Is Tel Aviv expensive to visit?
In Tel Aviv, budget travelers spend $76 (₪253) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $178 (₪596) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $379 (₪1,266) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you choose to make it so, Tel Aviv can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within the Middle East, Tel Aviv is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Haifa or Eilat.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tel Aviv Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tel Aviv?
The average Tel Aviv trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tel Aviv travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tel Aviv cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Tel Aviv is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $76 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Tel Aviv is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Abraham Tel Aviv, Roger's House Tel Aviv, and 180 Boutique Hostel. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. When visiting Tel Aviv, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $178 per person, per day.
Tel Aviv boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Hotel Montefiore is an excellent family-friendly option, while Shalom Hotel & Relax - an Atlas Boutique Hotel is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Tel Aviv here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $379 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Exclusive Private Tour in The Israel Diamond Exchange - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Tel Aviv
The cost of hotels in Tel Aviv can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $158, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $295. Budget hotels range from $109 to $517, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Tel Aviv for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $193 (₪645). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $97 (₪322) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Tel Aviv include:
- Shalom Hotel & Relax - an Atlas Boutique Hotel starting at $155
- Best Western Regency Suites starting at $125
- Cinema Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel starting at $106
- BY14 TLV Hotel starting at $113
- Tal By The Beach - An Atlas Boutique Hotel starting at $194
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Tel Aviv
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $9.78 (₪33) per person, per day, on local transportation in Tel Aviv. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Tel Aviv is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.78
₪33
Because Tel Aviv is a travel hub for many visitors, it is quite common to rent a car here to travel around all of Israel. The roads are great for driving here, and the country isn't too large so having a car is a good option. But first, check out 10 things you need to know before renting a car in Israel for some great tips and advice.
The best way to travel between neighborhoods in Tel Aviv is by bus. The bus system, like elsewhere in Israel, is quite efficient and easy to understand. Another option is by taxi. Taxis are readily available almost anywhere. You can expect to pay anywhere from 20 to 30 NIS for a local ride in Tel Aviv, and do confirm that your driver is using their meter.
Bicycling is also gaining popularity in the city. The flat terrain and comfortable weather make it a good place to explore by bike. There are an increasing number of bike paths around as well. You can rent bikes at several of the bike shops around town.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Tel Aviv Hotels - Private Transfer for $89 details
- Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer for $91 details
- Tel Aviv Airport Private Transfer To Jerusalem for $80 details
How much does it cost to go to Tel Aviv? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Tel Aviv will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Tel Aviv are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Tel Aviv. 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 Tel Aviv
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Tel Aviv can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tel Aviv is $54 (₪179) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$54
₪179
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tel Aviv is around $54 (₪179) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $108. 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 Tel Aviv are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $38
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
The restaurant scene is Tel Aviv is excellent. You can really find any food option you might desire. There are many international options throughout the city including Chinese, sushi, French, or Italian. Food can be quite expensive in Israel (because much of it is imported), and if you're on a budget you'll find falafel or hummus options at many of the street stands around town. For more information, check out this amazing Tel Aviv food guide which contains information about the best restaurants and dining options in the city.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Tel Aviv, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Carmel Market Food Tour for $49 details
- Levinsky Market Food Tour for $130 details
- Try Your Hand At Israeli Home Cooking for $185 details
Food and meal prices in Tel Aviv, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tel Aviv
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tel Aviv typically cost an average of $26 (₪85) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
₪85
Areas throughout Tel Aviv that are worth checking out include Old Jaffa, which is one of the oldest ports in the world. You'll also find a popular flea market nearby. Rabin Square is the largest public square in Israel and Dizengoff Centre is the most famous shopping area in Tel Aviv. Also be sure and take a stroll down the shore promenade where you can people watch and enjoy the warm Mediterranean coastline. Joshua Gardens is Tel Aviv's main central park and is also worth a visit.
There are also a handful of museums in Tel Aviv that are worth a visit. These include Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Museum of the Jewish Diaspora.
There is no shortage of activities that you can enjoy while you're in Tel Aviv. Many people visit the beach, which is best enjoyed during the summer months. It's a festive atmosphere, particularly on Friday afternoons when music, barbecues, and party crowds are easy to find.
If you're interested in enjoying performing arts, then your options include Israel's Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Israel Opera, Tmuna Theater, Suzanna Dellal Center, Habima National Theater, and Hacameri Municipal Theater.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Israel and there are three major football clubs in Tel Aviv. These are Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Bnei Yuhuda.
Popular festivals in the city include the White Night Festival, Tel Aviv Fashion Market, Night Flea, Docaviv, The Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival, the Tel Aviv International student Film Festival, and Ta'am Ha'ir.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Tel Aviv. 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:
- Jerusalem & Dead Sea Private Tour - Visit Holy Jerusalem & Dead Sea Relaxation for $220 details
- Jerusalem Old City - Tiny group tour from Tel Aviv for $198 details
- Running Tour - Tel Aviv Highlights 10KM for $96 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Tel Aviv, 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.
Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Israel
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.