health is by getting travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Without it, you could face hefty bills for any emergency medical care.
These are some healthcare costs in Israel that highlight why it’s smart to travel with insurance, which typically ranges from $150 to $350 depending on the provider. Here are a few other travel insurance options for visiting Israel.
| Medical Services | Average cost in USD |
| Consultation with a general practitioner | Between $120 and $220 |
| Consultation with a specialist | Between $250 and $450 |
| Emergency room admission | Between $250 and $350 |
| Appendectomy | Between $9,100 and $10,900 |
| Routine dental care | Between $80 and $130 |
These prices are approximate ranges, so they may be higher or lower depending on factors such as the complexity of the case and the clinic treating you in Israel.
Cost of over-the-counter medications in Israel
In Israeli pharmacies, you can find over-the-counter medications to help with minor aches or health issues, so it’s useful to know the prices at stores like Super-Pharm or Be.
- Paracetamol x 20 tablets: Between $5 and $8.
- Ibuprofen x 16 capsules: Between $9 and $14.
- Cough syrup (100 ml): From $12.
- Saline nasal spray for allergy relief: Available in different sizes between $8 and $12.
Prices for internet and calling plans
Israel offers fiber optic internet across almost the entire country, making it one of the most advanced in the region. Speeds range from 300 Mbps up to 2.5 Gbps, with monthly plans typically costing between $29 and $58.
In addition, you must pay approximately $70 for installation in your home. However, if you sign up for a long-term contract, this cost may be waived.
When it comes to mobile phones, calls, and internet, Israel also offers affordable options. Basic plans provide 100 to 200 GB of data along with unlimited calls and texts, usually costing between $10 and $16.
Premium plans offer between 500 GB and 1 TB of data, plus limited roaming, usually for under $29. The main providers in Israel are Pelephone, Partner, and Cellcom.
You can also opt for a monthly plan from Holafly, which provides either 25 GB or unlimited data. These plans let you share your connection across devices and use it in more than 160 countries without having to switch plans each time you travel.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost of leisure activities in Israel
Enjoying free time is a big part of life in Israel, so we’ve highlighted some activities and experiences you can do while there. Some are paid, others are free. We’ve also looked into the price of streaming services like Netflix for when you want to stay in.
- Visiting the Western Wall: Free of charge
- Diving in the reefs of Eilat: Between $80 and $112 depending on your experience
- Going to the beaches in Tel Aviv (access): It’s free, although the real cost is in the food and drinks you bring to enjoy while you’re there.
- Hiking in Ramon Crater: Access to the trail is free.
- Going to the movies: Tickets cost between $14 and $18 depending on the show.
- Going to the theater: Between $48 and $112 depending on the play you attend.
- Netflix monthly plan: $17.60.
- Disney: $14.40 per month.
- Spotify: $7 per month.
- Monthly subscription television: $48–80.
How much does it cost to live in Israel?
Ultimately, the monthly cost of living in Israel depends on several factors, such as where you choose to live, your food habits, and whether you buy a car or rely on public transport. Healthcare expenses can also make a significant difference in your budget.
That said, we’ve put together an estimate based on an average lifestyle, covering all basic expenses, living in areas outside the city center or away from the coast, having health insurance, and using public transportation.
- A single person: Minimum monthly income of $2,800.
- A couple: Monthly budget of approximately $4,500 to $6,500.
- A family of up to four people: A monthly budget of between $7,500 and $10,500 is recommended.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Israel
Israel uses the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). While euros are sometimes accepted, it’s best to pay in the local currency to avoid losing money on unfavorable exchange rates at shops.
The country is considered very safe, with low rates of theft in its cities, making it one of the more secure places to live. Still, it’s always wise to take your own precautions to avoid any unpleasant situations.
Housing accounts for the largest expense in the cost of living in Israel, especially if you choose to live in central areas close to tourist attractions and the sea.
Israel has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters that are slightly shorter than the hot, humid summers, especially along the coast.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
