Articles on: Financial Planning

Cost Of Living 2

Cost of Living in Israel

Comprehensive Comparison: Israel vs. USA, UK, and Canada

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1.        Executive Summary
  2.        Housing Costs
  3.        Utilities and Bills
  4.        Groceries and Food
  5.        Transportation
  6.        Healthcare
  7.        Dining Out and Entertainment
  8.        Childcare and Education
  9.        Personal Care and Services
  10.     Overall Cost of Living Index
  11.     Income and Purchasing Power
  12.     Sample Monthly Budgets

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Quick Comparison Overview

Israel is generally MORE expensive than:

ï           Most US cities (except NYC, SF, LA)

ï           Most UK cities (except London)

ï           All major Canadian cities

Israel is generally LESS expensive than:

ï           New York City

ï           San Francisco

ï           Central London

ï           Hong Kong, Singapore

Key Findings:

 

ï           **Housing: **30-50% more expensive than US/Canada average

ï           **Groceries: **25-40% more expensive

ï           **Transportation: **50-100% more expensive (cars/gas)

ï           **Healthcare: **Much cheaper (universal system)

ï           **Dining out: **Similar to major US/UK cities

ï           **Childcare: **Much cheaper (subsidized)

ï           **Education: **Much cheaper (free public, low university costs)


HOUSING COSTS

Rental Costs - Monthly Comparisons

One-Bedroom Apartment City Center

 

City

Monthly Rent (USD)

vs. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

$1,800 - 2,500

Baseline

Jerusalem

$1,400 - 2,000

-22% to -20%

Haifa

$1,000 - 1,400

-44% to -44%

Beer Sheva

$700 - 1,000

-61% to -60%

New York City

$3,500 - 5,000

+94% to+100%

San Francisco

$3,000 - 4,200

+67% to +68%

Los Angeles

$2,200 - 3,000

+22% to +20%

Chicago

$1,600 - 2,200

-11% to -12%

Austin

$1,400 - 2,000

-22% to -20%

Miami

$1,800 - 2,400

0% to -4%

London (Zone 1-2)

$2,500 - 3,500

+39% to +40%

Manchester

$1,200 - 1,600

-33% to -36%

Birmingham

$1,000 - 1,400

-44% to -44%

Edinburgh

$1,100 - 1,500

-39% to -40%

Toronto

$1,800 - 2,400

0% to -4%

Vancouver

$2,000 - 2,800

+11% to +12%

Montreal

$1,200 - 1,600

-33% to -36%

Calgary

$1,100 - 1,500

-39% to -40%

 

Three-Bedroom Apartment City Center

 

City

Monthly Rent (USD)

vs. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

$3,200 - 4,500

Baseline

Jerusalem

$2,500 - 3,500

-22% to -22%

Haifa

$1,800 - 2,500

-44% to -44%


Beer Sheva

$1,300 - 1,800

-59% to -60%

New York City

$5,500 - 8,000

+72% to+78%

San Francisco

$5,000 - 7,000

+56% to+56%

Los Angeles

$3,500 - 5,000

+9% to +11%

Chicago

$2,800 - 3,800

-13% to -16%

Austin

$2,500 - 3,500

-22% to -22%

Miami

$3,000 - 4,000

-6% to -11%

London (Zone 1-2)

$4,500 - 6,500

+41% to+44%

Manchester

$2,000 - 2,800

-38% to -38%

Birmingham

$1,700 - 2,400

-47% to -47%

Edinburgh

$1,900 - 2,600

-41% to -42%

Toronto

$3,000 - 4,200

-6% to -7%

Vancouver

$3,500 - 4,800

+9% to +7%

Montreal

$2,000 - 2,800

-38% to -38%

Calgary

$1,800 - 2,600

-44% to -42%

 

One-Bedroom Apartment Outside Center

 

City

Monthly Rent (USD)

vs. Tel Aviv Suburbs

Tel Aviv Suburbs

$1,200 - 1,800

Baseline

Jerusalem Suburbs

$1,000 - 1,400

-17% to -22%

Haifa Suburbs

$700 - 1,000

-42% to -44%

Beer Sheva Suburbs

$500 - 700

-58% to -61%

US Suburbs (avg)

$1,100 - 1,600

-8% to -11%

UK Outside London

$800 - 1,200

-33% to -33%

Canada (avg suburbs)

$1,000 - 1,500

-17% to -17%

 

Property Purchase Prices

Price Per Square Meter (USD)


City

City Center

Outside Center

vs. Tel Aviv Center

Tel Aviv

$10,000 - 15,000

$7,000 - 10,000

Baseline

Jerusalem

$8,000 - 12,000

$5,500 - 8,000

-20% to -20%

Haifa

$5,500 - 8,000

$4,000 - 6,000

-45% to -47%

Netanya

$5,000 - 7,500

$3,500 - 5,500

-50% to -50%

Beer Sheva

$3,500 - 5,000

$2,500 - 4,000

-65% to -67%

New York City

$15,000 - 25,000

$8,000 - 12,000

+50% to +67%

San Francisco

$12,000 - 18,000

$7,000 - 11,000

+20% to +20%

Los Angeles

$7,000 - 11,000

$5,000 - 7,500

-30% to -27%

Chicago

$4,500 - 7,000

$3,000 - 5,000

-55% to -53%

Miami

$6,000 - 10,000

$4,000 - 6,500

-40% to -33%

London (Zone 1-2)

$15,000 - 25,000

$9,000 - 13,000

+50% to +67%

Manchester

$4,000 - 6,000

$2,500 - 4,000

-60% to -60%

Birmingham

$3,500 - 5,500

$2,200 - 3,500

-65% to -63%

Toronto

$8,000 - 12,000

$5,000 - 8,000

-20% to -20%

Vancouver

$10,000 - 15,000

$6,500 - 10,000

0% to 0%

Montreal

$4,500 - 7,000

$3,000 - 5,000

-55% to -53%

 

Typical Apartment Prices (3-Bedroom)

 

Location

Approx. Size

Price Range (USD)

Mortgage (20% down, 30yr)

Tel Aviv Center

100 sqm (1,076sqft)

$1,000,000 - 1,500,000

$4,200 - 6,300/month

Tel Aviv Suburbs

100 sqm

$700,000 - 1,000,000

$2,900 - 4,200/month

Jerusalem Center

100 sqm

$800,000 - 1,200,000

$3,400 - 5,000/month

Haifa Center

100 sqm

$550,000 - 800,000

$2,300 - 3,400/month

Beer Sheva

100 sqm

$350,000 - 500,000

$1,500 - 2,100/month

NYC Manhattan

1,000 sqft

$1,500,000 - 2,500,000

$6,300 - 10,500/month


NYC Brooklyn

1,000 sqft

$800,000 - 1,300,000

$3,400 - 5,500/month

San Francisco

1,000 sqft

$1,200,000 - 1,800,000

$5,000 - 7,600/month

Los Angeles

1,000 sqft

$700,000 - 1,100,000

$2,900 - 4,600/month

Chicago

1,000 sqft

$450,000 - 700,000

$1,900 - 2,900/month

London Zone 2

90 sqm

$1,350,000 - 2,250,000

$5,700 - 9,500/month

Manchester

90 sqm

$360,000 - 540,000

$1,500 - 2,300/month

Toronto

1,000 sqft

$800,000 - 1,200,000

$3,400 - 5,000/month

Vancouver

1,000 sqft

$1,000,000 - 1,500,000

$4,200 - 6,300/month

Montreal

1,000 sqft

$450,000 - 700,000

$1,900 - 2,900/month

 

Housing Cost Burden (% of Income)

 

Location

Avg Rent (1BR)

Avg Income

% of Income

Tel Aviv

$2,000

$3,500

57%

Jerusalem

$1,600

$3,000

53%

Haifa

$1,200

$2,800

43%

New York City

$3,800

$6,500

58%

San Francisco

$3,500

$7,500

47%

Los Angeles

$2,500

$5,000

50%

National US Avg

$1,200

$4,000

30%

London

$2,800

$4,500

62%

UK National Avg

$1,100

$3,200

34%

Toronto

$2,000

$4,200

48%

Vancouver

$2,300

$4,500

51%

Canada Avg

$1,300

$3,800

34%

**Key Finding: **Israel has one of the highest housing cost burdens globally, with renters in Tel Aviv spending over 50% of income on housing.


UTILITIES AND BILLS

Monthly Utilities (85 sqm / ~900 sqft Apartment)

 

Utility

Israe

USA

UK

Canada

Notes

Electricity

$80-150

$110-150

$75-120

$70-110

Israel varies heavily by season (AC use)

Water

$25-

$40-70

$30-50

$30-55

Israel water is expensive

Gas (cooking/

$15-

$50-80

$60-100

$60-120

Israel uses less gas, more

Internet (High-

$30-

$50-80

$35-55

$50-75

Israel competitive

Mobile Phone

$15-

$50-80

$25-45

$50-75

Israel very cheap

Building Fees (Va'ad Bayit)

$50-150

N/A

N/A

N/A

Unique to Israel

Municipal Tax (Arnona)

$80-200

Included in property tax

Included in council tax

Included in property tax

Separate in Israel

TOTAL (avg)

$295-645

$300-460

$225-370

$260-435

TOTAL (typical)

$400

$380

$300

$350

 

Detailed Utility Breakdowns

Electricity Costs (per kWh)

 

Country/City

Price per kWh (USD)

Monthly Cost (avg household)

Israel

$0.12 - 0.15

$80 - 150

Tel Aviv (summer AC)

$0.12 - 0.15

$120 - 200

Jerusalem (moderate)

$0.12 - 0.15

$70 - 120

USA Average

$0.13

$110

California

$0.22 - 0.28

$150 - 180

Texas

$0.12

$120

New York

$0.18

$100

UK

$0.25 - 0.30

$85 - 120

Canada

$0.11 - 0.14

$70 - 110

Ontario

$0.13

$90


British Columbia

$0.10

$65

 

Water Costs

 

Location

Monthly (Family of 4)

Cubic Meter Price

vs. Israel

Israel

$25 - 40

$2.50 - 3.00

Baseline

USA

$40 - 70

$2.00 - 4.00

+60% to +75%

New York

$50 - 80

$3.00 - 5.00

+100% to+100%

Californi a

$45 - 75

$2.50 - 4.50

+80% to +88%

UK

$30 - 50

$1.50 - 2.50

+20% to +25%

Canada

$30 - 55

$1.50 - 3.00

+20% to +38%

 

Internet and Communications

 

Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

High-Speed Internet (100 Mbps)

$30-4 5

$50-80

$35-5 5

$50-75

Fiber Internet (1 Gbps)

$40-6 0

$70-10 0

$45-7 0

$70-10 0

Mobile Plan (Unlimited)

$15-3 0

$50-80

$25-4 5

$50-75

Mobile Plan (5GB data)

$10-2 0

$30-50

$15-3 0

$35-55

TV/Streaming Bundle

$20-4 0

$50-10 0

$30-6 0

$40-80

**Key Finding: **Israel has among the cheapest mobile phone service in the developed world, but higher water costs due to scarcity.

Israel-Specific Housing Costs

Arnona (Municipal Property Tax)

 

City

1-Bedroom

2-Bedroom

3-Bedroom

4-Bedroom

Tel Aviv

$120-180/mo

$150-220/mo

$180-280/mo

$220-350/mo

Jerusalem

$80-120/mo

$100-150/mo

$120-200/mo

$150-250/mo


Haifa

$70-110/mo

$90-140/mo

$110-180/mo

$140-220/mo

Beer Sheva

$50-80/mo

$65-100/mo

$80-130/mo

$100-170/mo

**Note: **Arnona discounts available for: new olim (10 years), single parents, disabled, elderly, large families

Va'ad Bayit (Building Fees)

 

Building Type

Monthly Fee

What's Included

Small building (no elevator)

$30-60

Cleaning, maintenance, insurance

Mid-rise with elevator

$60-120

Elevator, cleaning, maintenance, security

High-rise with amenities

$120-250

All above + gym, pool, concierge

Luxury building

$250-500+

Full amenities, 24/7 security, parking

 

GROCERIES AND FOOD

Supermarket Price Comparisons

Basic Staples

 

Item

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Israel vs.USA

Milk (1 liter)

$1.70

$1.00

$1.30

$1.50

70%

Bread (500g)

$2.50

$2.50

$1.20

$2.20

Similar

Eggs (12)

$4.00

$3.50

$3.20

$4.00

14%

Rice (1kg)

$2.20

$2.50

$1.80

$2.80

-12%

Chicken Breast (1kg)

$11.0 0

$10.0 0

$8.50

$12.00

10%

Beef (1kg)

$18.0 0

$15.0 0

$12.0 0

$16.00

20%

Cheese (1kg)

$15.0 0

$11.0 0

$9.00

$13.00

36%

Yogurt (500g)

$2.50

$1.50

$1.80

$2.00

67%

Butter (250g)

$4.00

$3.50

$2.50

$3.80

14%

Olive Oil (1L)

$8.00

$10.0 0

$7.00

$11.00

-20%

Pasta (500g)

$1.50

$1.20

$0.90

$1.40

25%

Tomatoes (1kg)

$3.00

$3.50

$2.80

$3.80

-14%

Potatoes (1kg)

$1.50

$2.00

$1.30

$2.20

-25%


Apples (1kg)

$3.00

$4.50

$2.50

$4.00

-33%

Bananas (1kg)

$2.00

$1.50

$1.20

$1.80

33%

Oranges (1kg)

$2.50

$3.50

$2.20

$3.20

-29%

Cucumber (each)

$0.80

$0.75

$0.60

$0.90

7%

Onions (1kg)

$1.20

$2.00

$1.10

$2.20

-40%

Lettuce (head)

$2.00

$2.00

$1.00

$2.50

Similar

 

Beverages and Packaged Goods

 

Item

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Israel vs.USA

Water (1.5L)

$0.80

$1.50

$0.8 0

$1.20

-47%

Coca-Cola (2L)

