israel travel expenses

The Cost of Travel in Israel: A 2023 Travel Budget Breakdown

Israel is one of my favorite countries to visit in the world. It has a wonderful climate, delicious local cuisine, gorgeous natural beauty, and even more beautiful people. But what attracts most visitors to the country is its incredible history and culture. 

At just 8,550 square miles, Israel packs a lot into its small landscape, which changes dramatically from region to region. Within one short trip in Israel, you could swim in the Mediterranean, ride a camel through the Negev Desert, pick farm fresh fruit from trees in the lush north, and climb the peaks of a snow-capped mount Hermon.

On top of the incredibly diverse landscape, Israel is home to a unique blend of religions and cultures. The country (Jerusalem in particular) is known as one of the most important religious sites for the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Baha’i people, housing some of the most important historical biblical sites on the planet, alongside sixteen cultural and geographical UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Of course, we can’t ignore the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has caused massive distress throughout the region. I recommend doing some brief research on current affairs to assess the state of conflict in the country before you visit. That said, you are unlikely to notice any signs of war if you stay within the big cities.

I’ve been visiting Israel since I was a young child. With family living in both the north and the urban center of Tel Aviv, and countless friends dotted across the small country, I would say that I know Israel pretty well. My favorite cities have to be Tel Aviv / Jaffa, as well as Jerusalem, which is buzzing with excitement and local charm. I’m also a big fan of the northern parts of Israel, which are much lusher than the desert landscape down south.

Israel has been a pretty pricey place for as long as I can remember. Even when visiting with family, I have always been conscious of what I purchase and how much I spend along the way. Naturally, the cost of travel in Israel has only increased with time. So, to manage your expectations, ensure you’re prepared to spend more than you might expect.

Accommodation and food will likely be your most significant expenses while in Israel. Depending on the time of year you visit, accommodation prices soar during spring and summer to account for the influx of tourists. 

It’s always best to know what to expect before visiting a foreign country, and being blindsided by unexpected Israel travel expenses is a sure way to ruin a good vacation. To make your trip more pleasant, I have used my personal experience to put together a detailed budget for the cost of travel in Israel.

The Cost of Accommodation in Israel

As mentioned, Israel is by no means a budget holiday destination. The country holds the unpopular title of having one of the highest costs of living in the world, with Tel Aviv ranking as the most expensive city from numerous sources.

These high prices can be attributed to many factors, which are far too complicated to get into here. But the premise is that with so little land to work with (and even less fertile land to farm), the country has to import much of its fresh produce from across Europe. On top of this, over 60% of the country is covered by a barren desert, and other parts are covered by lakes and seas, leaving only a small portion to be habitable by humans.

While prices are high, there are always ways to reduce costs and save cash when traveling in any country. One of the best ways to save money on accommodation in Israel is to avoid travel during the busiest months . As a predominantly Jewish country, Israel follows a Jewish calendar with various religious holidays. 

With many Jewish families congregating during certain holidays, I highly recommend avoiding travel during the following festivals:

• Pesach / Passover – Early April
• Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) – Mid-September
• Hannukah – Early / Mid-December

Weather also plays a part in tourist numbers. The peak summer season lasts from June through to September, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors to the country. Booking outside of the high season is a great option. Alternatively, make sure you book accommodation well in advance to avoid paying increased fees.

The best time to visit Israel is in April, May, June, or September and October. Temperatures soar during July and August, often too hot to be able to do any exciting outdoor activities.

If you have family or friends in the country, why not ask if anyone needs a house or dog sitter for the duration of your stay? You could even time your trip around a house sitting opportunity. Some house and dog sitters even get paid for their services!

Workaway is a unique agreement where applicants help provide work (household needs, projects, or odd jobs) in exchange for food and accommodation from a host. 

Designed as a cultural exchange program, this concept is very familiar in Israel, where Kibbutzim and Moshavim were founded (these are socialist organizations where one works in return for a home and food). Some Workaway hosts even offer a paid allowance to ensure that workers receive a minimum wage for their services.

Couchsurfing can be considered risky in some countries but is typically safe in Israel. The official website advertises over 112 thousand hosts in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem who are willing to host you on their spare sofas or in extra rooms for no cost at all. While entirely free, Couchsurfing is also a great way to meet locals and gain a bit of local knowledge.

If you have it in your Israel budget to rent your private accommodation, there are plenty of affordable places to make your home away from home in Israel.

