Israel Travel Budget: Daily Costs, Prices and Money-Saving Tips

Is Israel expensive?

Israel is one of the pricier countries in the Middle East, comparable to Western Europe. Tel Aviv in particular ranks among the world's costlier cities. The currency is the New Israeli Shekel (ILS, sign ₪), and a little planning goes a long way.

Daily budgets

• Backpacker: ₪250–350 per day (hostel dorm, street food, buses, free sights)
• Mid-range: ₪500–800 per day (3-star hotel or guesthouse, casual restaurants, occasional taxis, paid attractions)
• Comfort: ₪1,200+ per day (4-star hotel, sit-down dining, car hire, guided tours)

Tel Aviv runs noticeably higher than Jerusalem, Haifa or the Galilee.

Sample prices

• Falafel or sabich in a pita: ₪18–30
• Hummus plate at a local spot: ₪30–45
• Restaurant main course: ₪70–130
• Local beer (0.5L): ₪28–40
• Coffee (hafuch/latte): ₪14–18
• Bottle of water from a kiosk: ₪6–8
• Hostel dorm bed: ₪110–160
• Mid-range double room: ₪450–700

Getting around

Public transport is cheap and good. Use a Rav-Kav card for buses and trains; an intercity train from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem costs around ₪18–24. City buses are roughly ₪6 a ride. Note that buses and trains largely stop for Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening); sherut shared taxis keep running. Tel Aviv has a light rail line too.

Money and cards

Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, including small kiosks and markets like Carmel and Mahane Yehuda. Contactless and Apple/Google Pay are widespread. Keep some cash for tips and small vendors. ATMs are easy to find; bank ATMs usually beat the standalone ones. Tipping in restaurants is customary at around 10–12 percent.

Saving tips

• Eat where locals do: hummus joints and market stalls beat tourist cafes.
• Many top sights are free, including beaches, the Old City of Jerusalem, the Bahai Gardens viewpoint in Haifa, and Tel Aviv's promenade.
• Buy a refillable water bottle; tap water is safe.
• Travel and stock up before Shabbat, when shops and transport pause.
• Book accommodation early; prices spike around Jewish holidays.
• A combined sites pass can pay off if you visit several national parks.

Stay connected in Israel

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