$2.80

$2.00

$1.8 0

$2.50

40%

Orange Juice (1L)

$3.50

$4.00

$2.2 0

$3.80

-13%

Beer (0.5L domestic)

$2.50

$1.50

$2.0 0

$2.80

67%

Wine (bottle, mid-range)

$12.0 0

$12.0 0

$8.0 0

$15.00

Similar

Coffee (250g)

$6.00

$5.00

$4.5 0

$7.00

20%

Tea (25 bags)

$3.00

$3.50

$2.5 0

$4.00

-14%

Cereal (500g)

$5.00

$4.00

$3.0 0

$5.00

25%

Nutella (400g)

$6.50

$5.00

$4.5 0

$6.00

30%

Chips/Crisps (200g)

$3.50

$3.50

$2.0 0

$4.00

Similar

 

Kosher Premium

 

Item

Non-Kosher (Israel)

Kosher (Israel)

Kosher Premium

Chicken (1kg)

N/A

$11.00

Baseline

Beef (1kg)

N/A

$18.00

Baseline

Cheese (1kg)

$12.00

$15.00

25%

Wine (bottle)

$8.00

$12.00

50%

Restaurant meal

N/A

Baseline

All kosher

**Note: **Most food in Israel is kosher. Non-kosher products limited to specific stores/areas.


Weekly Grocery Budget Comparison

Single Person

 

Category

Israe l

US A

UK

Canad a

Basics (bread, milk, eggs)

$20

$15

$12

$18

Proteins (meat, chicken, fish)

$35

$28

$25

$32

Produce (fruits, vegetables)

$25

$20

$18

$22

Dairy (cheese, yogurt)

$18

$12

$10

$15

Pantry (pasta, rice, cans)

$15

$12

$10

$14

Beverages

$12

$10

$8

$12

Snacks/Treats

$10

$8

$8

$10

WEEKLY TOTAL

$135

$10 5

$91

$123

MONTHLY TOTAL

$540

$42 0

$36 4

$492

 

Family of Four

 

Category

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Basics

$50

$38

$32

$45

Proteins

$90

$70

$60

$80

Produce

$60

$48

$42

$55

Dairy

$45

$32

$28

$38

Pantry

$40

$32

$28

$36

Beverages

$30

$25

$22

$28

Snacks/Treats

$25

$20

$18

$23

Baby/Kids items

$30

$25

$22

$28

WEEKLY TOTAL

$370

$290

$252

$333

MONTHLY TOTAL

$1,48 0

$1,16 0

$1,00 8

$1,332

**Key Finding: **Groceries in Israel are 25-40% more expensive than USA/Canada, 40-50% more than UK.

Supermarket Chains Price Comparison (Israel)


Store Type

Price Level

Best For

Example Chains

Discount

Cheapest (-20%)

Basics, bulk buying

Rami Levy, Yenot Bitan

Standard

Mid-range

Everyday shopping

Shufersal Deal, Mega

Premium

Most expensive (+15-25%)

Quality, variety

Shufersal Sheli Li, Super Yuda

Specialty

Varies

Organic, imports

Tiv Taam, Nature

Market (Shuk)

Variable (often cheap)

Fresh produce

Carmel Market, Machane Yehuda

TRANSPORTATION

Vehicle Ownership Costs

Car Purchase Prices (New)

 

Vehicle Type/Model

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Israel vs USA

Small Car (Honda Civic)

$35,000

$25,00 0

$28,00 0

$28,000

40%

Mid-size (Toyota Camry)

$45,000

$28,00 0

$35,00 0

$32,000

61%

SUV (Honda CR-V)

$55,000

$32,00 0

$38,00 0

$36,000

72%

Luxury (BMW 3-Series)

$75,000

$45,00 0

$48,00 0

$52,000

67%

Electric (Tesla Model 3)

$50,000

$40,00 0

$45,00 0

$46,000

25%

Luxury SUV (Range Rover)

$120,00 0

$95,00 0

$85,00 0

$100,00 0

26%

Why So Expensive in Israel:

ï           Purchase tax: 83% on most vehicles

ï           VAT: 17%

ï           Import duties

ï           Small market, less competition

Electric Vehicle Benefits:

ï           Lower purchase tax (incentives)

ï           Free parking in many cities

ï           HOV lane access

ï           Charging infrastructure growing

Gasoline/Petrol Prices

 

Location

Price per Liter (USD)

Price per Gallon (USD)

vs. Israel


Israel

$1.80 - 2.00

$6.80 - 7.60

Baseline

USAAverage

$0.80 - 1.00

$3.00 - 3.80

-56% to -50%

California

$1.10 - 1.30

$4.20 - 4.90

-39% to -35%

Texas

$0.70 - 0.85

$2.65 - 3.20

-61% to -58%

New York

$0.90 - 1.10

$3.40 - 4.20

-50% to -45%

UK

$1.80 - 2.10

$6.80 - 7.95

Similar to+5%

Canada

$1.20 - 1.50

$4.50 - 5.70

-33% to -25%

Vancouver

$1.40 - 1.70

$5.30 - 6.45

-22% to -15%

 

Monthly Car Expenses

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Car Payment (mid-size)

$450-600

$350-50 0

$400-550

$400-550

Insurance (comprehensive)

$150-250

$120-18 0

$140-220

$150-200

Gas (15,000 km/yr)

$180-220

$100-13 0

$180-210

$130-160

Parking (city)

$100-200

$50-150

$100-200

$80-150

Maintenance/year

$800

$600

$700

$650

Annual licensing

$150

$50-150

$200-350

$100-200

MONTHLY AVERAGE

$1,000-1,40 0

$680-96 0

$960-1,33 0

$840-1,14 0

**Key Finding: **Car ownership in Israel is 40-70% more expensive than USA, similar to UK.

 

Public Transportation

Monthly Public Transit Passes

 

City

Monthly Pass

Single Ride

vs. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv (Rav Kav)

$80-90

$1.50

Baseline

Jerusalem

$80-90

$1.50

Same

Haifa

$80-90

$1.50

Same


New York City

$132

$2.90

+47% to+47%

San Francisco

$98

$3.00

+9% to +9%

Los Angeles

$100

$1.75

+11% to+11%

Chicago

$105

$2.50

+17% to+17%

Washington DC

$85

$2.00

-6% to -6%

London (Zones 1-2)

$175

$3.20

+94% to+94%

Manchester

$90

$2.50

0% to 0%

Toronto

$156

$3.35

+73% to+73%

Vancouver

$128

$3.10

+42% to+42%

Montreal

$94

$3.75

+4% to +4%

**Note: **Israel has integrated public transit system (buses, trains, light rail on single Rav Kav card)

Inter-City Transportation (Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, ~60km)

 

Method

Israel

USAEquivalent

UKEquivalent

Canada Equivalent

Train

$6-8

$8-12

$15-25

$10-15

Bus

$7-9

$10-15

$12-20

$12-18

Sherut (shared taxi)

$10-12

N/A

N/A

N/A

Taxi

$80-12 0

$100-150

$120-180

$100-140

Uber/Lyft

$60-90

$80-120

$100-150

$80-120

 

Taxi and Ride-Sharing

 

Service

Base Fare

Per KM

10 KMRide

Israel vs USA

Israel Taxi

$5.00

$0.80

$13.00

Baseline

Israel Uber/ Gett

$3.00

$0.70

$10.00

-23%

USA Taxi (avg)

$3.50

$2.00

$23.50

81%

USA Uber (avg)

$2.50

$1.50

$17.50

75%



UK Taxi

$4.00

$2.50

$29.00

123%

UK Uber

$3.00

$1.80

$21.00

110%

Canada Taxi

$4.00

$1.80

$22.00

69%

Canada Uber

$2.50

$1.40

$16.50

65%

**Note: **Israel taxis relatively cheap compared to Western countries

 

Total Annual Transportation Costs

Scenario 1: Car Owner (Commuter)

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Car payment

$6,000

$4,80 0

$5,400

$5,400

Insurance

$2,400

$1,80 0

$2,160

$2,100

Fuel

$2,400

$1,44 0

$2,280

$1,800

Parking

$1,800

$900

$1,800

$1,200

Maintenance

$800

$600

$700

$650

Licensing/tax

$150

$100

$300

$150

ANNUAL TOTAL

$13,55 0

$9,64 0

$12,64 0

$11,300

MONTHLY AVG

$1,129

$803

$1,053

$942

 

Scenario 2: Public Transit User

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Monthly transit pass

$1,02 0

$1,20 0

$2,10 0

$1,560

Occasional taxi/ Uber

$600

$720

$840

$720

Car rental (holidays)

$400

$500

$600

$500

ANNUAL TOTAL

$2,02 0

$2,42 0

$3,54 0

$2,780

MONTHLY AVG

$168

$202

$295

$232


**Savings without car: **$961/month (Israel), $601/month (USA), $758/month (UK), $710/month (Canada)

 

 

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare System Comparison

Monthly Healthcare Costs

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

National Health Insurance Tax

~3-5% of income (automatic)

N/A

N/A

N/A

Private Health Insurance

N/A (universal)

$400-800(individual)

N/A (NHS)

N/A (universal)

Family Private

N/A

$1,200-2,000

N/A

N/A

Supplementary Insurance (optional)

$30-80

N/A

$50-150(private option)

$50-100(extended

Avg Single Person

$50 (if buying

$500

$0-75

$50

Avg Family of 4

$100 (if

$1,600

$0-200

$100

 

Out-of-Pocket Costs

 

Service

Israel (Public)

USA (With Insurance)

UK (NHS)

Canada (Public)

Doctor Visit

$0-5

$20-50 copay

$0

$0

Specialist Visit

$0-10

$40-75 copay

$0

$0

ER Visit

$0-20

$200-500 copay

$0

$0

Prescription (generic)

$3-10

$10-30

$11

$5-15

Prescription (brand)

$10-30

$50-200

$11

$20-50

Blood Test

$0-5

$50-150

$0

$0

X-Ray

$0-15

$50-200

$0

$0

MRI

$50-150

$500-1,500

$0

$0-100

Dental Checkup

$40-80

$50-100

$30-80

$80-150

Dental Filling

$80-150

$150-300

$80-200

$150-250

Eyeglasses

$100-300

$150-400

$100-300

$150-350

 

Hospital Costs


Procedure

Israel (Public)

USA (With Insurance)

UK (NHS)

Canada (Public)

Emergency Appendectomy

$0-500

$2,000-5,000

$0

$0

Normal Birth

$0-500

$2,500-5,000

$0

$0

C-Section

$0-800

$5,000-8,000

$0

$0

Hip Replacement

$500-2,000

$5,000-10,000

$0

$0-500

Heart Bypass

$1,000-3,000

$20,000-40,000

$0

$0-1,000

Cancer Treatment (full)

$2,000-10,000

$50,000-150,000+

$0

$500-5,000

**Key Finding: **Israel's universal healthcare is comprehensive and very affordable compared to USA, similar to UK/Canada.

Annual Healthcare Spending

Without Major Medical Issues

 

Person/Family

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Healthy Single Adult

$100-300

$6,000-10,000

$0-500

$0-600

Healthy Family (4)

$300-800

$20,000-30,00 0

$0-1,50 0

$500-2,000

With Chronic Condition

$500-2,00 0

$15,000-40,00 0

$0-2,00 0

$1,000-5,00 0

 

Major Medical Event (e.g., Heart Attack)

 

Cost Type

Israel

USA (Good Insurance)

USA (NoInsurance)

UK

Canada

Hospital Stay

$500-2,00

$10,000-30,000

$100,000-200,0

$0

$0-1,00

Surgery

Included

Included

$80,000-150,00

$0

$0

Medications (year)

$300-1,00 0

$2,000-5,000

$10,000-20,000

$132 (prescription charge cap)

$500-2, 000

Follow-up

$200-500

$2,000-5,000

$10,000-20,000

$0

$0-500

TOTAL

$1,000-3, 500

$14,000-40,000

$200,000-390,0 00

$132

$500-3, 500

 

Israeli Healthcare System Details

Four Public Health Funds (Kupot Cholim)

 

Health Fund

Market Share

Strengths

Monthly Supplemental


Clalit

~53%

Largest network, most clinics

$30-80

Maccabi

~25%

Good service, modern

$35-90

Meuhedet

~15%

Personalized care

$32-85

Leumit

~7%

Smaller, efficient

$28-75

All Include:

ï           Doctor visits (unlimited)

ï           Specialist visits

ï           Hospitalization

ï           Surgery

ï           Most medications (small copay)

ï           Maternity care

ï           Pediatric care

ï           Mental health services

ï           Preventive care

Supplementary Insurance Adds:

ï           Private hospital rooms

ï           Alternative medicine

ï           Dental (partial)

ï           Abroad medical emergency

ï           Specialist choice

ï           Shorter wait times

 

DINING OUT AND ENTERTAINMENT

Restaurant Costs

Casual Dining

 

Meal Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Israel vs USA

Fast food combo (McDonald's)

$12-1 5

$9-11

$8-10

$10-13

+33% to +36%

Shawarma/Falafel

$8-12

$10-15(equivalent)

$8-12

$10-14

Similar

Coffee (cappuccino)

$4-5

$4-5

$3.50-4.5 0

$4-5

Similar

Beer (0.5L, bar)

$7-9

$6-8

$6-8

$7-9

Similar to+13%

Soft drink (restaurant)

$3-4

$2.50-3.50

$2.50-3.5 0

$3-4

Similar

Breakfast (cafe)

$15-2 2

$12-18

$10-16

$13-19

+25% to +22%

 

Mid-Range Restaurant


Meal Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Israel vs USA

Dinner for 1 (main + drink)

$25-35

$20-3 0

$20-2 8

$22-32

+25% to+17%

Dinner for 2 (3 courses)

$80-12 0

$60-9 0

$60-9 0

$70-10 0

+33% to+33%

Pizza (large, delivery)

$20-28

$15-2 2

$18-2 5

$18-25

+33% to+27%

Sushi (for 2)

$60-90

$50-8 0

$50-7 5

$55-85

+20% to+13%

Steak dinner (per person)