Airbnb offers some of the most affordable places to stay, from private rooms to shared spaces. Depending on the time of year you visit, you could find yourself a beautiful modern apartment in Tel Aviv with access to a swimming pool for as little as $100 per night.

Hostels are another excellent option for budget travelers, especially if you’re traveling solo. Primarily located in Israel’s biggest cities, some hostels offer shared dorm rooms for as little as $20 per person per night and private rooms for around $100 per night. 

The best hostels in Israel

• Tel Aviv / Jaffa: Set in the trendy Florentin district just a short walk from Neve Tzedek and Tel Aviv’s best beaches, Florentin House ($135 for a double room) is an eco-friendly property with an onsite restaurant, shared lounge, and common kitchen. This hostel has facilities for disabled guests and family rooms, perfect for all budget travelers. If you want to be closer to the beach, WOM Beach ($40 for a single room) is a member of Brown Hotels and offers private pod-inspired rooms with convenient facilities like luggage storage and a shared kitchen.
• Haifa: Hostel Roks ($90 for a classic triple room with a double bed and a sofa) is one of only a few hostels in Haifa, and no doubt the best. The property offers simple accommodation with free private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace with barbeque facilities. Unlike most hostels, this one doesn’t have shared dorm rooms and instead rends out double, triple, and quadruple rooms for friends traveling together.
• Jerusalem: New Citadel Hostel ($20 per bed in a shared dorm) is just a short stroll from the famous Western Wall in the heart of Jerusalem. The main feature of the hostel is its rooftop terrace, which overlooks panoramic views of the Old City. Guests can use a shared kitchen and lounge – the perfect place to socialize with like-minded travelers after exploring the city. Ideal for solo women travelers, this hostel has female-only dorms.
• Eilat: Arava Hostel (as low as $18 for a bed in a six-person shared dorm) in the town center of Eilat is just a short walk from North Beach. With free Wi-Fi, parking, and air-conditioned rooms, this basic hostel has everything you need for a good night’s rest. If you’re visiting for the diving, check out Exodus Hostel and Dive Center ($20 for a bed in a shared dorm), which offers adult-only accommodation. It’s a one-stop-shop for divers in Eilat.

Where to stay while traveling in Israel

As mentioned, Israel is tiny. So small that you could drive from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea in around three hours, crossing just 70 miles from west to east. The drive from south to north is also super quick, taking only about six hours.

Its small size makes it a great country to explore by car, with excellent road infrastructure connecting all major cities. The most significant cities you’ll want to stay in when you visit Israel include Tel Aviv / Jaffa and Jerusalem, followed by Haifa, Eilat, and Netanya if you have more time. Once you’ve seen these five cities, you could also pay Herzliya, Acre/Akko, Nazareth, and the north of Israel a visit.

If you’re wondering where to start, I created an itinerary for a two-week trip around Israel. It begins in the capital of Tel Aviv, which is where all international flights arrive. From there, it loops the country from south to north, stopping at beautiful natural oases, exciting cities, and historical landmarks along the way.

A two-week road trip around Israel

Day 1: Tel Aviv

Day 2: Tel Aviv

Day 3: Jerusalem

Day 4: Jerusalem

Day 5: The Dead Sea

Day 6: Negev Desert

Day 7: Eilat

Day 8: Caesarea

Day 9: Haifa

Day 10: Nazareth

Day 11: Sea of Galilee

Day 12: Acre 

Day 13: Netanya

Day 14: Jaffa Port 

If you have a bit more cash to spend on your trip and aren’t interested in sharing common spaces or working for your accommodation, Israel boasts some exquisite hotels. Although expensive, the quality of these spaces makes them worth the high price tag:

The best hotels in Israel

• Tel Aviv: Situated in the heart of the city, The Vera (between $300 and $400 for a classic room for one to two guests) is one of the city’s trendiest boutique hotels. The rooms are decorated in a clean contemporary style, with concrete finishes and bespoke furnishings. Some rooms even have a terrace with city views. A superb breakfast is served daily in the common dining room, but my favorite spot in the hotel is the wooden rooftop deck. Hotel Saul ($270 for a single room per night, or $300 for double capacity) is another favorite, with cozy suites that will make you feel right at home and a delicious breakfast served daily in the hotel lobby.
• Jaffa: Just a stroll away from the beach, Numa Hotel Jaffa ($270 for a single room or $300 for two guests) is a four-star eco-friendly property with city views. With all the conveniences of a 24-hour concierge, room service, and airport transfers, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation from the second you walk into this beautiful modern space.
• Haifa: Easily one of Haifa’s top hotels, Schumacher Hotel Haifa (around $200 for a classic room) is centrally located just a short drive from most main attractions in the city. The rooms are quiet and peaceful, decorated with trendy mid-century interiors, and fitted with a coffee machine and private bathroom. The Schumacher has a rooftop terrace where you can catch some sun or grab a drink, and breakfast is available daily at a partner hotel down the road. 
• Jerusalem: For a boutique hotel experience, The American Colony Hotel (between $325 and $380 per night) is one of the world’s top small luxury hotels. The property in East Jerusalem features an outdoor swimming pool, landscaped gardens, and gourmet restaurants on site.
• Eilat: Resort accommodation is common in Eilat, and one of the most iconic resorts has to be the Queen of Sheba Eilat (around $200 to $220 per night for a double occupancy room). Its impressive facade will no doubt attract your attention. However, it’s the incredible location overlooking the Red Sea, friendly staff, and gorgeous rooms that will make you fall in love with the property. Not to mention, the resort has its own shopping mall, leisure spa, gym, kids center, and massive swimming pool.
• Netanya: The best place to be in Netanya is on the beach. So, you won’t find a better hotel than the David Tower Hotel Netanya by Prima Hotels ($190 per night), right on the beachfront of the city. This hotel is as grand as they come, with high ceilings, an impressive lobby, and ever-beautiful flower arrangements to spice things up. One of my favorite spots in the hotel is the spa, which includes an indoor heated pool, Hammam, sauna, and fitness area.

The Cost of Transportation in Israel

Being such a small country, Israel is relatively easy and inexpensive to get around. All major cities are connected by well-maintained road systems and most with railway stations. Distances are so short that flying from one city to another is impractical unless you travel south to Eilat (a 45-minute flight instead of a three-and-a-half-hour drive). However, considering security checks and boarding delays, driving is usually the quicker alternative.

The country has one major airport, Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv . This airport welcomes daily flights from across the globe and is the main international hub of Israel. Haifa and Eilat also have airports, mainly used for domestic flights.

Since the country is in a current dispute with most of its neighbors, there are no train routes between Israel and other countries. Other than flying, the only other option is to arrive via boat . 

Aside from private vessels that can use one of the many marinas along the Mediterranean coastline, there are a couple of cruise liners that make their way into the country regularly. These include the Royal Caribbean International, Silversea, and Celebrity Cruises, which typically dock in Haifa or Ashdod. 

Once you’ve arrived in Israel, you’ll be able to get around all the significant cities relatively easily. Tel Aviv is one of the most walkable cities in Israel. If you stay in a central location, you’ll easily be able to walk from one attraction to the other, using the odd taxi or bus to cover bigger distances. 

All cities and even most rural parts of the country are serviced by an efficient public transport network . Within Tel Aviv, a one-way journey on a bus costs the equivalent of $1.50. 

Intercity bus services are the quickest and often the cheapest way to travel between cities. They frequently depart from Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem and offer direct and non-direct routes around the country. The most popular bus companies include Egged, Dan, Afikim, Nateev Express, and Kavim. 

To travel on one of these buses, you must purchase an electronic travel card called the Rav Kav, which can be bought for $1.70 at most convenience stores or grocery shops. The best way to plan your route is with Moovit, a reliable app available in many languages!

Another way to get around both in cities and between them is using shared taxi buses known locally as sherut . These mini-busses carry between 10 and 13 people and work on a fixed route basis. Unlike conventional buses, they don’t have specific set stops, and you can often get them to drop you off right at your desired destination. A sherut from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem costs around $17 for one person with luggage.

Intercity trains link most major cities. Tel Aviv has four stations, including a new high-speed train connecting Jerusalem to Ben Gurion International Airport. This train ride takes under an hour and is only around $6 each way. Trains also travel to Akko, Haifa, Beersheva, and Nahariya. Note that trains don’t run on the Jewish holy day of Shabbat (between sunset on Friday and sunset on Saturday).

Traveling with a car can be more trouble than convenient in most Israeli cities, as parking is limited and traffic is heavy. However, if you are planning a road trip, having your own vehicle is a convenient pleasure to explore parts of the country not serviced by transport. Renting a car costs around $200 per week.

