Comparing Prices In Israel To the USA
1. Housing Costs: Rent and Real Estate
Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem)
Rent (Tel Aviv):
1-bedroom apartment (city center): ₪6,500 - ₪8,000 ($1,650 - $2,050) per month.
1-bedroom apartment (outside city center): ₪4,500 - ₪6,000 ($1,150 - $1,540) per month.
3-bedroom apartment (city center): ₪10,000 - ₪15,000 ($2,600 - $3,900) per month.
Buying real estate (per square meter): ₪40,000 - ₪60,000 ($10,300 - $15,500) in Tel Aviv.
Buying real estate (per square meter in Jerusalem): ₪30,000 - ₪50,000 ($7,700 - $13,000).
United States (New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago)
Rent (New York City):
1-bedroom apartment (city center): $3,500 - $4,200 per month.
1-bedroom apartment (outside city center): $2,200 - $3,000 per month.
3-bedroom apartment (city center): $7,000 - $12,000 per month.
Buying real estate (per square meter): $15,000 - $25,000 in Manhattan.
Rent (Los Angeles):
1-bedroom apartment (city center): $2,500 - $3,200 per month.
1-bedroom apartment (outside city center): $1,800 - $2,500 per month.
3-bedroom apartment (city center): $4,500 - $6,500 per month.
Buying real estate (per square meter): $8,000 - $12,000.
Rent (Chicago):
1-bedroom apartment (city center): $1,800 - $2,500 per month.
1-bedroom apartment (outside city center): $1,200 - $1,800 per month.
3-bedroom apartment (city center): $3,000 - $4,500 per month.
Buying real estate (per square meter): $5,000 - $9,000.
Summary: Rent in Israel (Tel Aviv and Jerusalem) is slightly lower than in New York City, but still relatively high compared to other U.S. cities. Real estate prices per square meter in Israel’s major cities are high, but still significantly lower than in Manhattan.
2. Utilities and Household Bills
Israel
Electricity: ₪500 - ₪800 ($130 - $200) per month, depending on apartment size and season.
Water: ₪100 - ₪200 ($25 - $50) per month.
Gas: ₪100 - ₪200 ($25 - $50) per month.
Internet: ₪100 - ₪150 ($26 - $39) per month for high-speed broadband.
United States
Electricity:
New York City: $100 - $150 per month.
Los Angeles: $100 - $200 per month.
Chicago: $80 - $130 per month.
Water: Usually included in rent, but can range from $30 - $60 per month.
Gas: $50 - $80 per month.
Internet: $50 - $100 per month for broadband.
Summary: Utilities in Israel tend to be slightly more expensive, particularly for electricity and gas, especially during the hot summer and cooler winter months.
3. Groceries and Food
Israel
Groceries:
Milk (1 liter): ₪6 ($1.55).
Bread (loaf): ₪8 - ₪10 ($2 - $2.60).
Eggs (12): ₪12 - ₪15 ($3 - $3.90).
Chicken breast (1 kg): ₪35 - ₪45 ($9 - $11.50).
Cheese (1 kg): ₪45 - ₪70 ($11.50 - $18).
Rice (1 kg): ₪10 - ₪12 ($2.60 - $3.10).
Apples (1 kg): ₪10 - ₪12 ($2.60 - $3.10).
Eating out:
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: ₪60 - ₪80 ($15 - $20).
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: ₪250 - ₪350 ($65 - $90).
United States
Groceries:
Milk (1 liter): $1.00 - $1.50.
Bread (loaf): $2.50 - $4.
Eggs (12): $3.50 - $6 (varies depending on location).
Chicken breast (1 kg): $7 - $10.
Cheese (1 kg): $8 - $15.
Rice (1 kg): $2 - $4.
Apples (1 kg): $3 - $5.
Eating out:
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $12 - $20.
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $50 - $100.
Summary: Groceries in Israel are generally more expensive compared to the U.S., particularly dairy products, bread, and fruits. Eating out costs in Israel are comparable to U.S. cities but can be slightly higher in Tel Aviv.