$40-60

$35-5 5

$35-5 0

$38-58

+14% to +9%

 

Fine Dining

 

Meal Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

High-end dinner for 2

$200-35 0

$180-30 0

$200-35 0

$200-33 0

Michelin-star experience

$250-45 0

$300-50 0

$250-45 0

$280-48 0

Wine bottle (restaurant)

$40-80

$35-70

$30-60

$40-75

 

Entertainment Costs

Movies and Shows

 

Activity

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Cinema ticket

$13-16

$12-15

$12-15

$13-16

Cinema (IMAX/3D)

$18-22

$18-22

$18-22

$18-22

Theater ticket

$40-80

$50-15 0

$40-12 0

$50-13 0

Concert (major artist)

$60-15 0

$75-20 0

$60-18 0

$70-19 0

Sports event (avg)

$30-80

$40-15 0

$35-10 0

$40-12 0

 

Fitness and Recreation

 

Activity

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Gym membership (monthly)

$50-8 0

$35-7 0

$40-7 5

$45-80

Yoga/Pilates class

$15-2 5

$15-2 5

$12-2 0

$15-25


Swimming pool (public)

$8-12

$5-10

$5-10

$6-12

Tennis court (1 hour)

$15-2 5

$10-2 0

$10-1 8

$12-22

 

Nightlife

 

Activity

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Cocktail (bar)

$12-16

$10-1 5

$10-1 4

$11-16

Beer (bar)

$7-9

$6-8

$6-8

$7-9

Wine glass

$10-15

$8-12

$7-12

$9-14

Club entry

$15-35

$15-3 0

$10-2 5

$15-30

Bar tab (evening out)

$60-10 0

$50-9 0

$45-8 5

$55-95

 

Cultural Activities

 

Activity

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Museum entry

$12-1 8

$15-2 5

$15-2 2

$15-23

Art gallery

$8-15

$10-2 0

$8-18

$10-20

Zoo/ Aquarium

$15-2 5

$20-3 5

$20-3 0

$22-32

National park

$8-15

$10-3 0

$8-15

$10-20

 

Vacation Costs (Weekend Getaway)

Domestic Weekend (2 people, 2 nights)

 

Item

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Hotel (mid-range)

$250-40 0

$220-38 0

$200-35 0

$230-38 0

Meals (all)

$200-30 0

$180-28 0

$170-26 0

$190-29 0

Activities

$100-15 0

$100-15 0

$90-140

$100-15 0

Transportation

$80-120

$100-15 0

$80-130

$90-140


TOTAL

$630-97

$600-96

$540-88

$610-96

0

0

0

0

CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION

Childcare Costs

Daycare/Childcare (Monthly per Child)

 

Age/Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Israel vs USA

Infant (0-1 year)

$600-900

$1,200-2,00 0

$1,100-1,80 0

$1,000-1,60 0

-50% to -55%

Toddler (1-3 years)

$500-800

$1,000-1,60 0

$900-1,500

$800-1,400

-50% to -50%

Preschool (3-5 years)

$200-400

$800-1,400

$700-1,200

$700-1,200

-75% to -71%

After-school care

$150-300

$500-800

$400-700

$450-750

-70% to -63%

Full-time nanny

$1,200-1,80 0

$2,500-4,00 0

$2,000-3,50 0

$2,200-3,60 0

-52% to -55%

Part-time nanny (20 hrs)

$600-900

$1,200-2,00 0

$1,000-1,80 0

$1,100-1,80 0

-50% to -55%

**Key Finding: **Israeli childcare is heavily subsidized and 50-75% cheaper than USA/UK/Canada.

Subsidies and Assistance (Israel)

 

Program

Discount/Subsidy

Eligibility

Public gan (preschool 3-4)

Free (minimal fee)

All residents

Mandatory gan (age 5)

Free

All residents

Subsidized daycare

50-80% discount

Low-income, working parents

After-school programs

Heavily subsidized

Most families

Large family discount

Additional reductions

3+ children

 

Education Costs

K-12 Education (Annual)


School Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Public school

Free

Free

Free

Free

School supplies/fees

$200-400

$500-800

$300-600

$400-700

School meals (annual)

$600-1,000

$800-1,500

$700-1,200

$700-1,300

After-school activities

$300-800

$1,000-2,50 0

$800-2,000

$900-2,200

School bus (if needed)

$400-800

$600-1,200

$500-1,000

$550-1,100

Public school TOTAL

$1,500-3,00 0

$2,900-6,00 0

$2,300-4,80 0

$2,550-5,30 0

 

Private/International School (Annual Tuition)

 

School Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Religious private

$3,000-8,000

$8,000-20,000

$6,000-15,000

$7,000-18,000

International school

$15,000-30,00 0

$20,000-45,00 0

$18,000-40,00 0

$18,000-40,00 0

Elite private

$20,000-35,00 0

$35,000-60,00 0

$30,000-55,00 0

$30,000-55,00 0

 

University/College Costs

Annual Tuition (Undergraduate)

 

Institution

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Public university

$3,000-4,00 0

$10,000-20,000 (in-state)

$12,000-14,0 00

$6,000-10,000

Public university

$3,000-4,00 0

$25,000-45,000 (out-of-state)

$12,000-14,0 00

$18,000-25,000(international)

Private university

N/A (few exist)

$40,000-60,000

$20,000-40,0 00

$25,000-45,000

Israeli University Benefits for Olim:

ï           Subsidized tuition for citizens

ï           Student loans available (low interest)

ï           Scholarships for new immigrants

ï           Additional discounts for IDF veterans

Living Expenses (University Student, Monthly)

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Accommodation

$400-700

$600-1,200

$600-1,000

$500-1,000

Food

$250-400

$300-500

$250-450

$280-480


Transportation

$50-80

$80-120

$60-100

$70-110

Books/supplies

$50-100

$100-200

$70-150

$80-170

Entertainment

$100-200

$150-300

$120-250

$130-270

MONTHLY TOTAL

$850-1,480

$1,230-2,320

$1,100-1,950

$1,060-2,030

ACADEMIC YEAR (9mo)

$7,650-13,32 0

$11,070-20,88 0

$9,900-17,55 0

$9,540-18,27 0

 

Total Education Investment

Cost to Raise Child (Birth to 18)

 

Component

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Childcare (0-5)

$20,000-35,00 0

$65,000-100,000

$55,000-90,000

$50,000-85,000

K-12 (public)

$20,000-40,00 0

$38,000-78,000

$30,000-62,000

$33,000-69,000

Extracurricula r

$10,000-20,00 0

$20,000-40,000

$15,000-30,000

$17,000-35,000

TOTAL

$50,000-95,00 0

$123,000-218,00 0

$100,000-182,00 0

$100,000-189,00 0

 

Four-Year University (Total Cost)

 

Component

Israel

USA Public

USA Private

UK

Canada

Tuition (4 years)

$12,000-16,0 00

$40,000-80,00 0

$160,000-240,0 00

$48,000-56,00 0

$24,000-40,00 0

Living (4 years)

$30,000-55,0 00

$45,000-85,00 0

$45,000-85,000

$40,000-72,00 0

$38,000-73,00 0

Books/supplies

$2,000-4,000

$4,000-8,000

$4,000-8,000

$3,000-6,000

$3,000-7,000

TOTAL

$44,000-75,0 00

$89,000-173,0 00

$209,000-333,0 00

$91,000-134,0 00

$65,000-120,0 00

**Key Finding: **Israeli higher education is dramatically cheaper than USA, comparable to or cheaper than UK/Canada.

 

 

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES

Personal Care


Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Haircut (men)

$15-30

$20-40

$15-35

$18-38

Haircut (women)

$35-70

$40-80

$35-75

$38-78

Hair color/ highlights

$80-15 0

$100-20 0

$80-18 0

$90-19 0

Manicure

$20-35

$25-45

$20-40

$23-43

Pedicure

$30-50

$35-60

$30-55

$33-58

Massage (1 hour)

$50-80

$70-120

$60-10 0

$65-11 0

Facial treatment

$60-10 0

$80-150

$70-13 0

$75-14 0

 

Home Services

 

Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

House cleaning (3 hrs)

$50-80

$80-120

$60-100

$70-110

Plumber (per hour)

$60-90

$80-150

$70-130

$75-140

Electrician (per hour)

$60-90

$80-150

$70-130

$75-140

Handyman (per hour)

$50-80

$60-100

$50-90

$55-95

Pest control (one-time)

$80-150

$100-20 0

$90-180

$95-190

Lawn care (monthly)

$100-20 0

$150-30 0

$120-25 0

$130-27 0

 

Professional Services

 

Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Accountant (tax return)

$150-400

$200-500

$180-45 0

$190-47 0

Lawyer (per hour)

$150-350

$200-500

$180-45 0

$190-47 0

Real estate agent

2% + VAT (seller pays)

5-6% (seller pays)

1-3%

4-6%

Notary (document)

$30-80

$100-200

$150-30 0

$120-25 0

 

Pet Care

 

Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Vet checkup

$50-8 0

$50-10 0

$40-8 0

$60-11 0


Dog grooming

$40-7 0

$50-90

$40-8 0

$50-90

Pet boarding (per day)

$25-4 5

$30-60

$25-5 0

$30-55

Dog walking (30 min)

$10-2 0

$20-30

$15-2 5

$18-28

OVERALL COST OF LIVING INDEX

Comparative Cost of Living Indices

Overall Index (New York City = 100)

 

City

Overal l

Rent

Grocerie s

Restauran t

Purchasing Power

Tel Aviv

85.2

60.8

88.4

87.5

48.3

Jerusalem

76.4

48.2

86.1

82.8

45.9

Haifa

70.5

37.6

84.7

78.2

47.1

New York City

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

San Francisco

95.3

92.4

96.2

95.8

115.2

Los Angeles

79.9

68.3

92.1

88.4

89.7

Chicago

71.6

52.7

85.3

78.9

95.4

Austin

69.8

47.5

83.7

76.2

98.6

National US Avg

62.4

38.5

78.4

69.5

105.3

London

89.7

78.4

79.3

90.2

82.4

Manchester

70.2

42.8

72.6

75.8

85.9

UK National Avg

68.5

38.9

70.2

73.4

88.7

Toronto

73.8

57.2

81.3

75.4

82.9

Vancouver

78.4

64.9

84.7

78.6

79.3

Montreal

66.9

42.5

76.8

70.2

83.7

Canada Avg

68.2

44.7

78.9

72.3

85.4

 

Cost of Living Comparison (Tel Aviv as Baseline)

Tel Aviv = 100


Category

Jerusale m

Haif a

NY C

SF

Londo n

Toront o

Vancouve r

Overall

89.7

82.8

117.3

111.9

105.3

86.6

92.0

Rent

79.3

61.8

164.5

152.0

128.9

94.1

106.7

Groceries

97.4

95.8

113.1

108.8

89.7

92.0

95.8

Restaurants

94.6

89.4

114.3

109.5

103.1

86.2

89.8

Transportatio n

95.0

90.0

125.0

130.0

115.0

95.0

100.0

 

Monthly Expenses by City (Single Person)

 

Expense

Tel Aviv

NYC

Londo n

Toront o

National Avg (respective country)

Rent (1BR)

$1,800

$3,80 0

$2,800

$2,000

IL: $1,200 / US: $1,200 / UK: $900 / CA:$1,300

Utilities

$150

$150

$120

$140

Similar

Groceries

$400

$450

$340

$370

IL: $350 / US: $350 / UK: $280 / CA: $330

Transportatio n

$90

$132

$175

$156

IL: $80 / US: $100 / UK: $140 / CA: $128

Healthcare

$50

$500

$75

$50

IL: $50 / US: $400 / UK: $50 / CA: $50

Phone/ Internet

$60

$110

$75

$100

Similar proportions

Entertainmen

$200

$300

$250

$220

IL: $180 / US: $250 / UK: $200 / CA: $200

TOTAL

$2,750

$5,44 2

$3,835

$3,036

IL: $2,110 / US: $2,550 / UK: $1,900 / CA:$2,208

 

Monthly Expenses by City (Family of 4)

 

Expense

Tel Aviv

NYC

Londo n

Toront o

National Avg

Rent (3BR)

$3,500

$6,500

$5,000

$3,500

IL: $2,500 / US: $2,000 / UK: $1,800 / CA:$2,200

Utilities

$250

$250

$200

$230

Similar

Groceries

$1,200

$1,300

$1,000

$1,100

IL: $1,100 / US: $1,000 / UK: $850 / CA:

Transportatio n

$180

$264

$350

$312

IL: $160 / US: $200 / UK: $280 / CA: $256

Healthcare

$100

$1,600

$200

$100

IL: $100 / US: $1,400 / UK: $150 / CA: $100

Childcare

$1,200

$3,500

$2,800

$2,200

IL: $1,000 / US: $2,800 / UK: $2,200 / CA:$1,800

Education

$300

$500

$400

$430

Public school extras

Phone/ Internet

$100

$180

$130

$160

Similar


Entertainmen

$400

$600

$500

$450

IL: $350 / US: $500 / UK: $400 / CA: $400

TOTAL

$7,230

$14,69 4

$10,58 0

$8,482

IL: $5,810 / US: $8,900 / UK: $6,680 / CA:$6,756

INCOME AND PURCHASING POWER

Average Salaries by Profession

Annual Gross Salary (USD)

 

Profession

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Software Engineer

$70,000-110,00 0

$90,000-150,000

$60,000-100,00 0

$70,000-120,000

Senior Software Engineer

$90,000-140,00 0

$120,000-200,00 0

$80,000-130,00 0

$95,000-160,000

Doctor (GP)

$80,000-120,00 0

$200,000-250,00 0

$90,000-130,00 0

$180,000-250,00 0

Nurse (RN)

$35,000-50,000

$70,000-90,000

$45,000-60,000

$60,000-80,000

Teacher (public school)