Taxis are abundant nationwide, and Ubers are available in big cities. Always remember to confirm prices and use a meter when traveling in a taxi, as taxi scams can be unpleasant, to say the least. Rates vary depending on the time of day you travel, with increased prices between 9 pm and 6 am. During Shabbat or Jewish holidays, you can expect to pay around 25% higher prices than usual.

Common transit routes and their corresponding prices: 

• Rough cost of a return flight between Tel Aviv and Eilat – $90 to $220
• Rough cost of renting a car for two weeks in Tel Aviv – $400
• Rough cost of renting a car per day in Tel Aviv – Between $30 and $50 per day
• Rough cost of fuel – $2.5 per liter, depending on fuel consumption
• Rough cost of a high-speed train from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion to Jerusalem – $5 to $6 (one-way)
• Rough cost of a bus from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – $5 to $6 (one-way)
• Rough cost of a bus from Jerusalem to Haifa – $6 to $10 (one-way)

The Cost of Food in Israel

If there’s one thing Israel is known for aside from its incredible biblical history, it is food. Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, Israel is one of the best places to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern dishes like hummus and shakshuka, two tasty dishes that have been adopted worldwide.

However, while Israel’s cuisine is certainly Middle Eastern in nature, it is made unique by the international influences that have helped to shape it into what you taste today. With a large portion of residents from Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, and even America, these global influences have created a world-class cuisine. 

Some of my favorite dishes here include sabich (pita filled with aubergine, boiled eggs, and tahini), Sfeni (a local Moroccan-inspired doughnut), chatzilim/babaganoush (an eggplant salad), and burika (a North African savory and deep fried crepe filled with mashed potato). Let’s not forget about the classic Polish Jewish babka pastry, which is a sweetened cake baked with cinnamon and chocolate.

You’ll find most of the traditional delicacies available in any food market or streetside in the big cities, and street food is undoubtedly the best representation of Israel’s food culture. A short stroll through the bustling streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will quickly reveal the most authentic falafel (deep-fried chickpea balls) stands.

Grocery stores are typically expensive for the quality produce you receive, although more affordable than in the USA. One of the cheapest supermarkets is called Rami Levi. Shufersal, Co-Op Shop, Mega , and Yeish are other grocery chains. 

Cost of typical grocery store items:

• 1 liter of milk – $1.70
• 2 lbs of yellow cheese – $14
• 2 lbs of cold cuts or meat – $26
• Mid-range bottle of wine – $11
• A bag of apples – $1
• Head of lettuce – 30c
• Loaf of fresh bread – 50c

Meal breakdown costs

For traditional Israeli breakfast , shakshuka is the clear winner. This tomato sauce-based egg dish is made differently in different parts of the country, using tasty spices and often black olives. A decent portion at a street-side cafe costs around $10 and will keep you fueled for the day ahead.

For lunch , indulge in a juicy shawarma or falafel and pita sandwich filled to the brim with Israeli salad (chopped tomato, cucumber, and onion), hummus, tahini, and grilled aubergine. Don’t miss out on the classic Israeli Jewish salmon bagel, prepared with smoked salmon and cream cheese and topped with capers.

Although you are likely to have tried these dishes before, no one makes them as well as the Israelis. Purchased as a takeout, a healthy portion of lunch could cost you just $8. However, eating lunch at a mid-range sit-down restaurant might set you back around $20, while a three-course meal might cost around $35 per person.

Dinner in Israel is the most expensive meal, and you can expect to pay between $40 and $50 per person to dine at a formal restaurant with multiple courses and drinks. Instead of ordering one meal for yourself, a traditional Israeli meal involves ordering a bunch of small plates for the table to share. 

Choose from traditional hummus, tzatziki, tahini, and baba ganoush dipping starters and a range of vegetarian salads like tabbouleh, spiced carrot salad, Israeli couscous salad, and roasted paprika potatoes.

Alcohol is also pretty expensive. A single domestic beer costs between $6 to $8 from a restaurant or bar and as little as $5 if you purchase from a liquor store. A cocktail at a club in Tel Aviv is estimated to cost around $15, while a bottle of wine costs around the same.

If you’re willing to buy produce and cook your own food, you could save some money and spend around $20 daily on food. If you eat out for every meal, expect to pay between $30 and $60 per day for food (depending on where you eat).

