Israel is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Israel?
You should plan to spend around $146 (₪531) per day on your vacation in Israel. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $57 (₪206) on meals
- $8.42 (₪31) on local transportation
- $143 (₪521) on hotels
A one week trip to Israel for two people costs, on average, $2,045 (₪7,434). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,023
₪3,717
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,045
₪7,434
-
One Month
Per person
$4,383
₪15,930
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,045
₪7,434
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,090
₪14,868
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,765
₪31,860
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Israel cost?
A one week trip to Israel usually costs around $1,023 (₪3,717) for one person and $2,045 (₪7,434) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Israel on average costs around $2,045 (₪7,434) for one person and $4,090 (₪14,868) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Israel will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Israel on average costs around $4,383 (₪15,930) for one person and $8,765 (₪31,860) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Israel expensive to visit?
Israel is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Middle East, Israel is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Iran or Jordan.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Israel has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Israel, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $58 (₪217) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $142 (₪531) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $331 (₪1,241) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Israel.
For more details, see Is Israel Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Israel?
The average Israel trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Israel travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Israel cost?
Israel on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$29
(₪106)
|
$72
(₪260)
|
$169
(₪613)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3.14
(₪11)
|
$8.42
(₪31)
|
$24
(₪87)
|
Food 2
|
$24
(₪86)
|
$57
(₪206)
|
$127
(₪461)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$5.40
(₪20)
|
$13
(₪48)
|
$30
(₪110)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
(₪15-45)
|
$10-29
(₪36-107)
|
$21-62
(₪76-227)
|
Jerusalem
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Israel for around $58 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Israel has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $142 per person, per day.
In Israel, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Rosh Pina and Arad offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Hameiri Estate in Rosh Pina or Shulamit Yard in Rosh Pina. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Israel here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $331. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Tel Aviv and Eilat. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as 8 Days Customized Private Jordan Israel Tours, Daily Start - offered by Agate Travel.
Accommodation Budget in Israel
The range of hotel prices in Israel can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Israel for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $143 (₪521). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $72 (₪260) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Israel? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Israel
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $8.42 (₪31) per person, per day, on local transportation in Israel. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Israel is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.42
₪31
Typical prices for transit in Israel are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Israel. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Israel
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Israel can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Israel is $57 (₪206) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$57
₪206
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Israel is around $55 (₪206) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $123. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Israel are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $27
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Food in Israel is much like what you would find elsewhere in the Middle East. In the cities you'll also find a wide variety of international selections. Tel Aviv probably has the greatest diversity of restaurants with Jerusalem in a close second. Most of the produce is very fresh, and the options are usually healthy and delicious.
Falafel: One of the most popular foods in Israel, you can always find falafel at street stalls. It's made from fried chickpea balls that are usually served in a sandwich and accompanied by a pickle. It's one of the best budget food options in the country.
Hummus: Hummus is a creamy chickpea dip that is served as a sauce on sandwich or as a dip for chips. It's a great option for a snack and can be bought at street stalls or in markets. Many people serve it with a little bit of olive oil and some pita bread. The freshly made hummus is always the best.
Shawarma: This is a sliced lamb or turkey dish that is typically served on a pita. You can find it at street stands or in restaurants. It's usually strongly seasoned and grilled to perfection. It can be served alongside of hummus, a salad, or pickles.