4. Transportation
Israel
Public transportation (monthly pass): ₪200 - ₪250 ($52 - $65) depending on the city.
Gasoline: ₪7.50 - ₪8.50 ($2.00 - $2.25) per liter.
Car (Toyota Corolla or similar): ₪130,000 - ₪160,000 ($33,500 - $41,000).
United States
Public transportation (monthly pass):
New York City: $127.
Los Angeles: $100.
Chicago: $75.
Gasoline: $1.00 - $1.30 per liter ($3.80 - $4.90 per gallon).
Car (Toyota Corolla or similar): $25,000 - $30,000.
Summary: Public transportation is cheaper in U.S. cities like Chicago and Los Angeles than in Israel, but more expensive in New York. Gasoline prices are significantly higher in Israel, while car prices are almost double compared to the U.S. due to high taxes on vehicles.
5. Healthcare
Israel
Public healthcare: Health insurance is provided through one of the four healthcare funds (Kupat Holim), and the cost is deducted from your salary. New immigrants (Olim) receive free health insurance for their first year if unemployed.
Average cost of supplementary insurance: ₪100 - ₪250 ($26 - $65) per month depending on the plan.
United States
Private healthcare: The U.S. operates on a mostly private insurance system. Health insurance costs vary widely depending on the plan and whether it’s employer-sponsored.
Average premium: $400 - $600 per person per month for mid-range plans.
Deductibles: Often between $1,500 - $5,000 annually.
Doctor's visit: $100 - $200 without insurance.
Summary: Healthcare in Israel is much more affordable due to its universal healthcare system, which provides extensive coverage at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S., where private healthcare can be prohibitively expensive for those without employer-sponsored plans.
6. Education
Israel
Public schools: Free for children, although parents pay for extra materials, field trips, and after-school programs.
Private schools: ₪15,000 - ₪30,000 ($3,900 - $7,700) annually.
University tuition (public): ₪10,000 - ₪15,000 ($2,600 - $3,900) per year.
United States
Public schools: Free for K-12, but higher education is expensive.
Private schools: $15,000 - $50,000 annually depending on the school.
University tuition (public): $10,000 - $35,000 per year for in-state students, depending on the state.
University tuition (private): $35,000 - $60,000 per year.
Summary: Higher education is significantly cheaper in Israel, while private schools can be expensive but are still generally more affordable than in the U.S. Public K-12 education is free in both countries, but extra-curricular costs in Israel can add up.
7. Miscellaneous Costs
Israel
Fitness club membership: ₪200 - ₪300 ($52 - $78) per month.
Cinema ticket: ₪40 - ₪50 ($10.50 - $13).
Mobile plan: ₪50 - ₪100 ($13 - $26) per month for unlimited data.
United States
Fitness club membership:
New York City: $60 - $120 per month.
Los Angeles: $40 - $80 per month.
Chicago: $30 - $70 per month.
Cinema ticket: $12 - $18.
Mobile plan: $40 - $80 per month.
Summary: Fitness memberships are generally more affordable in the U.S. than in Israel. Cinema tickets are similarly priced, and mobile plans are more expensive in the U.S.
Housing: Israel's major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are expensive, but rent and real estate costs remain lower than in New York City. However, they are comparable to other U.S. cities like Los Angeles.
Utilities and Groceries: Utilities are slightly more expensive in Israel, while groceries (especially dairy and fresh produce) can be significantly pricier.
Transportation: Gasoline and cars are much more expensive in Israel, whereas public transportation costs are more affordable compared to New York but higher than in other U.S. cities.
Healthcare and Education: Healthcare and higher education are much cheaper and more accessible in Israel due to its public systems, whereas these costs in the U.S. can be prohibitive without insurance or financial aid.
Overall Cost of Living: While living costs in Israel are high, particularly in Tel Aviv, many categories (like healthcare and education) remain more affordable compared to the U.S. Housing and transportation tend to be the largest financial burdens in Israel.
Each country has its own unique set of costs, but Israel offers a strong social safety net with lower healthcare and education costs, while the U.S. often has cheaper food, gasoline, and housing outside major cities like New York.