The Cost of Activities in Israel

The country really packs a punch when it comes to activities and adventures. Of course, the cost of activities for your Israel budget depends on what you choose to do, and the time of year you visit.

Generally speaking, entry into most national parks costs between $8 and $10, while most museums charge between $11 and $16 for entrance. There are also many activities that don’t cost a cent, including exploring the historic city of Jerusalem, visiting Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, and exploring Tel Aviv’s White City.

History has no price, and one of the best activities, walking around the country’s most iconic city and the main attraction, is also free. Without spending a penny, you can explore the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Sepulchre, and the Valley of Kidron. 

Other free activities include:

• Machane Yehude Market in Jerusalem
• Carmel Shuk in Tel Aviv
• Botanical Gardens of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem
• The Sataf Nature Reserve outside Jerusalem
• The Bauhaus White City in Tel Aviv
• The Independence Trail Walking Tour in Tel Aviv
• Ben Gurion House in Tel Aviv
• The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa
• The Hecht Museum in Haifa
• Hanging Bridges of Nesher Park in Haifa
• The Ralli Museums in Caesarea

That said, there are many guided tours that you can join to indulge in a bit more than meets the eye. This Jerusalem and Bethlehem Guided Day Trip in Israel costs around $150 per person and includes a full-day tour from Tel Aviv.

The most popular activities with tourists usually include visits to religious and biblical sites, including archeological digs, ancient cities and fortresses, and modern museums. But many people also visit for the outdoor adventure and natural beauty.

For an authentic desert experience, slow things down with a Camel Ride followed by an authentic Bedouin Meal in Eilat for just $40. Although these tours can be gimmicky and touristy, they are still relatively authentic and well worth doing at least once in your life.

Eilat is the heart and soul of outdoor adventure in Israel. The town is best known for its incredible snorkeling and dive sites in the Red Sea which is safe to explore with an instructor.

Popular entrance fees:

• The Israel Museum – $15 
• Tel Aviv Museum of Art – $15
• ANU Museum of the Jewish People – $15
• Tower of David -$10
• Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv – $17
• Nazareth Village – $14

Total Expenses for a Mid-Range Trip in Israel

Even with all these numbers in mind, it’s hard to calculate an exact daily Israel budget. Of course, what you spend will be related to how many activities you partake in, the time of year you visit, the restaurants you indulge in, and the luxury you seek in accommodation.

That said, here is a summary of your total expected expenses for a mid-range trip to Israel:

Accommodation: $200 /day

Transportation: $50 /day

Food: $40 /day

Activities: $30 /day

Total Daily Expenses in Israel: $320

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Cost of a Trip to Israel & the Cheapest Time to Visit Israel

The average price of a 7-day trip to Israel is $1,990 for a solo traveler, $3,066 for a couple, and $3,209 for a family of 4 . Israel hotels range from $80 to $343 per night with an average of $152, while most vacation rentals will cost $180 to $710 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Israel (from all airports) are between $850 and $1,301 per person for economy flights and $2,669 to $4,085 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $61 to $128 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Israel

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Israel and stay in a Israel hotel:

• January 8th to March 4th
• April 23rd to May 20th (except the week of May 7th)
• August 13th to October 14th (except the week of October 1st)
• October 29th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Israel is usually early to mid September .

Average Israel Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Israel for a week is $1,547-$3,037 ($221-$434 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $61 to $128 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $502 to $1,145 for economy

Lodging : $103 to $137 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $136 to $166 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Israel for a week is $2,477-$5,078 ($354-$725 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $122 to $256 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,005 to $2,290 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Israel for a week is $4,948-$9,809 ($707-$1,401 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $244 to $512 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,010 to $4,581 for economy

Lodging : $206 to $274 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $205 to $249 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Israel

How cheap can you make a vacation to Israel? The cheapest trip to Israel is about $161 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $68.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Israel for a week is $1,127-$2,226 ($161-$318 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $31 to $61 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $68 to $80 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $80 to $109 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Israel for a week is $1,840-$3,805 ($263-$544 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $61 to $123 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Israel for a week is $3,597-$7,275 ($514-$1,039 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $123 to $246 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $137 to $161 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $121 to $162 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to Israel cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Israel Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Israel.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Israel for a week is $3,222-$13,153 ($460-$1,879 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $123 to $259 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,251 to $2,820 for first class

Lodging : $185 to $343 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $713 to $1,420 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Israel for a week is $5,327-$17,779 ($761-$2,540 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $245 to $517 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,502 to $5,640 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Israel for a week is $10,656-$31,322 ($1,522-$4,475 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $491 to $1,034 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $5,005 to $11,280 for first class

Lodging : $369 to $686 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $1,073 to $2,134 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Israel Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Israel is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Israel due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Israel Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Israel hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Israel.