$30,000-50,000

$50,000-70,000

$40,000-55,000

$50,000-75,000

Lawyer

$60,000-120,00 0

$100,000-190,00 0

$65,000-130,00 0

$85,000-150,000

Accountant

$40,000-70,000

$60,000-90,000

$45,000-75,000

$55,000-85,000

Engineer (civil/ mechanical)

$50,000-80,000

$70,000-100,000

$50,000-80,000

$65,000-95,000

Marketing Manager

$50,000-85,000

$70,000-110,000

$55,000-90,000

$65,000-100,000

Sales Manager

$45,000-90,000

$65,000-120,000

$50,000-95,000

$60,000-110,000

Administrative Assistant

$25,000-35,000

$35,000-50,000

$28,000-40,000

$35,000-50,000

Retail Worker

$18,000-25,000

$25,000-35,000

$22,000-30,000

$25,000-35,000

Restaurant Server

$15,000-22,000

$20,000-35,000

$20,000-28,000

$22,000-32,000

Construction Worker

$28,000-40,000

$40,000-60,000

$32,000-48,000

$40,000-60,000

 

Salary After Tax (Take-Home Pay)

Net Annual Income (Single, No Dependents)

 

Gross Salary

Israel Net

USA Net (avg)

UK Net

Canada Net

$30,000

$25,200 (84%)

$24,000 (80%)

$24,600 (82%)

$24,300 (81%)

$50,000

$39,500 (79%)

$38,500 (77%)

$38,000 (76%)

$38,000 (76%)

$70,000

$52,500 (75%)

$52,500 (75%)

$50,400 (72%)

$51,800 (74%)


$100,000

$70,000 (70%)

$72,000 (72%)

$68,500 (68.5%)

$70,000 (70%)

$150,000

$97,500 (65%)

$105,000 (70%)

$95,250 (63.5%)

$99,000 (66%)

$200,000

$124,000 (62%)

$134,000 (67%)

$118,000 (59%)

$128,000 (64%)

**Note: **Tax rates vary by state/province. Rates shown are approximate averages.

 

Purchasing Power Comparison

What $1,000 USD Buys You (Monthly)

 

Item

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Rent contribution

55% of 1BR (TA)

83% of 1BR(avg)

91% of 1BR(avg)

77% of 1BR(avg)

Groceries (single)

1.8 months

2.4 months

2.7 months

2.0 months

Gas/Petrol

450 liters

1,000 liters

500 liters

750 liters

Restaurant meals

33 mid-range

40 mid-range

40 mid-range

38 mid-range

Cinema tickets

67 tickets

75 tickets

75 tickets

70 tickets

Gym memberships

14 months

20 months

18 months

16 months

 

Real Income Comparison (After Cost of Living)

Effective Purchasing Power

 

Software Engineer ($100k gross salary)

 

Location

Net Salary

Monthly CoL

Surplu s

Effective Purchasing Power

Tel Aviv

$70,000

$2,750

$37,00 0

Baseline

Jerusalem

$70,000

$2,350

$41,80 0

13%

Haifa

$70,000

$2,150

$44,20 0

19%

NYC

$72,000

$5,442

$6,696

-82%

San Francisco

$72,000

$5,200

$9,600

-74%

Austin

$72,000

$3,200

$33,60 0

-9%

Chicago

$72,000

$3,500

$30,00 0

-19%



London

$68,500

$3,835

$22,48 0

-39%

Manchester

$68,500

$2,800

$35,10 0

-5%

Toronto

$70,000

$3,036

$33,56 8

-9%

Vancouver

$70,000

$3,300

$30,40 0

-18%

Montreal

$70,000

$2,600

$38,80 0

5%

**Key Finding: **Despite high costs, Tel Aviv purchasing power is competitive due to high tech salaries. In non-tech fields, purchasing power lower.

Minimum Wage Comparison

 

Country

Hourl y

Monthly (full-time)

Annua l

Can Afford (1BR rent)

Israel

$7.50

$1,300

$15,60 0

65% of income (TA)

USA (federal)

$7.25

$1,257

$15,08 0

95% of avg rent

USA (California)

$16.00

$2,773

$33,28 0

Varies by city

UK

$12.60

$2,184

$26,20 8

Variable

Canada (Ontario)

$16.55

$2,868

$34,42 4

Variable

 

SAMPLE MONTHLY BUDGETS

Budget 1: Single Young Professional (Tel Aviv)

 

Category

Monthly (USD)

% of Net Income

Net Income

$3,500

100%

Housing

$1,200 (shared apt)

34%

Utilities

$70

2%

Arnona

$60

2%

Va'ad Bayit

$40

1%

Groceries

$400

11%


Transportation

$90 (public transit)

3%

Phone/Internet

$50

1%

Healthcare (supplemental)

$50

1%

Dining out

$300

9%

Entertainment

$200

6%

Gym

$70

2%

Personal care

$80

2%

Clothing

$100

3%

Savings

$500

14%

Emergency fund

$150

4%

Discretionary

$140

4%

TOTAL

$3,500

100%

**Lifestyle: **Modest but comfortable, shares apartment, uses public transit, saves moderately.

 

 

Budget 2: Family of 4 (Jerusalem, One Income)

 

Category

Monthly (USD)

% of Net Income

Net Income

$5,000

100%

Rent (3BR suburbs)

$1,600

32%

Utilities

$200

4%

Arnona

$120

2%

Va'ad Bayit

$80

2%

Groceries

$1,100

22%

Transportation (car)

$400

8%

Phone/Internet

$90

2%

Healthcare

$100

2%

Childcare (1 child)

$400

8%

School expenses (2 kids)

$200

4%

Dining out

$200

4%

Entertainment/kids

$150

3%

Clothing (family)

$150

3%

Personal care

$100

2%


Savings

$100

2%

Miscellaneous

$10

0%

TOTAL

$5,000

100%

**Lifestyle: **Tight budget, limited savings, suburbs, one car, working-class family.

 

 

Budget 3: Family of 4 (Tel Aviv, Dual Income Professionals)

 

Category

Monthly (USD)

% of Net Income

Net Income (combined)

$9,000

100%

Rent (3BR, good area)

$2,800

31%

Utilities

$250

3%

Arnona

$200

2%

Va'ad Bayit

$120

1%

Groceries

$1,400

16%

Transportation (1 car + transit)

$600

7%

Phone/Internet

$100

1%

Healthcare (supplemental)

$150

2%

Childcare (2 children)

$1,000

11%

School expenses

$300

3%

Dining out

$500

6%

Entertainment

$350

4%

Gym/activities

$180

2%

Clothing

$250

3%

Personal care

$150

2%

Vacation fund

$300

3%

Savings/Investments

$200

2%

Retirement

$100

1%

Miscellaneous

$50

1%

TOTAL

$9,000

100%

**Lifestyle: **Comfortable middle-class, good neighborhood, some luxuries, modest savings.


Budget 4: Retiree Couple (Haifa)

 

Category

Monthly (USD)

% of Income

Income (pension/savings)

$3,500

100%

Rent (2BR)

$1,000

29%

Utilities

$180

5%

Arnona

$90

3%

Va'ad Bayit

$70

2%

Groceries

$700

20%

Transportation

$150 (public + occasional taxi)

4%

Phone/Internet

$80

2%

Healthcare (supplemental + medications)

$250

7%

Dining out

$250

7%

Entertainment

$150

4%

Personal care

$120

3%

Gifts/family

$150

4%

Travel

$200

6%

Emergency fund

$110

3%

TOTAL

$3,500

100%

**Lifestyle: **Comfortable retirement, affordable city, universal healthcare, modest entertainment.

 

 

Budget Comparison: Same Family in Different Countries

Family of 4, $100k household income, similar lifestyle

 

Category

Israel (Jerusalem)

USA(Austin)

UK(Manchester)

Canada (Montreal)

Net Income

$5,850

$6,000

$5,500

$5,800

Housing

$2,000 (32%)

$2,000 (33%)

$1,400 (25%)

$1,500 (26%)

Utilities

$250 (4%)

$220 (4%)

$200 (4%)

$240 (4%)

Groceries

$1,200 (21%)

$1,000 (17%)

$850 (15%)

$1,000 (17%)

Transportation

$400 (7%)

$600 (10%)

$350 (6%)

$450 (8%)

Healthcare

$100 (2%)

$1,400 (23%)

$150 (3%)

$100 (2%)


Childcare

$800 (14%)

$2,000 (33%)

$1,800 (33%)

$1,600 (28%)

Other expenses

$1,100 (19%)

$780 (13%)

$1,750 (32%)

$1,910 (33%)

TOTAL

$5,850

$8,000**

$6,500**

$6,800**

Over/Under Budget

$0

-$2,000

-$1,000

-$1,000

**Shaded cells indicate budget shortfalls - would need to reduce expenses or increase income

**Key Finding: **Israeli families save on healthcare and childcare but spend more on groceries and housing. USA dramatically more expensive due to healthcare and childcare costs.

 

 

CONCLUSION AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

Summary of Findings

What's More Expensive in Israel:

 

Significantly More (+40-100%):

 

ï           **Cars and vehicle ownership **(+50-100% vs USA)

ï            **Gasoline **(+100% vs USA, similar to UK)

ï           **Groceries **(+25-40% vs USA/Canada)

ï           **Housing in major cities **(+30-50% vs national averages)

ï            **Beer and alcohol **(+30-50% vs USA)

Moderately More (+10-30%):

 

ï           **Restaurants **(+15-25% vs USA average)

ï             **Dairy products **(+25-35%)

ï             **Electronics **(+15-25%)

ï           **Clothing **(+20-30%)

What's Cheaper in Israel: Dramatically Cheaper (-50-80%):

ï           **Healthcare **(-80-95% vs USA)

ï           **Childcare **(-50-75% vs USA/UK/Canada)

ï           **Higher education **(-60-80% vs USA)

ï           **Taxis **(-40-60% vs most Western countries)

Moderately Cheaper (-20-40%):

 

ï           **Mobile phone service **(-50-70%)


ï           **Public transportation **(-20-40%)

ï           **K-12 education costs **(heavily subsidized)

ï           **Locally grown produce **(seasonal)

Similar Costs:

 

ï           Coffee at cafes

ï           **Entertainment **(movies, shows)

ï           Personal services

ï           Internet service

Cost of Living Rankings

Israel Overall Ranking:

ï           More expensive than: Most of USA (except NYC, SF), most of UK (except London), all of Canada

ï           Less expensive than: NYC, SF, London (central), Zurich, Geneva, Singapore, Hong Kong

ï           **Global ranking: ~15-25th most expensive **(out of major cities)

Who Finds Israel Affordable/Expensive?

Find Israel Relatively Affordable:

 

ï           High-earning professionals (tech, finance) - $100k+ income

ï           Those valuing healthcare access

ï           Large families (childcare and education subsidies)

ï           Students (cheap university)

ï           Those living without cars

ï           Those living outside Tel Aviv/Jerusalem

Find Israel Very Expensive:

 

ï             Working-class families (<$50k income)

ï           Car-dependent families

ï            Those with Western dietary preferences

ï           Those expecting USA-sized housing

ï           Tel Aviv renters without high incomes

ï           Families needing imported products

Strategies for Managing Costs in Israel

Housing:

ï           Live in suburbs or secondary cities (-30-50% rent)

ï           Share apartments (young adults)

ï           Consider smaller spaces (common in Israel)

ï           Buy long-term if possible (build equity)


Transportation:

ï           Use public transit (-85% vs car ownership)

ï           Walk/bike in compact cities

ï           Carpool or use shared cars

ï           Avoid car ownership if possible

Food:

ï           Shop at discount supermarkets (Rami Levy) (-20%)

ï           Buy at outdoor markets (shuk) (-15-30% produce)

ï           Cook at home (-70% vs dining out)

ï           Buy seasonal produce

ï           Reduce meat consumption (expensive)

ï           Limit imported products

General:

ï           Take advantage of subsidies (childcare, education)

ï           Use generic medications

ï           Choose basic Kupat Cholim (no supplemental)

ï           Free entertainment (beaches, parks, hiking)

ï           Buy local products

ï           Wait for sales (especially clothing)

Is Israel "Expensive"?

