Tel Aviv, Israel
Last updated on Jan 23, 2023
Summary: People often describe Tel Aviv, Israel as a vibrant, modern city with a unique mix of old and new. Expats love the city's diverse culture, its Mediterranean climate, and its vibrant nightlife. The weather in Tel Aviv is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The cost of living for an expat in Tel Aviv is relatively high, with an average monthly cost of around $2,000. The cost of a one bedroom apartment in Tel Aviv is typically around $1,500 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can cost up to $2,500 per month. The population of Tel Aviv is approximately 431,000 people.
What are the pros and cons of living in Tel Aviv?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Tel Aviv responded:
"I came to Israel because I loved it here. My two kids live here (my daughter got married this week!) But life here is so so unnecessarily hard. I'm shocked at the filth and garbage. The constant noise (and I'm a city girl, from NY & Boston). People don't recycle. Dog poop all over. Cost of living is sky high (cheaper outside the center, but the center is where everyone is!) Our wi-fi sucks half the time though that's getting better. The banking laws are medieval. So there ya go. We are out of here soon," said another expat in Tel Aviv.

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What type of social life can someone expect in Tel Aviv?
When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Tel Aviv, they replied:
"Very young population (and we are not so young). Took a ton of effort to make a few friends," said another expat in living in Tel Aviv, Israel.
"It's not that hard if you are young or speak Hebrew well. We came here older and found learning Hebrew 1000x harder than we thought it would be," said another expat in living in Tel Aviv, Israel.
What advice to expats in Tel Aviv have about housing?
"Nightmare. Expensive and nary a protection for consumers. We bought an expensive new flat and are in a lawsuit against the builder right now. And our whole building (21 flats) is suing the builder as well. This is not uncommon at all," remarked another expat in Tel Aviv.
What are medical services in Tel Aviv like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Tel Aviv, they replied:
"The system is difficult to manage if something is wrong. Wait times for appointments are ridiculous. I'm a citizen, so it's not expat care, it's the Israeli socialized medicine," said another expat in Tel Aviv.
What do I need to know before moving to Tel Aviv?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Tel Aviv, they said:
"My advice is to contact Rani or just type Momentum Israel and you will find their services of relocating to Israel. They can make your move very smooth and are extremely affordable and most of all helpful and caring. They'll also give you advice on the type of neighborhoods that suit best to your criteria and living preferences," explained one expat living in Tel Aviv.

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How do I find a place to live in Tel Aviv?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"I found an amazing relocation service through a guy named Rani. He found me accomodation and a job and helped me with everything, including opening a bank account, acquiring a credit balance, access to free medical aid, he even took me to the grocery store to familiarize me with all the products. Then he had referred me to a 5 hour Hebrew training crash course where I learned basic Hebrew," explained one expat living in Tel Aviv.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Tel Aviv?
"It's a beautiful and renovated 2 room apartment in Tel Aviv old north near the beach. I'm not sure if its typical, every apartment has its own character," remarked another in Tel Aviv.
What is the average cost of housing in Tel Aviv?
If you are thinking about moving to Tel Aviv, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"They are somewhat higher, Tel Aviv is an expensive city and you pay for living near the beach and for the weather in Tel Aviv," said another expat in Tel Aviv.
What do expats in Tel Aviv appreciate most about the local culture?
"Most people are nice and will help if they can. They are happy to speak English if they can," said another expat in Ramat Gan.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Inefficiency. Dirtiness. Extremely aggressive rudeness on occasion (ex. bus drivers screaming and threatening you) Cars parking on sidewalks and in the right driving lane--for real," explained one expat living in Ramat Gan.
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.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Tel Aviv?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Tel Aviv?
- What is the average cost of housing in Tel Aviv?
- How do I meet people in Tel Aviv?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Tel Aviv?
- What should I pack when moving to Tel Aviv?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Tel Aviv?
- Will I be able to find a job in Tel Aviv?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Tel Aviv?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Tel Aviv?
- What is the social scene like in Tel Aviv?
- What advice to expats in Tel Aviv have about housing?
- What are medical services in Tel Aviv like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Tel Aviv?
- Is the cost of living in Tel Aviv high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Tel Aviv?
- Why do people move to Tel Aviv?