Flight Costs to Israel

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,301 average in mid December to a low of $850 in early to mid September. Median flight price is $1,076. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Israel our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Israel, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $451, so you can easily save about 53% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Israel can easily cost $461 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $31 per person. Private tours can cost $922 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Israel Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Raananna, Israel
• Ra’ananna, Israel
• Hadera, Israel
• Netanya, Israel
• Petah Tikva, Israel
• Taybeh, State of Palestine
• Caesarea, Israel
• Herzliya, Israel
• Yehud, Israel
• Bene Beraq, Israel

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Birmingham, the United Kingdom
• Hakuba, Japan

• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Israel Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Israel?

• How much does a one-week trip to Israel cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Israel cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Israel cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Israel

Visitors to Israel usually spend between $49 and $281 per day on average for one person and $97 to $562 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $119 (₪450) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may vary based on travel style and the locations visited, but if you plan wisely while visiting the most popular destinations, such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa, then you'll likely spend somewhere in this price range while on your trip. Further down we have a breakdown of expenses by category, as well as a comparison of independent travel versus guided tour prices.

If you're considering an independent trip to Israel, it's helpful to have an idea of the amount of money you'll need. For budget travelers, planning to spend around $49 (₪183) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities. For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $119 (₪450) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $281 (₪1,060), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options. It's worth noting that these price ranges are based on extensive travel cost data for Israel from fellow travelers, as well as insights from travel companies regarding hotel and tour prices. For further details on travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Israel .

How much does a one week trip to Israel cost?

Most visitors spend between $340 and $1,968 for a one week trip to Israel, with the average being $835. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to visit one, two, or maybe three locations in Israel, depending on how in-depth you want to make your visit. Some of the most popular places to visit are Jerusalem , Tel Aviv , and Haifa .

How much does a two week trip to Israel cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $680 and $3,935 for your trip to Israel. The average price for a two week trip is $1,670. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Tiberias and Jerusalem.

How much does a one month trip to Israel cost?

With a month-long trip to Israel, expenses can be anywhere from $1,457 to $8,433 with the average being $3,579. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Hostel Prices in Israel

With more than 40 hostels in Israel, the average price is $30 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Israel not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Israel here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Israel.

• $26 for a dorm bed at Abraham Tel Aviv in Tel Aviv more details
• $33 for a dorm bed at Abraham Jerusalem in Jerusalem more details
• $41 for a dorm bed at Abraham Eilat in Eilat more details

Hotel Prices in Israel

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Israel. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Israel .

Shalom Hotel & Relax - an Atlas Boutique Hotel

Arthur hotel - an atlas boutique hotel.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Israel?

Organized tours are an easy and convenient way to visit Israel. All of the details are handled by travel experts, and during the trip you'll benefit from the knowledge of an expert guide.

Traveling independently offers freedom and flexibility that is hard to find on an organized tour.

Many travelers appreciate the convenience and ease that an organized tour offers. Many tours provide transportation and expert guides that help you enjoy your trip.

Alternatively, you'll enjoy freedom and flexibility with independent travel that is difficult to find with an organized tour.

Comparing Trip Costs in Israel

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Israel?

Organized tours average $300 per day in Israel, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $119 (₪450) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Israel here .

Here are a few sample tours in Israel:

• Christian Jerusalem, 3 days ($580) 3 days, 4 destinations more details
• The Story of the Israeli State - 10 Days ($3,275) 10 days, 16 destinations more details
• Past to the Future - The Story of the Israeli State - 11 days ($2,706) 11 days, 10 destinations more details
• 8 Days Customized Private Jordan Israel Tours, Daily Start ($3,559) 8 days, 11 destinations more details
• Israel Discovery (Classic, Winter, 9 Days) ($4,425) 9 days, 7 destinations more details

More for Israel

If you're planning a trip to Israel, check out these other informative travel guides.

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 .

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How Much Does a Trip to Israel Cost?