The answer depends on:

  1.              Where you're coming from

◦                    From small-town USA: Very expensive

◦                    From NYC/SF: Comparable or cheaper

◦                    From London: Slightly cheaper overall

◦                    From developing countries: Very expensive

  1.              Your income level

◦                    $30k: Very challenging

◦                    $50k: Manageable but tight

◦                    $75k: Comfortable

◦                    $100k+: Very comfortable

  1.              Your lifestyle

◦                    Frugal: Can live on $2,000-2,500/month (single)

◦                    Moderate: Need $3,000-4,000/month (single)

◦                    Comfortable: Need $4,500-6,000/month (single)

◦                    Luxury: $8,000+/month (single)

  1.              Your priorities

◦                    Value healthcare: Israel wins

◦                    Value space: UCost of Living in Israel

Comprehensive Comparison: Israel vs. USA, UK, and Canada

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1.        Executive Summary
  2.        Housing Costs
  3.        Utilities and Bills
  4.        Groceries and Food
  5.        Transportation
  6.        Healthcare
  7.        Dining Out and Entertainment
  8.        Childcare and Education
  9.        Personal Care and Services
  10.     Overall Cost of Living Index
  11.     Income and Purchasing Power
  12.     Sample Monthly Budgets

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Quick Comparison Overview

Israel is generally MORE expensive than:

ï           Most US cities (except NYC, SF, LA)

ï           Most UK cities (except London)

ï           All major Canadian cities

Israel is generally LESS expensive than:

ï           New York City

ï           San Francisco

ï           Central London

ï           Hong Kong, Singapore

Key Findings:

 

ï           **Housing: **30-50% more expensive than US/Canada average

ï           **Groceries: **25-40% more expensive

ï           **Transportation: **50-100% more expensive (cars/gas)

ï           **Healthcare: **Much cheaper (universal system)

ï           **Dining out: **Similar to major US/UK cities

ï           **Childcare: **Much cheaper (subsidized)

ï           **Education: **Much cheaper (free public, low university costs)


HOUSING COSTS

Rental Costs - Monthly Comparisons

One-Bedroom Apartment City Center

 

City

Monthly Rent (USD)

vs. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

$1,800 - 2,500

Baseline

Jerusalem

$1,400 - 2,000

-22% to -20%

Haifa

$1,000 - 1,400

-44% to -44%

Beer Sheva

$700 - 1,000

-61% to -60%

New York City

$3,500 - 5,000

+94% to+100%

San Francisco

$3,000 - 4,200

+67% to +68%

Los Angeles

$2,200 - 3,000

+22% to +20%

Chicago

$1,600 - 2,200

-11% to -12%

Austin

$1,400 - 2,000

-22% to -20%

Miami

$1,800 - 2,400

0% to -4%

London (Zone 1-2)

$2,500 - 3,500

+39% to +40%

Manchester

$1,200 - 1,600

-33% to -36%

Birmingham

$1,000 - 1,400

-44% to -44%

Edinburgh

$1,100 - 1,500

-39% to -40%

Toronto

$1,800 - 2,400

0% to -4%

Vancouver

$2,000 - 2,800

+11% to +12%

Montreal

$1,200 - 1,600

-33% to -36%

Calgary

$1,100 - 1,500

-39% to -40%

 

Three-Bedroom Apartment City Center

 

City

Monthly Rent (USD)

vs. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

$3,200 - 4,500

Baseline

Jerusalem

$2,500 - 3,500

-22% to -22%

Haifa

$1,800 - 2,500

-44% to -44%


Beer Sheva

$1,300 - 1,800

-59% to -60%

New York City

$5,500 - 8,000

+72% to+78%

San Francisco

$5,000 - 7,000

+56% to+56%

Los Angeles

$3,500 - 5,000

+9% to +11%

Chicago

$2,800 - 3,800

-13% to -16%

Austin

$2,500 - 3,500

-22% to -22%

Miami

$3,000 - 4,000

-6% to -11%

London (Zone 1-2)

$4,500 - 6,500

+41% to+44%

Manchester

$2,000 - 2,800

-38% to -38%

Birmingham

$1,700 - 2,400

-47% to -47%

Edinburgh

$1,900 - 2,600

-41% to -42%

Toronto

$3,000 - 4,200

-6% to -7%

Vancouver

$3,500 - 4,800

+9% to +7%

Montreal

$2,000 - 2,800

-38% to -38%

Calgary

$1,800 - 2,600

-44% to -42%

 

One-Bedroom Apartment Outside Center

 

City

Monthly Rent (USD)

vs. Tel Aviv Suburbs

Tel Aviv Suburbs

$1,200 - 1,800

Baseline

Jerusalem Suburbs

$1,000 - 1,400

-17% to -22%

Haifa Suburbs

$700 - 1,000

-42% to -44%

Beer Sheva Suburbs

$500 - 700

-58% to -61%

US Suburbs (avg)

$1,100 - 1,600

-8% to -11%

UK Outside London

$800 - 1,200

-33% to -33%

Canada (avg suburbs)

$1,000 - 1,500

-17% to -17%

 

Property Purchase Prices

Price Per Square Meter (USD)


City

City Center

Outside Center

vs. Tel Aviv Center

Tel Aviv

$10,000 - 15,000

$7,000 - 10,000

Baseline

Jerusalem

$8,000 - 12,000

$5,500 - 8,000

-20% to -20%

Haifa

$5,500 - 8,000

$4,000 - 6,000

-45% to -47%

Netanya

$5,000 - 7,500

$3,500 - 5,500

-50% to -50%

Beer Sheva

$3,500 - 5,000

$2,500 - 4,000

-65% to -67%

New York City

$15,000 - 25,000

$8,000 - 12,000

+50% to +67%

San Francisco

$12,000 - 18,000

$7,000 - 11,000

+20% to +20%

Los Angeles

$7,000 - 11,000

$5,000 - 7,500

-30% to -27%

Chicago

$4,500 - 7,000

$3,000 - 5,000

-55% to -53%

Miami

$6,000 - 10,000

$4,000 - 6,500

-40% to -33%

London (Zone 1-2)

$15,000 - 25,000

$9,000 - 13,000

+50% to +67%

Manchester

$4,000 - 6,000

$2,500 - 4,000

-60% to -60%

Birmingham

$3,500 - 5,500

$2,200 - 3,500

-65% to -63%

Toronto

$8,000 - 12,000

$5,000 - 8,000

-20% to -20%

Vancouver

$10,000 - 15,000

$6,500 - 10,000

0% to 0%

Montreal

$4,500 - 7,000

$3,000 - 5,000

-55% to -53%

 

Typical Apartment Prices (3-Bedroom)

 

Location

Approx. Size

Price Range (USD)

Mortgage (20% down, 30yr)

Tel Aviv Center

100 sqm (1,076sqft)

$1,000,000 - 1,500,000

$4,200 - 6,300/month

Tel Aviv Suburbs

100 sqm

$700,000 - 1,000,000

$2,900 - 4,200/month

Jerusalem Center

100 sqm

$800,000 - 1,200,000

$3,400 - 5,000/month

Haifa Center

100 sqm

$550,000 - 800,000

$2,300 - 3,400/month

Beer Sheva

100 sqm

$350,000 - 500,000

$1,500 - 2,100/month

NYC Manhattan

1,000 sqft

$1,500,000 - 2,500,000

$6,300 - 10,500/month


NYC Brooklyn

1,000 sqft

$800,000 - 1,300,000

$3,400 - 5,500/month

San Francisco

1,000 sqft

$1,200,000 - 1,800,000

$5,000 - 7,600/month

Los Angeles

1,000 sqft

$700,000 - 1,100,000

$2,900 - 4,600/month

Chicago

1,000 sqft

$450,000 - 700,000

$1,900 - 2,900/month

London Zone 2

90 sqm

$1,350,000 - 2,250,000

$5,700 - 9,500/month

Manchester

90 sqm

$360,000 - 540,000

$1,500 - 2,300/month

Toronto

1,000 sqft

$800,000 - 1,200,000

$3,400 - 5,000/month

Vancouver

1,000 sqft

$1,000,000 - 1,500,000

$4,200 - 6,300/month

Montreal

1,000 sqft

$450,000 - 700,000

$1,900 - 2,900/month

 

Housing Cost Burden (% of Income)

 

Location

Avg Rent (1BR)

Avg Income

% of Income

Tel Aviv

$2,000

$3,500

57%

Jerusalem

$1,600

$3,000

53%

Haifa

$1,200

$2,800

43%

New York City

$3,800

$6,500

58%

San Francisco

$3,500

$7,500

47%

Los Angeles

$2,500

$5,000

50%

National US Avg

$1,200

$4,000

30%

London

$2,800

$4,500

62%

UK National Avg

$1,100

$3,200

34%

Toronto

$2,000

$4,200

48%

Vancouver

$2,300

$4,500

51%

Canada Avg

$1,300

$3,800

34%

**Key Finding: **Israel has one of the highest housing cost burdens globally, with renters in Tel Aviv spending over 50% of income on housing.


UTILITIES AND BILLS

Monthly Utilities (85 sqm / ~900 sqft Apartment)

 

Utility

Israe

USA

UK

Canada

Notes

Electricity

$80-150

$110-150

$75-120

$70-110

Israel varies heavily by season (AC use)

Water

$25-

$40-70

$30-50

$30-55

Israel water is expensive

Gas (cooking/

$15-

$50-80

$60-100

$60-120

Israel uses less gas, more

Internet (High-

$30-

$50-80

$35-55

$50-75

Israel competitive

Mobile Phone

$15-

$50-80

$25-45

$50-75

Israel very cheap

Building Fees (Va'ad Bayit)

$50-150

N/A

N/A

N/A

Unique to Israel

Municipal Tax (Arnona)

$80-200

Included in property tax

Included in council tax

Included in property tax

Separate in Israel

TOTAL (avg)

$295-645

$300-460

$225-370

$260-435

TOTAL (typical)

$400

$380

$300

$350

 

Detailed Utility Breakdowns

Electricity Costs (per kWh)

 

Country/City

Price per kWh (USD)

Monthly Cost (avg household)

Israel

$0.12 - 0.15

$80 - 150

Tel Aviv (summer AC)

$0.12 - 0.15

$120 - 200

Jerusalem (moderate)

$0.12 - 0.15

$70 - 120

USA Average

$0.13

$110

California

$0.22 - 0.28

$150 - 180

Texas

$0.12

$120

New York

$0.18

$100

UK

$0.25 - 0.30

$85 - 120

Canada

$0.11 - 0.14

$70 - 110

Ontario

$0.13

$90


British Columbia

$0.10

$65

 

Water Costs

 

Location

Monthly (Family of 4)

Cubic Meter Price

vs. Israel

Israel

$25 - 40

$2.50 - 3.00

Baseline

USA

$40 - 70

$2.00 - 4.00

+60% to +75%

New York

$50 - 80

$3.00 - 5.00

+100% to+100%

Californi a

$45 - 75

$2.50 - 4.50

+80% to +88%

UK

$30 - 50

$1.50 - 2.50

+20% to +25%

Canada

$30 - 55

$1.50 - 3.00

+20% to +38%

 

Internet and Communications

 

Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

High-Speed Internet (100 Mbps)

$30-4 5

$50-80

$35-5 5

$50-75

Fiber Internet (1 Gbps)

$40-6 0

$70-10 0

$45-7 0

$70-10 0

Mobile Plan (Unlimited)

$15-3 0

$50-80

$25-4 5

$50-75

Mobile Plan (5GB data)

$10-2 0

$30-50

$15-3 0

$35-55

TV/Streaming Bundle

$20-4 0

$50-10 0

$30-6 0

$40-80

**Key Finding: **Israel has among the cheapest mobile phone service in the developed world, but higher water costs due to scarcity.

Israel-Specific Housing Costs

Arnona (Municipal Property Tax)

 

City

1-Bedroom

2-Bedroom

3-Bedroom

4-Bedroom

Tel Aviv

$120-180/mo

$150-220/mo

$180-280/mo

$220-350/mo

Jerusalem

$80-120/mo

$100-150/mo

$120-200/mo

$150-250/mo


Haifa

$70-110/mo

$90-140/mo

$110-180/mo

$140-220/mo

Beer Sheva

$50-80/mo

$65-100/mo

$80-130/mo

$100-170/mo

**Note: **Arnona discounts available for: new olim (10 years), single parents, disabled, elderly, large families

Va'ad Bayit (Building Fees)

 

Building Type

Monthly Fee

What's Included

Small building (no elevator)

$30-60

Cleaning, maintenance, insurance

Mid-rise with elevator

$60-120

Elevator, cleaning, maintenance, security

High-rise with amenities

$120-250

All above + gym, pool, concierge

Luxury building

$250-500+

Full amenities, 24/7 security, parking

 

GROCERIES AND FOOD

Supermarket Price Comparisons

Basic Staples

 

Item

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Israel vs.USA

Milk (1 liter)

$1.70

$1.00

$1.30

$1.50

70%

Bread (500g)

$2.50

$2.50

$1.20

$2.20

Similar

Eggs (12)

$4.00

$3.50

$3.20

$4.00

14%

Rice (1kg)

$2.20

$2.50

$1.80

$2.80

-12%

Chicken Breast (1kg)

$11.0 0

$10.0 0

$8.50

$12.00

10%

Beef (1kg)

$18.0 0

$15.0 0

$12.0 0

$16.00

20%

Cheese (1kg)

$15.0 0

$11.0 0

$9.00

$13.00

36%

Yogurt (500g)

$2.50

$1.50

$1.80

$2.00

67%

Butter (250g)

$4.00

$3.50

$2.50

$3.80

14%

Olive Oil (1L)

$8.00

$10.0 0

$7.00

$11.00

-20%

Pasta (500g)

$1.50

$1.20

$0.90

$1.40

25%

Tomatoes (1kg)

$3.00

$3.50

$2.80

$3.80

-14%

Potatoes (1kg)

$1.50

$2.00

$1.30

$2.20

-25%


Apples (1kg)

$3.00

$4.50

$2.50

$4.00

-33%

Bananas (1kg)

$2.00

$1.50

$1.20

$1.80

33%

Oranges (1kg)

$2.50

$3.50

$2.20

$3.20

-29%

Cucumber (each)

$0.80

$0.75

$0.60

$0.90

7%

Onions (1kg)

$1.20

$2.00

$1.10

$2.20

-40%

Lettuce (head)

$2.00

$2.00

$1.00

$2.50

Similar

 

Beverages and Packaged Goods

 

Item

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Israel vs.USA

Water (1.5L)

$0.80

$1.50

$0.8 0

$1.20

-47%

Coca-Cola (2L)

$2.80

$2.00

$1.8 0

$2.50

40%

Orange Juice (1L)

$3.50

$4.00

$2.2 0

$3.80

-13%

Beer (0.5L domestic)

$2.50

$1.50

$2.0 0

$2.80

67%

Wine (bottle, mid-range)

$12.0 0

$12.0 0

$8.0 0

$15.00

Similar

Coffee (250g)

$6.00

$5.00

$4.5 0

$7.00

20%

Tea (25 bags)

$3.00

$3.50

$2.5 0

$4.00

-14%

Cereal (500g)

$5.00

$4.00

$3.0 0

$5.00

25%

Nutella (400g)

$6.50

$5.00

$4.5 0

$6.00

30%

Chips/Crisps (200g)

$3.50

$3.50

$2.0 0

$4.00

Similar

 

Kosher Premium

 

Item

Non-Kosher (Israel)

Kosher (Israel)

Kosher Premium

Chicken (1kg)

N/A

$11.00

Baseline

Beef (1kg)

N/A

$18.00

Baseline

Cheese (1kg)

$12.00

$15.00

25%

Wine (bottle)

$8.00

$12.00

50%

Restaurant meal

N/A

Baseline

All kosher

**Note: **Most food in Israel is kosher. Non-kosher products limited to specific stores/areas.


Weekly Grocery Budget Comparison

Single Person

 

