Living in Israel: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Israel

Summary: People often describe life in Israel as vibrant, diverse, and exciting. Expats love the country's rich culture, history, and natural beauty. They also appreciate the strong sense of community and the opportunity to experience a unique way of life. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,000 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other basic expenses. The population of Israel is approximately 8.7 million people. The largest cities in Israel are Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Rishon LeZion. The cons of living in Israel include the high cost of living, the security situation, and the language barrier. Additionally, the country is quite small, so there are limited job opportunities and limited entertainment options.

What do I need to know about living in Israel?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Israel, they said:

"Before retiring in Israel, expats should familiarize themselves with the country's tax system and residency requirements. It is important to understand the cost of living in Israel, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Expats should also research the different types of visas available and the process for obtaining them. Additionally, expats should consider the language barrier and the cultural differences between their home country and Israel. Finally, expats should research the different neighborhoods and cities in Israel to find the best place to retire," explained one expat living in Israel.

"If you want a quiet family centered lifestyle go to Haifa. If you're single and want night-life go to Tel Aviv. If you want musuems and history go to Jerusalem," said one expat in Haifa.

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How do I meet people in Israel?

When we asked people living in Israel about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"I highly recommend a small French restaurant in downtown Jerusalem called "Cavaliere". They offer a great selection of wines from all over the world as well as great food. It's a bit pricey but a special business lunch menu is available. Also I recommend "Sakura" restaurant for Japanese cousine lovers. It's a small place but offers a great selection of sushi, maki etc as well as salads and other lapanese dishes. In my opinion this is the most authentic japanese restaurant in Jerusalem," wrote one member in Jerusalem.

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What is life like in Israel?

When we asked people living in Israel what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Israel is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the country's many attractions, from its ancient cities to its modern metropolises. The cost of living is relatively low, and the country is home to a large number of tech startups, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The country is also known for its welcoming attitude towards foreigners, making it a great place to settle down and make new friends," said one expat who made the move to Israel.

"Haifa is a family city. The beach, the forests and nature trails are big attractions. It takes less than an hour to get to Tel Aviv which is the main commercial center. There is a huge hi-tech center in Haifa which employs many expats and it is close to another major hi-tech center - Yokneam. THe city of Haifa is focussing on the younger generation, students etc., and are working hard to improve facilities and housing options for them," explained one expat living in Haifa, Israel.

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Is there a lot of crime in Israel?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Crime does exist in Israel, although it is generally lower than in many other countries. The most common crimes are property-related offenses, such as burglary and theft, as well as drug-related offenses. Violent crime is relatively rare, although there have been some high-profile incidents in recent years. The Israeli government has taken steps to reduce crime, including increasing police presence in certain areas and introducing tougher penalties for certain offenses," said one expat in Israel.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Israel accepting of differences?

"I wouldn't recommend wandering through religious neighborhoods of Jerusalem on Shabat since you may be spit on or even bitten. In the Old City of Jerusalem and all arab areas it's not advisable to walk around in a shirt that doesn't cover sholders," commented one expat who made the move to Jerusalem.

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What are the schools in Israel like?

"The International School of Jerusalem (ISJ) is one of the best international schools in Israel. Located in the heart of Jerusalem, ISJ offers a rigorous academic program for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. ISJ offers a variety of courses in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, and provides a multicultural learning environment. The Bilingual School of Jerusalem (BSJ) is another excellent international school in Israel. BSJ offers a bilingual program in English and Hebrew, and provides a unique learning experience for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. BSJ offers a variety of courses in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, and provides a multicultural learning environment. The Max Rayne Hand in Hand Jerusalem School is a unique bilingual school in Israel. The school is the first of its kind in the country, offering a dual-language curriculum in Hebrew and Arabic. The school is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for students from all backgrounds. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges," said one parent with children at in .

"We love the fact that the Treehouse staff have always been very open and honest about our children. I can understand that there is a temptation at schools to simply tell the parents what they want to hear about their children and to sweep things under the carpet to maintain a facade. This is not the case here and we credit the school for helping us raise amazing children who are happy and behave beautifully outside of the home and out of our sight as well as when they are at home. The treehouse staff have exceptional core values and have been indispensible in helping us raise our children," commented one expat when asked about Treehouse International School in Herzliya Pitoach.

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Is the cost of living in Israel high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Israel, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Israel is generally higher than in many other countries. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all higher than in many other countries. The cost of living in Israel is also affected by the exchange rate of the Israeli Shekel to other currencies. In addition, taxes are higher in Israel than in many other countries. All of these factors contribute to the overall cost of living in Israel," remarked one expat living in Israel.

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"The cost of living in Israel is generally higher than in many other countries. The cost of living in the major cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is significantly higher than in the rest of the country. Rent for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Israel can range from $1,000 to $2,000 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Israel can cost around $20 USD per person," mentioned an expat living in Israel.

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What type of recreational facilities are in Israel?

When we asked people living in Israel about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Israel, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and nature reserves. There are also many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and historic sites. Outdoor activities are popular, including hiking, biking, and camping. Water sports are also popular, such as swimming, sailing, and kayaking. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of shopping malls, movie theaters, and bowling alleys. Additionally, there are many restaurants, cafes, and bars for socializing and entertainment," commented one expat who moved to Israel.

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What is the weather like in Israel?

"The weather in Israel is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot depending on the season. In the winter months, temperatures can drop to the low teens Celsius, while in the summer months temperatures can reach the high thirties Celsius. Rainfall is generally low, with most of the rain falling in the winter months. The coastal areas of Israel tend to be more humid than the inland areas," commented one expat living in Israel.

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Are there good restaurants in Israel?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Israel is Machneyuda, located in Jerusalem. This restaurant is known for its creative and innovative dishes, which are inspired by the flavors of the Middle East. The menu features a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fresh salads, and homemade pastas. The atmosphere is lively and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Israel is Miznon, located in Tel Aviv. This restaurant is known for its fresh, flavorful, and creative Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fresh salads, and homemade pastas. The atmosphere is casual and the staff is friendly and attentive. Finally, there is the popular restaurant, Shila, located in Haifa. This restaurant is known for its traditional Israeli cuisine, which is prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fresh salads, and homemade pastas. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff is friendly and attentive," said one expat.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Israel?

"People living in Israel typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, open-air markets, and specialty stores. Supermarkets are the most popular option, offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices. Convenience stores are also popular, offering a smaller selection of items at higher prices. Open-air markets are a great place to find fresh produce and other local specialties. Specialty stores are great for finding unique items that may not be available elsewhere," commented one expat who moved to Israel.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in Israel?

"In order to visit Israel, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, providing a valid passport, and paying the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Israel, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Ministry of Interior. The application must include a valid passport, proof of financial stability, and a valid visa. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a residency permit," said an expat in Israel.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Israel?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Israel can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Most Israelis are required to purchase health insurance through one of four health funds, which are regulated by the government. These health funds offer a range of plans with varying levels of coverage and cost. Generally, the more comprehensive the plan, the more expensive it is. Additionally, many Israelis opt to purchase supplemental health insurance to cover services not included in the basic plans. This can also add to the overall cost of healthcare," mentioned an expat living in Israel.

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