• By Traveling Anne
• February 23, 2019
• In Israel Travel Advice

25 Comments

Is Israel on your Bucket List? It should be! If you're wondering whether a trip to the Holy Land is within your budget or not, this post is for you.

Let me give you a quick general estimate for a couple traveling from the US to Israel for one week.

• Return flights : $2000
• 3 days of car rental (including insurance and gas): $250
• 3 days using public transportation within cities: $30
• Accommodation for 7 nights with an average of $80 per night: $560
• Daily meals at $70 a day: $490
• Additional sightseeing expenses at $70 a day: $490

Which comes to a total of $3820 for two people or just under $2,000 per person.

I'll be sharing lots of tips in this post that can help you bring costs down - quite significantly. What's the shoestring budget for a couple traveling from Chicago to Israel off-season?

• Return flights : $800 (yes, for two people - return)
• 3 days of car rental (including insurance and gas): $180
• Accommodation for 7 nights with an average of $50 per night: $350
• Daily meals at $40 a day: $280
• Additional sightseeing expenses at $50 a day: $350

A total of $1990 for two people - or just under $1,000 per person!

How? Read on to find out.

What's the cost of a flight to Israel?

Clearly, that depends on where you come from. The cost of flying to Israel is different if you start your journey in Greece or in Australia.

Since I constantly check flight prices to pretty much anywhere in the world from here, I have a good estimate for flight costs. As you'll see, there's quite a range of prices - I'll show you how to lower your costs in a minute.

Price range for return trips to/from Israel

The following is a price range for return flights - i.e. including the cost of a flight to Israel and back to the same destination.

• Flights from/to Europe - $80-$400
• Flights from/to the USA and Canada - $400-$2,000
• Flights from/to Australia - $800-$2,000
• Flights from/to the far east - $400-$2000
• Flights from/to South America and Africa -- $1000-$2000

How to find cheap flights to Israel

There are three ways in which you can lower the cost of your flight to Israel.

Budgeting Tip #1

Go off-season

The high season here is in July and August. IMO, definitely not the best time of year to visit this country. It's too hot to enjoy hiking and most outdoors activities.

Places like Eilat and the Dead Sea are scorching hot. Tel Aviv is humid and stuffy. Jerusalem is bearable on most days - but not much more. You'll want to spend your time either indoors or at the beach. Not a horrible way to spend your vacation in Israel but there's so much more you'll be missing out on.

Coming on any other time of the year would mean not only better weather conditions but also cheaper flights.

Budgeting Tip #2

Look for low-cost flights.

Israel has an "open sky" policy which means we have lots of international low-cost airlines flying through Ben Gurion Airport. This has significantly reduced the cost of flights.

If you don't mind coming with a small trolley-type suitcase and not reserving specific seats, you can find flights from Europe to Israel for as low as $20. That's not a typo. The cheapest I've seen was a return flight from Budapest for $25. Yes, return.

There are now cheap flights from the US as well, through Europe. The Icelandic airline WOW has flights that go as low as $400 for a return flight from Chicago to Israel.

Budgeting Tip #3

Try fare hacking.

Since there are now several low-cost routes between Europe and the US, and quite a few low-cost routes between Europe and Israel, you can get creative and combine two flights. I've done this before successfully and as an added bonus, combined short trips to Amsterdam, London and Rome to our US trips.

How much does a hotel stay in Israel cost?

Once you have your flights, you're probably wondering about the cost of accommodation in the Holy Land. Well, I have bad news and good news.

The bad news is that some hotels here can be way too expensive than similar hotels in Europe or the US.

The good news is that you don't have to use them. There are plenty of super affordable options. I'll share some budget tips in a minute, but first a general estimate.

A room for one night in a hotel in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Eilat is going to cost you anything between $150 and $400.

How to find cheap places to stay while in Israel

Here are my tried and tested tips.

Budgeting Tip #4

This is true everywhere in the world, pretty much. The earlier you make your reservations, you'll get a wider selection of hotels. The good cheap ones are taken fast. If you read my post about the cost of visiting Alaska , you'll see there how I saved hundreds of dollars just by making our reservations super early. You can do the same with your trip to Israel.

I always make my reservations through Booking.com (affiliate link) and I do my best to go with fully-refundable reservations that can be canceled as close to the date as possible. That way I can keep checking and if I find a better deal, I switch to that.