Category

Israe l

US A

UK

Canad a

Basics (bread, milk, eggs)

$20

$15

$12

$18

Proteins (meat, chicken, fish)

$35

$28

$25

$32

Produce (fruits, vegetables)

$25

$20

$18

$22

Dairy (cheese, yogurt)

$18

$12

$10

$15

Pantry (pasta, rice, cans)

$15

$12

$10

$14

Beverages

$12

$10

$8

$12

Snacks/Treats

$10

$8

$8

$10

WEEKLY TOTAL

$135

$10 5

$91

$123

MONTHLY TOTAL

$540

$42 0

$36 4

$492

 

Family of Four

 

Category

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Basics

$50

$38

$32

$45

Proteins

$90

$70

$60

$80

Produce

$60

$48

$42

$55

Dairy

$45

$32

$28

$38

Pantry

$40

$32

$28

$36

Beverages

$30

$25

$22

$28

Snacks/Treats

$25

$20

$18

$23

Baby/Kids items

$30

$25

$22

$28

WEEKLY TOTAL

$370

$290

$252

$333

MONTHLY TOTAL

$1,48 0

$1,16 0

$1,00 8

$1,332

**Key Finding: **Groceries in Israel are 25-40% more expensive than USA/Canada, 40-50% more than UK.

Supermarket Chains Price Comparison (Israel)


Store Type

Price Level

Best For

Example Chains

Discount

Cheapest (-20%)

Basics, bulk buying

Rami Levy, Yenot Bitan

Standard

Mid-range

Everyday shopping

Shufersal Deal, Mega

Premium

Most expensive (+15-25%)

Quality, variety

Shufersal Sheli Li, Super Yuda

Specialty

Varies

Organic, imports

Tiv Taam, Nature

Market (Shuk)

Variable (often cheap)

Fresh produce

Carmel Market, Machane Yehuda

TRANSPORTATION

Vehicle Ownership Costs

Car Purchase Prices (New)

 

Vehicle Type/Model

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Israel vs USA

Small Car (Honda Civic)

$35,000

$25,00 0

$28,00 0

$28,000

40%

Mid-size (Toyota Camry)

$45,000

$28,00 0

$35,00 0

$32,000

61%

SUV (Honda CR-V)

$55,000

$32,00 0

$38,00 0

$36,000

72%

Luxury (BMW 3-Series)

$75,000

$45,00 0

$48,00 0

$52,000

67%

Electric (Tesla Model 3)

$50,000

$40,00 0

$45,00 0

$46,000

25%

Luxury SUV (Range Rover)

$120,00 0

$95,00 0

$85,00 0

$100,00 0

26%

Why So Expensive in Israel:

ï           Purchase tax: 83% on most vehicles

ï           VAT: 17%

ï           Import duties

ï           Small market, less competition

Electric Vehicle Benefits:

ï           Lower purchase tax (incentives)

ï           Free parking in many cities

ï           HOV lane access

ï           Charging infrastructure growing

Gasoline/Petrol Prices

 

Location

Price per Liter (USD)

Price per Gallon (USD)

vs. Israel


Israel

$1.80 - 2.00

$6.80 - 7.60

Baseline

USAAverage

$0.80 - 1.00

$3.00 - 3.80

-56% to -50%

California

$1.10 - 1.30

$4.20 - 4.90

-39% to -35%

Texas

$0.70 - 0.85

$2.65 - 3.20

-61% to -58%

New York

$0.90 - 1.10

$3.40 - 4.20

-50% to -45%

UK

$1.80 - 2.10

$6.80 - 7.95

Similar to+5%

Canada

$1.20 - 1.50

$4.50 - 5.70

-33% to -25%

Vancouver

$1.40 - 1.70

$5.30 - 6.45

-22% to -15%

 

Monthly Car Expenses

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Car Payment (mid-size)

$450-600

$350-50 0

$400-550

$400-550

Insurance (comprehensive)

$150-250

$120-18 0

$140-220

$150-200

Gas (15,000 km/yr)

$180-220

$100-13 0

$180-210

$130-160

Parking (city)

$100-200

$50-150

$100-200

$80-150

Maintenance/year

$800

$600

$700

$650

Annual licensing

$150

$50-150

$200-350

$100-200

MONTHLY AVERAGE

$1,000-1,40 0

$680-96 0

$960-1,33 0

$840-1,14 0

**Key Finding: **Car ownership in Israel is 40-70% more expensive than USA, similar to UK.

 

Public Transportation

Monthly Public Transit Passes

 

City

Monthly Pass

Single Ride

vs. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv (Rav Kav)

$80-90

$1.50

Baseline

Jerusalem

$80-90

$1.50

Same

Haifa

$80-90

$1.50

Same


New York City

$132

$2.90

+47% to+47%

San Francisco

$98

$3.00

+9% to +9%

Los Angeles

$100

$1.75

+11% to+11%

Chicago

$105

$2.50

+17% to+17%

Washington DC

$85

$2.00

-6% to -6%

London (Zones 1-2)

$175

$3.20

+94% to+94%

Manchester

$90

$2.50

0% to 0%

Toronto

$156

$3.35

+73% to+73%

Vancouver

$128

$3.10

+42% to+42%

Montreal

$94

$3.75

+4% to +4%

**Note: **Israel has integrated public transit system (buses, trains, light rail on single Rav Kav card)

Inter-City Transportation (Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, ~60km)

 

Method

Israel

USAEquivalent

UKEquivalent

Canada Equivalent

Train

$6-8

$8-12

$15-25

$10-15

Bus

$7-9

$10-15

$12-20

$12-18

Sherut (shared taxi)

$10-12

N/A

N/A

N/A

Taxi

$80-12 0

$100-150

$120-180

$100-140

Uber/Lyft

$60-90

$80-120

$100-150

$80-120

 

Taxi and Ride-Sharing

 

Service

Base Fare

Per KM

10 KMRide

Israel vs USA

Israel Taxi

$5.00

$0.80

$13.00

Baseline

Israel Uber/ Gett

$3.00

$0.70

$10.00

-23%

USA Taxi (avg)

$3.50

$2.00

$23.50

81%

USA Uber (avg)

$2.50

$1.50

$17.50

75%



UK Taxi

$4.00

$2.50

$29.00

123%

UK Uber

$3.00

$1.80

$21.00

110%

Canada Taxi

$4.00

$1.80

$22.00

69%

Canada Uber

$2.50

$1.40

$16.50

65%

**Note: **Israel taxis relatively cheap compared to Western countries

 

Total Annual Transportation Costs

Scenario 1: Car Owner (Commuter)

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Car payment

$6,000

$4,80 0

$5,400

$5,400

Insurance

$2,400

$1,80 0

$2,160

$2,100

Fuel

$2,400

$1,44 0

$2,280

$1,800

Parking

$1,800

$900

$1,800

$1,200

Maintenance

$800

$600

$700

$650

Licensing/tax

$150

$100

$300

$150

ANNUAL TOTAL

$13,55 0

$9,64 0

$12,64 0

$11,300

MONTHLY AVG

$1,129

$803

$1,053

$942

 

Scenario 2: Public Transit User

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Monthly transit pass

$1,02 0

$1,20 0

$2,10 0

$1,560

Occasional taxi/ Uber

$600

$720

$840

$720

Car rental (holidays)

$400

$500

$600

$500

ANNUAL TOTAL

$2,02 0

$2,42 0

$3,54 0

$2,780

MONTHLY AVG

$168

$202

$295

$232


**Savings without car: **$961/month (Israel), $601/month (USA), $758/month (UK), $710/month (Canada)

 

 

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare System Comparison

Monthly Healthcare Costs

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

National Health Insurance Tax

~3-5% of income (automatic)

N/A

N/A

N/A

Private Health Insurance

N/A (universal)

$400-800(individual)

N/A (NHS)

N/A (universal)

Family Private

N/A

$1,200-2,000

N/A

N/A

Supplementary Insurance (optional)

$30-80

N/A

$50-150(private option)

$50-100(extended

Avg Single Person

$50 (if buying

$500

$0-75

$50

Avg Family of 4

$100 (if

$1,600

$0-200

$100

 

Out-of-Pocket Costs

 

Service

Israel (Public)

USA (With Insurance)

UK (NHS)

Canada (Public)

Doctor Visit

$0-5

$20-50 copay

$0

$0

Specialist Visit

$0-10

$40-75 copay

$0

$0

ER Visit

$0-20

$200-500 copay

$0

$0

Prescription (generic)

$3-10

$10-30

$11

$5-15

Prescription (brand)

$10-30

$50-200

$11

$20-50

Blood Test

$0-5

$50-150

$0

$0

X-Ray

$0-15

$50-200

$0

$0

MRI

$50-150

$500-1,500

$0

$0-100

Dental Checkup

$40-80

$50-100

$30-80

$80-150

Dental Filling

$80-150

$150-300

$80-200

$150-250

Eyeglasses

$100-300

$150-400

$100-300

$150-350

 

Hospital Costs


Procedure

Israel (Public)

USA (With Insurance)

UK (NHS)

Canada (Public)

Emergency Appendectomy

$0-500

$2,000-5,000

$0

$0

Normal Birth

$0-500

$2,500-5,000

$0

$0

C-Section

$0-800

$5,000-8,000

$0

$0

Hip Replacement

$500-2,000

$5,000-10,000

$0

$0-500

Heart Bypass

$1,000-3,000

$20,000-40,000

$0

$0-1,000

Cancer Treatment (full)

$2,000-10,000

$50,000-150,000+

$0

$500-5,000

**Key Finding: **Israel's universal healthcare is comprehensive and very affordable compared to USA, similar to UK/Canada.

Annual Healthcare Spending

Without Major Medical Issues

 

Person/Family

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Healthy Single Adult

$100-300

$6,000-10,000

$0-500

$0-600

Healthy Family (4)

$300-800

$20,000-30,00 0

$0-1,50 0

$500-2,000

With Chronic Condition

$500-2,00 0

$15,000-40,00 0

$0-2,00 0

$1,000-5,00 0

 

Major Medical Event (e.g., Heart Attack)

 

Cost Type

Israel

USA (Good Insurance)

USA (NoInsurance)

UK

Canada

Hospital Stay

$500-2,00

$10,000-30,000

$100,000-200,0

$0

$0-1,00

Surgery

Included

Included

$80,000-150,00

$0

$0

Medications (year)

$300-1,00 0

$2,000-5,000

$10,000-20,000

$132 (prescription charge cap)

$500-2, 000

Follow-up

$200-500

$2,000-5,000

$10,000-20,000

$0

$0-500

TOTAL

$1,000-3, 500

$14,000-40,000

$200,000-390,0 00

$132

$500-3, 500

 

Israeli Healthcare System Details

Four Public Health Funds (Kupot Cholim)

 

Health Fund

Market Share

Strengths

Monthly Supplemental


Clalit

~53%

Largest network, most clinics

$30-80

Maccabi

~25%

Good service, modern

$35-90

Meuhedet

~15%

Personalized care

$32-85

Leumit

~7%

Smaller, efficient

$28-75

All Include:

ï           Doctor visits (unlimited)

ï           Specialist visits

ï           Hospitalization

ï           Surgery

ï           Most medications (small copay)

ï           Maternity care

ï           Pediatric care

ï           Mental health services

ï           Preventive care

Supplementary Insurance Adds:

ï           Private hospital rooms

ï           Alternative medicine

ï           Dental (partial)

ï           Abroad medical emergency

ï           Specialist choice

ï           Shorter wait times

 

DINING OUT AND ENTERTAINMENT

Restaurant Costs

Casual Dining

 

Meal Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Israel vs USA

Fast food combo (McDonald's)

$12-1 5

$9-11

$8-10

$10-13

+33% to +36%

Shawarma/Falafel

$8-12

$10-15(equivalent)

$8-12

$10-14

Similar

Coffee (cappuccino)

$4-5

$4-5

$3.50-4.5 0

$4-5

Similar

Beer (0.5L, bar)

$7-9

$6-8

$6-8

$7-9

Similar to+13%

Soft drink (restaurant)

$3-4

$2.50-3.50

$2.50-3.5 0

$3-4

Similar

Breakfast (cafe)

$15-2 2

$12-18

$10-16

$13-19

+25% to +22%

 

Mid-Range Restaurant


Meal Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Israel vs USA

Dinner for 1 (main + drink)

$25-35

$20-3 0

$20-2 8

$22-32

+25% to+17%

Dinner for 2 (3 courses)

$80-12 0

$60-9 0

$60-9 0

$70-10 0

+33% to+33%

Pizza (large, delivery)

$20-28

$15-2 2

$18-2 5

$18-25

+33% to+27%

Sushi (for 2)

$60-90

$50-8 0

$50-7 5

$55-85

+20% to+13%

Steak dinner (per person)

$40-60

$35-5 5

$35-5 0

$38-58

+14% to +9%

 

Fine Dining

 

Meal Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

High-end dinner for 2

$200-35 0

$180-30 0

$200-35 0

$200-33 0

Michelin-star experience

$250-45 0

$300-50 0

$250-45 0

$280-48 0

Wine bottle (restaurant)

$40-80

$35-70

$30-60

$40-75

 

Entertainment Costs

Movies and Shows

 

Activity

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Cinema ticket

$13-16

$12-15

$12-15

$13-16

Cinema (IMAX/3D)

$18-22

$18-22

$18-22

$18-22

Theater ticket

$40-80

$50-15 0

$40-12 0

$50-13 0

Concert (major artist)

$60-15 0

$75-20 0

$60-18 0

$70-19 0

Sports event (avg)

$30-80

$40-15 0

$35-10 0

$40-12 0

 

Fitness and Recreation

 

Activity

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Gym membership (monthly)

$50-8 0

$35-7 0

$40-7 5

$45-80

Yoga/Pilates class

$15-2 5

$15-2 5

$12-2 0

$15-25


Swimming pool (public)

$8-12

$5-10

$5-10

$6-12

Tennis court (1 hour)