If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Take a water bottle with you rather than buying drinks everywhere you go. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to join a tour, check in advance about which meals are included. You may have to cover some food expenses on your own, which can stretch your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Israel. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem for $168 details
- Private 2 Hours Authentic Levantine Vegetarian Cooking Workshop for $110 details
- Carmel Market Food Tour for $45 details
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content for $117 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Israel, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Israel
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Israel typically cost an average of $13 (₪48) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
₪48
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Israel. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Get To Know the Ramon Crater tour for $150 details
- Jerusalem & Dead Sea Private Tour - Visit Holy Jerusalem & Dead Sea Relaxation for $220 details
- Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Jericho and Jordan River Private Tour From Jerusalem/TLV for $300 details
- Travel to Bethlehem, Jericho and Qaser Al Yahud - Guided Tour From Jerusalem for $150 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Israel, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Israel
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $20 (₪71) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Israel per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
₪71
While partying at night is exciting, cutting down on alcohol can really reduce your travel expenses.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Israel. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Tel Aviv Craft Beers Pub Crawl for $42 details
- Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv for $24 details
- Wine Tour North of Israel from Tel Aviv for $959 details
- Tel Aviv: Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots for $30 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Israel, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Jul 9, 2024
Traveling in Israel
Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Israel
Often at the center of controversy, Israel is the crossroads of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This cultural diversity and spiritual richness make a visit to Israel unlike any other trip you'll take. Step back in time in old town Jerusalem, party in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, or visit the beautiful city of Haifa. The area's old meets new atmosphere is only one example of how this is a country of contrasts.
While Israel is a country filled with sights of both historic and religious significance, it is also a country with beautiful natural beauty, important geographic significance, and wonderful national parks. You can easily travel around Israel on its excellent bus system and there is little need to rent a car or take a tour. The one exception is the Golan Heights area in the north, where public transportation is rare or nonexistent. A rental car will give you access to the beautiful national parks in this area as well as the many sights and communities. Some people choose to hitch hike through this area. It's very possible to do this, but you may have long waits before finding a ride. This is easily the most affordable option, but for those short on time it can also be frustratingly inconvenient. If you end up in the area during a holiday it will be even more challenging to find a ride as you will be competing with many other travelers.
Because of its many significant sights that are sprinkled throughout the country, it is easy to turn a trip to Israel into a highlights tour. Avoid this if possible because there really is so much more to this country. Chat with a family in Haifa and you will learn so much about this area's history, politics, and religious beliefs. Go to Shabbat and you'll have a unique cultural experience that you can't have anywhere else in the world. Don't just check sights off the list, but visit Israel for what it really is, a country about its people.
Food in Israel is typical Middle Eastern fare. Felafel and hummus are readily available as is the specialty dessert halva, which shouldn't be skipped. In general, Israel is a surprisingly expensive country, particularly when compared to its nearby neighbors. Food is quite expensive so cooking whenever possible is your best option. Hotels are also very expensive. It's really hard to find budget accommodation but there are hostels throughout the country. They are surprisingly expensive for their quality level however. Definitely avoiding traveling in Israel during a holiday when prices jump up dramatically.
At A Glance
- Public buses are the best way to travel around the country. Security is tight at all bus stations so don't be surprised if you have to pass your bags through a metal detector. It's best to pack light because the lines can be long and the scanners small. If possible, avoid traveling with bulky bags.
- If possible, avoid visiting Israel over a holiday. Many things close down on holidays and in touristy areas the crowds can be overwhelming. Buses also sell out early over holidays so if you can't avoid, make sure you buy your tickets well in advance. Also make sure you have reservations for a hotel room as places can fill up.
- Despite the incredibly hot weather, most tourists head to Israel during the summer months. If possible, pick another time because the landscape will be more lush and the weather will be more comfortable during the fall or spring months. It is interesting to see the crowds of students who flock to the area in the summer though. It really becomes part of the experience.
- If you've traveled to Syria or Iran and have a stamp in your passport, prepare for a slight delay at the border crossing into Israel. The delay shouldn't be more than an hour or two, but you may miss the ongoing bus because of it. You will be asked several questions about your purpose for travel and your family, and then you will likely be allowed entry into the country.
- If you're in the country during the summer months and you're traveling on a budget, splurge for a room with air conditioning. It can be incredibly hot in the rooms so air conditioning will dramatically improve the quality of your visit.
Related:
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Top Tourist Attractions
The Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is a unique experience where the high salt concentration of the water allows you to float with abnormal buoyancy. Don't spend too much time in the water or the salt will begin to irritate your skin.
Old Town Jerusalem: With the highest concentration of religious sights, this area truly represents a crossroads in religion. You should definitely allow yourself at least several days to explore this culturally rich area.
Tel Aviv: The most cosmopolitan and modern city in Israel, this is where you want to head if you're looking for a good party or some great beaches.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.