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

Living in Israel

Last updated on Feb 08, 2024

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," wrote a member in Israel.

"Get used to very poor shopping opportunities, rude people and places closing on Sabath," commented one expat who made the move to Jerusalem.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.