$15-2 5

$10-2 0

$10-1 8

$12-22

 

Nightlife

 

Activity

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Cocktail (bar)

$12-16

$10-1 5

$10-1 4

$11-16

Beer (bar)

$7-9

$6-8

$6-8

$7-9

Wine glass

$10-15

$8-12

$7-12

$9-14

Club entry

$15-35

$15-3 0

$10-2 5

$15-30

Bar tab (evening out)

$60-10 0

$50-9 0

$45-8 5

$55-95

 

Cultural Activities

 

Activity

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Museum entry

$12-1 8

$15-2 5

$15-2 2

$15-23

Art gallery

$8-15

$10-2 0

$8-18

$10-20

Zoo/ Aquarium

$15-2 5

$20-3 5

$20-3 0

$22-32

National park

$8-15

$10-3 0

$8-15

$10-20

 

Vacation Costs (Weekend Getaway)

Domestic Weekend (2 people, 2 nights)

 

Item

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Hotel (mid-range)

$250-40 0

$220-38 0

$200-35 0

$230-38 0

Meals (all)

$200-30 0

$180-28 0

$170-26 0

$190-29 0

Activities

$100-15 0

$100-15 0

$90-140

$100-15 0

Transportation

$80-120

$100-15 0

$80-130

$90-140


TOTAL

$630-97

$600-96

$540-88

$610-96

0

0

0

0

CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION

Childcare Costs

Daycare/Childcare (Monthly per Child)

 

Age/Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Israel vs USA

Infant (0-1 year)

$600-900

$1,200-2,00 0

$1,100-1,80 0

$1,000-1,60 0

-50% to -55%

Toddler (1-3 years)

$500-800

$1,000-1,60 0

$900-1,500

$800-1,400

-50% to -50%

Preschool (3-5 years)

$200-400

$800-1,400

$700-1,200

$700-1,200

-75% to -71%

After-school care

$150-300

$500-800

$400-700

$450-750

-70% to -63%

Full-time nanny

$1,200-1,80 0

$2,500-4,00 0

$2,000-3,50 0

$2,200-3,60 0

-52% to -55%

Part-time nanny (20 hrs)

$600-900

$1,200-2,00 0

$1,000-1,80 0

$1,100-1,80 0

-50% to -55%

**Key Finding: **Israeli childcare is heavily subsidized and 50-75% cheaper than USA/UK/Canada.

Subsidies and Assistance (Israel)

 

Program

Discount/Subsidy

Eligibility

Public gan (preschool 3-4)

Free (minimal fee)

All residents

Mandatory gan (age 5)

Free

All residents

Subsidized daycare

50-80% discount

Low-income, working parents

After-school programs

Heavily subsidized

Most families

Large family discount

Additional reductions

3+ children

 

Education Costs

K-12 Education (Annual)


School Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Public school

Free

Free

Free

Free

School supplies/fees

$200-400

$500-800

$300-600

$400-700

School meals (annual)

$600-1,000

$800-1,500

$700-1,200

$700-1,300

After-school activities

$300-800

$1,000-2,50 0

$800-2,000

$900-2,200

School bus (if needed)

$400-800

$600-1,200

$500-1,000

$550-1,100

Public school TOTAL

$1,500-3,00 0

$2,900-6,00 0

$2,300-4,80 0

$2,550-5,30 0

 

Private/International School (Annual Tuition)

 

School Type

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Religious private

$3,000-8,000

$8,000-20,000

$6,000-15,000

$7,000-18,000

International school

$15,000-30,00 0

$20,000-45,00 0

$18,000-40,00 0

$18,000-40,00 0

Elite private

$20,000-35,00 0

$35,000-60,00 0

$30,000-55,00 0

$30,000-55,00 0

 

University/College Costs

Annual Tuition (Undergraduate)

 

Institution

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Public university

$3,000-4,00 0

$10,000-20,000 (in-state)

$12,000-14,0 00

$6,000-10,000

Public university

$3,000-4,00 0

$25,000-45,000 (out-of-state)

$12,000-14,0 00

$18,000-25,000(international)

Private university

N/A (few exist)

$40,000-60,000

$20,000-40,0 00

$25,000-45,000

Israeli University Benefits for Olim:

ï           Subsidized tuition for citizens

ï           Student loans available (low interest)

ï           Scholarships for new immigrants

ï           Additional discounts for IDF veterans

Living Expenses (University Student, Monthly)

 

Expense

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Accommodation

$400-700

$600-1,200

$600-1,000

$500-1,000

Food

$250-400

$300-500

$250-450

$280-480


Transportation

$50-80

$80-120

$60-100

$70-110

Books/supplies

$50-100

$100-200

$70-150

$80-170

Entertainment

$100-200

$150-300

$120-250

$130-270

MONTHLY TOTAL

$850-1,480

$1,230-2,320

$1,100-1,950

$1,060-2,030

ACADEMIC YEAR (9mo)

$7,650-13,32 0

$11,070-20,88 0

$9,900-17,55 0

$9,540-18,27 0

 

Total Education Investment

Cost to Raise Child (Birth to 18)

 

Component

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Childcare (0-5)

$20,000-35,00 0

$65,000-100,000

$55,000-90,000

$50,000-85,000

K-12 (public)

$20,000-40,00 0

$38,000-78,000

$30,000-62,000

$33,000-69,000

Extracurricula r

$10,000-20,00 0

$20,000-40,000

$15,000-30,000

$17,000-35,000

TOTAL

$50,000-95,00 0

$123,000-218,00 0

$100,000-182,00 0

$100,000-189,00 0

 

Four-Year University (Total Cost)

 

Component

Israel

USA Public

USA Private

UK

Canada

Tuition (4 years)

$12,000-16,0 00

$40,000-80,00 0

$160,000-240,0 00

$48,000-56,00 0

$24,000-40,00 0

Living (4 years)

$30,000-55,0 00

$45,000-85,00 0

$45,000-85,000

$40,000-72,00 0

$38,000-73,00 0

Books/supplies

$2,000-4,000

$4,000-8,000

$4,000-8,000

$3,000-6,000

$3,000-7,000

TOTAL

$44,000-75,0 00

$89,000-173,0 00

$209,000-333,0 00

$91,000-134,0 00

$65,000-120,0 00

**Key Finding: **Israeli higher education is dramatically cheaper than USA, comparable to or cheaper than UK/Canada.

 

 

PERSONAL CARE AND SERVICES

Personal Care


Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Haircut (men)

$15-30

$20-40

$15-35

$18-38

Haircut (women)

$35-70

$40-80

$35-75

$38-78

Hair color/ highlights

$80-15 0

$100-20 0

$80-18 0

$90-19 0

Manicure

$20-35

$25-45

$20-40

$23-43

Pedicure

$30-50

$35-60

$30-55

$33-58

Massage (1 hour)

$50-80

$70-120

$60-10 0

$65-11 0

Facial treatment

$60-10 0

$80-150

$70-13 0

$75-14 0

 

Home Services

 

Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

House cleaning (3 hrs)

$50-80

$80-120

$60-100

$70-110

Plumber (per hour)

$60-90

$80-150

$70-130

$75-140

Electrician (per hour)

$60-90

$80-150

$70-130

$75-140

Handyman (per hour)

$50-80

$60-100

$50-90

$55-95

Pest control (one-time)

$80-150

$100-20 0

$90-180

$95-190

Lawn care (monthly)

$100-20 0

$150-30 0

$120-25 0

$130-27 0

 

Professional Services

 

Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Accountant (tax return)

$150-400

$200-500

$180-45 0

$190-47 0

Lawyer (per hour)

$150-350

$200-500

$180-45 0

$190-47 0

Real estate agent

2% + VAT (seller pays)

5-6% (seller pays)

1-3%

4-6%

Notary (document)

$30-80

$100-200

$150-30 0

$120-25 0

 

Pet Care

 

Service

Israel

USA

UK

Canad a

Vet checkup

$50-8 0

$50-10 0

$40-8 0

$60-11 0


Dog grooming

$40-7 0

$50-90

$40-8 0

$50-90

Pet boarding (per day)

$25-4 5

$30-60

$25-5 0

$30-55

Dog walking (30 min)

$10-2 0

$20-30

$15-2 5

$18-28

OVERALL COST OF LIVING INDEX

Comparative Cost of Living Indices

Overall Index (New York City = 100)

 

City

Overal l

Rent

Grocerie s

Restauran t

Purchasing Power

Tel Aviv

85.2

60.8

88.4

87.5

48.3

Jerusalem

76.4

48.2

86.1

82.8

45.9

Haifa

70.5

37.6

84.7

78.2

47.1

New York City

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

San Francisco

95.3

92.4

96.2

95.8

115.2

Los Angeles

79.9

68.3

92.1

88.4

89.7

Chicago

71.6

52.7

85.3

78.9

95.4

Austin

69.8

47.5

83.7

76.2

98.6

National US Avg

62.4

38.5

78.4

69.5

105.3

London

89.7

78.4

79.3

90.2

82.4

Manchester

70.2

42.8

72.6

75.8

85.9

UK National Avg

68.5

38.9

70.2

73.4

88.7

Toronto

73.8

57.2

81.3

75.4

82.9

Vancouver

78.4

64.9

84.7

78.6

79.3

Montreal

66.9

42.5

76.8

70.2

83.7

Canada Avg

68.2

44.7

78.9

72.3

85.4

 

Cost of Living Comparison (Tel Aviv as Baseline)

Tel Aviv = 100


Category

Jerusale m

Haif a

NY C

SF

Londo n

Toront o

Vancouve r

Overall

89.7

82.8

117.3

111.9

105.3

86.6

92.0

Rent

79.3

61.8

164.5

152.0

128.9

94.1

106.7

Groceries

97.4

95.8

113.1

108.8

89.7

92.0

95.8

Restaurants

94.6

89.4

114.3

109.5

103.1

86.2

89.8

Transportatio n

95.0

90.0

125.0

130.0

115.0

95.0

100.0

 

Monthly Expenses by City (Single Person)

 

Expense

Tel Aviv

NYC

Londo n

Toront o

National Avg (respective country)

Rent (1BR)

$1,800

$3,80 0

$2,800

$2,000

IL: $1,200 / US: $1,200 / UK: $900 / CA:$1,300

Utilities

$150

$150

$120

$140

Similar

Groceries

$400

$450

$340

$370

IL: $350 / US: $350 / UK: $280 / CA: $330

Transportatio n

$90

$132

$175

$156

IL: $80 / US: $100 / UK: $140 / CA: $128

Healthcare

$50

$500

$75

$50

IL: $50 / US: $400 / UK: $50 / CA: $50

Phone/ Internet

$60

$110

$75

$100

Similar proportions

Entertainmen

$200

$300

$250

$220

IL: $180 / US: $250 / UK: $200 / CA: $200

TOTAL

$2,750

$5,44 2

$3,835

$3,036

IL: $2,110 / US: $2,550 / UK: $1,900 / CA:$2,208

 

Monthly Expenses by City (Family of 4)

 

Expense

Tel Aviv

NYC

Londo n

Toront o

National Avg

Rent (3BR)

$3,500

$6,500

$5,000

$3,500

IL: $2,500 / US: $2,000 / UK: $1,800 / CA:$2,200

Utilities

$250

$250

$200

$230

Similar

Groceries

$1,200

$1,300

$1,000

$1,100

IL: $1,100 / US: $1,000 / UK: $850 / CA:

Transportatio n

$180

$264

$350

$312

IL: $160 / US: $200 / UK: $280 / CA: $256

Healthcare

$100

$1,600

$200

$100

IL: $100 / US: $1,400 / UK: $150 / CA: $100

Childcare

$1,200

$3,500

$2,800

$2,200

IL: $1,000 / US: $2,800 / UK: $2,200 / CA:$1,800

Education

$300

$500

$400

$430

Public school extras

Phone/ Internet

$100

$180

$130

$160

Similar


Entertainmen

$400

$600

$500

$450

IL: $350 / US: $500 / UK: $400 / CA: $400

TOTAL

$7,230

$14,69 4

$10,58 0

$8,482

IL: $5,810 / US: $8,900 / UK: $6,680 / CA:$6,756

INCOME AND PURCHASING POWER

Average Salaries by Profession

Annual Gross Salary (USD)

 

Profession

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Software Engineer

$70,000-110,00 0

$90,000-150,000

$60,000-100,00 0

$70,000-120,000

Senior Software Engineer

$90,000-140,00 0

$120,000-200,00 0

$80,000-130,00 0

$95,000-160,000

Doctor (GP)

$80,000-120,00 0

$200,000-250,00 0

$90,000-130,00 0

$180,000-250,00 0

Nurse (RN)

$35,000-50,000

$70,000-90,000

$45,000-60,000

$60,000-80,000

Teacher (public school)

$30,000-50,000

$50,000-70,000

$40,000-55,000

$50,000-75,000

Lawyer

$60,000-120,00 0

$100,000-190,00 0

$65,000-130,00 0

$85,000-150,000

Accountant

$40,000-70,000

$60,000-90,000

$45,000-75,000

$55,000-85,000

Engineer (civil/ mechanical)

$50,000-80,000

$70,000-100,000

$50,000-80,000

$65,000-95,000

Marketing Manager

$50,000-85,000

$70,000-110,000

$55,000-90,000

$65,000-100,000

Sales Manager

$45,000-90,000

$65,000-120,000

$50,000-95,000

$60,000-110,000

Administrative Assistant

$25,000-35,000

$35,000-50,000

$28,000-40,000

$35,000-50,000

Retail Worker

$18,000-25,000

$25,000-35,000

$22,000-30,000

$25,000-35,000

Restaurant Server

$15,000-22,000

$20,000-35,000

$20,000-28,000

$22,000-32,000

Construction Worker

$28,000-40,000

$40,000-60,000

$32,000-48,000

$40,000-60,000

 

Salary After Tax (Take-Home Pay)

Net Annual Income (Single, No Dependents)

 

Gross Salary

Israel Net

USA Net (avg)

UK Net

Canada Net

$30,000

$25,200 (84%)

