So you’ve decided to make the big move and move to Israel!

Congratulations! Moving to Israel can be an amazing experience!

However, it’s important to be aware that moving to a new country can be costly. But don’t worry, there are ways to save money when you’re living in Israel. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the main costs of moving to Israel and provide some tips on how to cut corners without sacrificing quality.

General costs to account for

The first—and arguably most important—cost to consider is housing. If you want to rent a house in Israel you need to know it’s not cheap, especially in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The good news is that there are a few ways to save on rental costs. One option is to look for furnished apartments, which can be found for a fraction of the cost of unfurnished apartments.

Another option is to find a roommate or two; this will help split the cost of rent and other expenses like utilities and groceries. Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate with your landlord; in many cases, they may be willing to lower the rent price if you sign a longer lease.

The Israeli real estate is also very dynamic, so be watchful for fluctuations in price when renting or buying.

Next, you’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation. If you plan on bringing your own car with you, be prepared for the high cost of gasoline; as of the time of writing this article, gas prices in Israel hover at more than $ 9 per gallon. If you don’t think you can stomach those prices, don’t worry—there are plenty of alternative transportation options available, from public buses and trains to ride-sharing services like Gett.

And if you’re really looking to save money, consider getting around by bike; not only is it good for your wallet, but it’s also good for your health and pretty common around here.

Finally, you’ll need to account for the cost of living in general. Groceries and eating out can be expensive in Israel, but there are ways to save money here as well. One tip is to cook at home as much as possible; not only will this help you save money, but it will also allow you to try your hand at some traditional Israeli dishes.

Schooling in Israel is mostly paid by the government so it’s not something to worry about. And be sure to check your Aliyah benefits when coming with the Misrat HaKlitah.

Let’s see some of these costs of living in Israel in depth below:

The Cost of Housing in Israel

One of the biggest expenses you’ll face when moving to Israel is the cost of housing. Rent in Israel is notoriously expensive, especially in Tel Aviv. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem in a prime location is around $2,000 per month. As we wrote, there are ways to save on housing costs in Israel. One option is to rent an apartment with roommates. This will split the cost of rent and utilities between multiple people and can help make living in an expensive city like Tel Aviv more affordable. Another option is to look for apartments outside of major cities like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Rent prices tend to be lower in smaller towns and cities, so this could be a great way to save on housing costs.

If you’re looking to buy, prices start at around 4 million NIS for a small apartment in the city center. Of course, these prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and type of apartment you’re looking for.

If you’re not opposed to living outside of the city, you can find cheaper rent in communities like Herzliya, Raanana, and Netanya which are all within close proximity to Tel Aviv. And if buying an apartment outright isn’t an option for you, don’t despair!

There are plenty of Israelis in the same boat. Many people here opt to buy apartments through a shared ownership agreement (called yishuv kehilati in Hebrew). Under this arrangement, multiple buyers pool their resources to purchase an apartment together and then take turns living in it for set periods of time.

The Cost of Transportation in Israel

Another major expense you’ll face when moving to Israel is transportation. If you plan on living in a major city like Tel Aviv, you’ll probably want to use public transportation instead of driving your own car. Public transportation in Israel is inexpensive and efficient, with a monthly pass costing around $60. You can also save money on transportation costs by walking or biking whenever possible. In cities like Tel Aviv, it’s easy to get around without a car thanks to the well-developed infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Cost of Food in Israel

Food costs can also add up when you’re living in Israel. However, there are ways to save on food costs as well. One way to do this is by cooking at home instead of eating out all the time. Eating out can be expensive, so cooking at home can help you save money on food costs. Another way to save on food costs is by taking advantage of discounts and promotions offered by supermarkets and grocery stores. For example, many supermarkets offer discounts for students or seniors. By being aware of these discounts, you can save money on your grocery bill each month.

The cost of shipping your belongings

Another cost to consider when moving here is shipping your belongings from your home country. This can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. First, try to ship only the essentials – you can always buy new furniture once you’re here. Second, see if there are any friends or family members who will be making the move with you, and see if you can share a shipping container.

Finally, compare rates from different shipping companies before making your decision.

Conclusion:

Moving to Israel doesn’t have to break the bank! With a little bit of planning, there are ways to save money and still enjoy all that this country has to offer. By being aware of the potential costs involved in living in Israel and planning ahead, you can make sure that your move is as smooth and affordable as possible!

Moving to Israel can be a costly endeavor, but with some careful planning and budgeting, it doesn’t have to break the bank. By considering all of the major costs associated with relocating—housing, transportation, food—you can make smart decisions that will help you save money without sacrificing quality or experiences.

So what are you waiting for?

Start planning your move today!