$24,000 (80%)

$24,600 (82%)

$24,300 (81%)

$50,000

$39,500 (79%)

$38,500 (77%)

$38,000 (76%)

$38,000 (76%)

$70,000

$52,500 (75%)

$52,500 (75%)

$50,400 (72%)

$51,800 (74%)


$100,000

$70,000 (70%)

$72,000 (72%)

$68,500 (68.5%)

$70,000 (70%)

$150,000

$97,500 (65%)

$105,000 (70%)

$95,250 (63.5%)

$99,000 (66%)

$200,000

$124,000 (62%)

$134,000 (67%)

$118,000 (59%)

$128,000 (64%)

**Note: **Tax rates vary by state/province. Rates shown are approximate averages.

 

Purchasing Power Comparison

What $1,000 USD Buys You (Monthly)

 

Item

Israel

USA

UK

Canada

Rent contribution

55% of 1BR (TA)

83% of 1BR(avg)

91% of 1BR(avg)

77% of 1BR(avg)

Groceries (single)

1.8 months

2.4 months

2.7 months

2.0 months

Gas/Petrol

450 liters

1,000 liters

500 liters

750 liters

Restaurant meals

33 mid-range

40 mid-range

40 mid-range

38 mid-range

Cinema tickets

67 tickets

75 tickets

75 tickets

70 tickets

Gym memberships

14 months

20 months

18 months

16 months

 

Real Income Comparison (After Cost of Living)

Effective Purchasing Power

 

Software Engineer ($100k gross salary)

 

Location

Net Salary

Monthly CoL

Surplu s

Effective Purchasing Power

Tel Aviv

$70,000

$2,750

$37,00 0

Baseline

Jerusalem

$70,000

$2,350

$41,80 0

13%

Haifa

$70,000

$2,150

$44,20 0

19%

NYC

$72,000

$5,442

$6,696

-82%

San Francisco

$72,000

$5,200

$9,600

-74%

Austin

$72,000

$3,200

$33,60 0

-9%

Chicago

$72,000

$3,500

$30,00 0

-19%



London

$68,500

$3,835

$22,48 0

-39%

Manchester

$68,500

$2,800

$35,10 0

-5%

Toronto

$70,000

$3,036

$33,56 8

-9%

Vancouver

$70,000

$3,300

$30,40 0

-18%

Montreal

$70,000

$2,600

$38,80 0

5%

**Key Finding: **Despite high costs, Tel Aviv purchasing power is competitive due to high tech salaries. In non-tech fields, purchasing power lower.

Minimum Wage Comparison

 

Country

Hourl y

Monthly (full-time)

Annua l

Can Afford (1BR rent)

Israel

$7.50

$1,300

$15,60 0

65% of income (TA)

USA (federal)

$7.25

$1,257

$15,08 0

95% of avg rent

USA (California)

$16.00

$2,773

$33,28 0

Varies by city

UK

$12.60

$2,184

$26,20 8

Variable

Canada (Ontario)

$16.55

$2,868

$34,42 4

Variable

 

SAMPLE MONTHLY BUDGETS

Budget 1: Single Young Professional (Tel Aviv)

 

Category

Monthly (USD)

% of Net Income

Net Income

$3,500

100%

Housing

$1,200 (shared apt)

34%

Utilities

$70

2%

Arnona

$60

2%

Va'ad Bayit

$40

1%

Groceries

$400

11%


Transportation

$90 (public transit)

3%

Phone/Internet

$50

1%

Healthcare (supplemental)

$50

1%

Dining out

$300

9%

Entertainment

$200

6%

Gym

$70

2%

Personal care

$80

2%

Clothing

$100

3%

Savings

$500

14%

Emergency fund

$150

4%

Discretionary

$140

4%

TOTAL

$3,500

100%

**Lifestyle: **Modest but comfortable, shares apartment, uses public transit, saves moderately.

 

 

Budget 2: Family of 4 (Jerusalem, One Income)

 

Category

Monthly (USD)

% of Net Income

Net Income

$5,000

100%

Rent (3BR suburbs)

$1,600

32%

Utilities

$200

4%

Arnona

$120

2%

Va'ad Bayit

$80

2%

Groceries

$1,100

22%

Transportation (car)

$400

8%

Phone/Internet

$90

2%

Healthcare

$100

2%

Childcare (1 child)

$400

8%

School expenses (2 kids)

$200

4%

Dining out

$200

4%

Entertainment/kids

$150

3%

Clothing (family)

$150

3%

Personal care

$100

2%


Savings

$100

2%

Miscellaneous

$10

0%

TOTAL

$5,000

100%

**Lifestyle: **Tight budget, limited savings, suburbs, one car, working-class family.

 

 

Budget 3: Family of 4 (Tel Aviv, Dual Income Professionals)

 

Category

Monthly (USD)

% of Net Income

Net Income (combined)

$9,000

100%

Rent (3BR, good area)

$2,800

31%

Utilities

$250

3%

Arnona

$200

2%

Va'ad Bayit

$120

1%

Groceries

$1,400

16%

Transportation (1 car + transit)

$600

7%

Phone/Internet

$100

1%

Healthcare (supplemental)

$150

2%

Childcare (2 children)

$1,000

11%

School expenses

$300

3%

Dining out

$500

6%

Entertainment

$350

4%

Gym/activities

$180

2%

Clothing

$250

3%

Personal care

$150

2%

Vacation fund

$300

3%

Savings/Investments

$200

2%

Retirement

$100

1%

Miscellaneous

$50

1%

TOTAL

$9,000

100%

**Lifestyle: **Comfortable middle-class, good neighborhood, some luxuries, modest savings.


Budget 4: Retiree Couple (Haifa)

 

Category

Monthly (USD)

% of Income

Income (pension/savings)

$3,500

100%

Rent (2BR)

$1,000

29%

Utilities

$180

5%

Arnona

$90

3%

Va'ad Bayit

$70

2%

Groceries

$700

20%

Transportation

$150 (public + occasional taxi)

4%

Phone/Internet

$80

2%

Healthcare (supplemental + medications)

$250

7%

Dining out

$250

7%

Entertainment

$150

4%

Personal care

$120

3%

Gifts/family

$150

4%

Travel

$200

6%

Emergency fund

$110

3%

TOTAL

$3,500

100%

**Lifestyle: **Comfortable retirement, affordable city, universal healthcare, modest entertainment.

 

 

Budget Comparison: Same Family in Different Countries

Family of 4, $100k household income, similar lifestyle

 

Category

Israel (Jerusalem)

USA(Austin)

UK(Manchester)

Canada (Montreal)

Net Income

$5,850

$6,000

$5,500

$5,800

Housing

$2,000 (32%)

$2,000 (33%)

$1,400 (25%)

$1,500 (26%)

Utilities

$250 (4%)

$220 (4%)

$200 (4%)

$240 (4%)

Groceries

$1,200 (21%)

$1,000 (17%)

$850 (15%)

$1,000 (17%)

Transportation

$400 (7%)

$600 (10%)

$350 (6%)

$450 (8%)

Healthcare

$100 (2%)

$1,400 (23%)

$150 (3%)

$100 (2%)


Childcare

$800 (14%)

$2,000 (33%)

$1,800 (33%)

$1,600 (28%)

Other expenses

$1,100 (19%)

$780 (13%)

$1,750 (32%)

$1,910 (33%)

TOTAL

$5,850

$8,000**

$6,500**

$6,800**

Over/Under Budget

$0

-$2,000

-$1,000

-$1,000

**Shaded cells indicate budget shortfalls - would need to reduce expenses or increase income

**Key Finding: **Israeli families save on healthcare and childcare but spend more on groceries and housing. USA dramatically more expensive due to healthcare and childcare costs.

 

 

CONCLUSION AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

Summary of Findings

What's More Expensive in Israel:

 

Significantly More (+40-100%):

 

ï           **Cars and vehicle ownership **(+50-100% vs USA)

ï            **Gasoline **(+100% vs USA, similar to UK)

ï           **Groceries **(+25-40% vs USA/Canada)

ï           **Housing in major cities **(+30-50% vs national averages)

ï            **Beer and alcohol **(+30-50% vs USA)

Moderately More (+10-30%):

 

ï           **Restaurants **(+15-25% vs USA average)

ï             **Dairy products **(+25-35%)

ï             **Electronics **(+15-25%)

ï           **Clothing **(+20-30%)

What's Cheaper in Israel: Dramatically Cheaper (-50-80%):

ï           **Healthcare **(-80-95% vs USA)

ï           **Childcare **(-50-75% vs USA/UK/Canada)

ï           **Higher education **(-60-80% vs USA)

ï           **Taxis **(-40-60% vs most Western countries)

Moderately Cheaper (-20-40%):

 

ï           **Mobile phone service **(-50-70%)


ï           **Public transportation **(-20-40%)

ï           **K-12 education costs **(heavily subsidized)

ï           **Locally grown produce **(seasonal)

Similar Costs:

 

ï           Coffee at cafes

ï           **Entertainment **(movies, shows)

ï           Personal services

ï           Internet service

Cost of Living Rankings

Israel Overall Ranking:

ï           More expensive than: Most of USA (except NYC, SF), most of UK (except London), all of Canada

ï           Less expensive than: NYC, SF, London (central), Zurich, Geneva, Singapore, Hong Kong

ï           **Global ranking: ~15-25th most expensive **(out of major cities)

Who Finds Israel Affordable/Expensive?

Find Israel Relatively Affordable:

 

ï           High-earning professionals (tech, finance) - $100k+ income

ï           Those valuing healthcare access

ï           Large families (childcare and education subsidies)

ï           Students (cheap university)

ï           Those living without cars

ï           Those living outside Tel Aviv/Jerusalem

Find Israel Very Expensive:

 

ï             Working-class families (<$50k income)

ï           Car-dependent families

ï            Those with Western dietary preferences

ï           Those expecting USA-sized housing

ï           Tel Aviv renters without high incomes

ï           Families needing imported products

Strategies for Managing Costs in Israel

Housing:

ï           Live in suburbs or secondary cities (-30-50% rent)

ï           Share apartments (young adults)

ï           Consider smaller spaces (common in Israel)

ï           Buy long-term if possible (build equity)


Transportation:

ï           Use public transit (-85% vs car ownership)

ï           Walk/bike in compact cities

ï           Carpool or use shared cars

ï           Avoid car ownership if possible

Food:

ï           Shop at discount supermarkets (Rami Levy) (-20%)

ï           Buy at outdoor markets (shuk) (-15-30% produce)

ï           Cook at home (-70% vs dining out)

ï           Buy seasonal produce

ï           Reduce meat consumption (expensive)

ï           Limit imported products

General:

ï           Take advantage of subsidies (childcare, education)

ï           Use generic medications

ï           Choose basic Kupat Cholim (no supplemental)

ï           Free entertainment (beaches, parks, hiking)

ï           Buy local products

ï           Wait for sales (especially clothing)

Is Israel "Expensive"?

The answer depends on:

  1.              Where you're coming from

◦                    From small-town USA: Very expensive

◦                    From NYC/SF: Comparable or cheaper

◦                    From London: Slightly cheaper overall

◦                    From developing countries: Very expensive

  1.              Your income level

◦                    $30k: Very challenging

◦                    $50k: Manageable but tight

◦                    $75k: Comfortable

◦                    $100k+: Very comfortable

  1.              Your lifestyle

◦                    Frugal: Can live on $2,000-2,500/month (single)

◦                    Moderate: Need $3,000-4,000/month (single)

◦                    Comfortable: Need $4,500-6,000/month (single)

◦                    Luxury: $8,000+/month (single)

  1.              Your priorities

◦                    Value healthcare: Israel wins

◦                    Value space: USA wins

◦                    Value education: Israel wins

◦                    Value car culture: USA wins

◦                    Value food variety: USA wins

◦                    Value public services: Israel wins


Final Verdict

Israel's cost of living is:

 

ï           **High but manageable **for professionals

ï           **Challenging **for working-class families

ï           **Excellent value **for healthcare and education

ï           **Very expensive **for car ownership and imported goods

ï           **Comparable **to other developed countries in major cities

ï           **Higher than average **for groceries and housing

**Bottom line: **Israel is an expensive country by global standards, ranking among the top 20-25 most expensive. However, universal healthcare, subsidized childcare and education, and strong social services offset costs for families. High earners in tech/finance find it comparable to other global cities. Working-class families struggle with high housing and food costs. Quality of life factors beyond cost—security, climate, culture, community—strongly influence whether Israel "feels" expensive.

 

**Charts Version: **October 2025

**Note: **All prices are approximate and based on 2024-2025 data. Exchange rates: 1 USD = 3.7 ILS (approximate). Actual costs vary by specific location, season, and individual circumstances. Cost of living data sourced from Numbeo, government statistics, and expat surveys. Always verify current prices and your specific situation when planning.SA wins

◦                    Value education: Israel wins

◦                    Value car culture: USA wins

◦                    Value food variety: USA wins

◦                    Value public services: Israel wins


Final Verdict

Israel's cost of living is:

 

ï           **High but manageable **for professionals

ï           **Challenging **for working-class families

ï           **Excellent value **for healthcare and education

ï           **Very expensive **for car ownership and imported goods

ï           **Comparable **to other developed countries in major cities

ï           **Higher than average **for groceries and housing

**Bottom line: **Israel is an expensive country by global standards, ranking among the top 20-25 most expensive. However, universal healthcare, subsidized childcare and education, and strong social services offset costs for families. High earners in tech/finance find it comparable to other global cities. Working-class families struggle with high housing and food costs. Quality of life factors beyond cost—security, climate, culture, community—strongly influence whether Israel "feels" expensive.

 

**Charts Version: **October 2025

**Note: **All prices are approximate and based on 2024-2025 data. Exchange rates: 1 USD = 3.7 ILS (approximate). Actual costs vary by specific location, season, and individual circumstances. Cost of living data sourced from Numbeo, government statistics, and expat surveys. Always verify current prices and your specific situation when planning.

Updated on: 01/02/2026

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