Budgeting Tip #5

Visit out of season

Same as with the flights, coming between September and June you'll find cheaper accommodation options almost everywhere. Just keep an eye for both Jewish and Christian holidays as prices may go up during these times.

Budgeting Tip #6

Consider a vacation rental

There are a lot of Airbnb options to choose from in Israel. If you're coming with a family, an apartment via Airbnb might be the best option for you. Pay attention to the cancellation options here too, to make sure you stay flexible. If you don't have an account with Airbnb yet, use my link here to sign up and you'll get $40 off your first booking! There are also quite a lot of apartments and other vacation rentals available through Booking.com , so I would check those out as well.

Budgeting Tip #7

Try hostels and campgrounds

There are many quality hostels catering to young - or young at heart - travelers. Using these can really bring down your accommodation costs. Most - if not all - are also listed in Booking.com , allowing you to easily compare prices.

Cost of transportation

Once in Israel, you need to move around from one place to another.

Public transportation

Most visitors rely on public transportation. Fortunately, that's a relatively cheap option. The cost of a single bus ride within one of the big cities - Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Haifa - will cost you around 6 shekels or $1.5. Taking the bus from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is going to cost you just 16 shekels - approximately $4. If you're staying in Jerusalem and want to visit the Dead Sea, you'll have to pay 37.5 shekels (about $9).

Renting a car

If you come to see more than Jerusalem or Tel Aviv - and you should! - consider renting a car. I wrote a whole post about why you should rent a car while traveling in Israel . That post includes an analysis of the cost too, but for our needs here -

Renting a small vehicle off-season is going to cost you around $35 a day. If you opt for a large car during high-season, expect to pay $50-$60 per day. The price includes insurance.

The price of gas fluctuates in Israel just like it does in any other country. You should expect to pay roughly the same amount as you would in Europe, or double what you're used to paying in the US. The good news? Israel is a small country, and driving distances are relatively short.

Budgeting Tip #8

Renting a car could make financial sense for some people, on some days. For example, a family of four that wants to get from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea will have to pay over $50 for bus tickets in one direction. Renting a car would be a little bit cheaper and so much faster. The total of the bus trip - including waiting times - would be over three hours. Closer to an hour and a half to two hours by car.

How much should you budget for daily spending while traveling in Israel?

Now that we've covered flights, transportation and accommodation, we need to talk about the daily costs that you're likely to have while traveling in Israel. I'm talking about food, activities and just general shopping.

How much should you pay for food while traveling in Israel?

Naturally, the answer depends on your style of traveling and preferences in food. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from just about anywhere but not all of them are cheap. Here are some typical options -

The traditional Israeli breakfast has eggs, cheese, bread and a large portion of salad - as well as coffee and juice. At least. Some places offer so much more on top of that. Sitting down for a breakfast at 10AM means you'll be able to skip lunch.

• A typical Israeli breakfast in Aroma - a popular local chain - would cost you around 40 shekels or $10.
• A more fancy breakfast in a cafe or restaurant will cost 50-80 shekels.

Full lunch or dinner

In most restaurants, sitting down for a meal that includes a main course, side dishes and a drink is going to cost you anything between 80 and 150 shekels per person. Or more, if you visit a gourmet restaurant.

Budgeting Tip #9

A meal in a Middle Eastern restaurant could easily mean way too much food and a very high bill - even when there's no way for you to finish up all of that food. Here's why -

As soon as you're seated by the table at a typical Arab or Middle Eastern restaurant in Israel, your waiter will usually start bringing small plates with a selection of salads and other side dishes. It's going to look like this -

Delicious stuff. For real. The problem is you usually get these before you ever see the menu. And I have been to many places where they don't even give you a menu with prices unless you ask for one very clearly. Sometimes, the waiter will take your order for main courses and then bring out the "salads". Now, even though you never explicitly ordered these plates, you will be charged for them. Israelis know that and expect that. If you're not used to it, it could come as a surprise.

Usually, this set of "salads" or "entrees" will cost you 35-50 shekels per person. That's for anyone seated by the table, regardless of whether or not they actually eat from these.

So, what's my tip here?

Either very clearly refuse the salads as they start coming out or factor them into your meal and budget. If you're in for a delicious vegetarian meal, the salads may be enough for you. Slowly sampling them all with fresh pita bread and some hummus can be a perfect meal that will only cost $15-$20 per person.  Just don't end up ordering main courses for lots more money - when you won't be able to finish everything and will end up with a huge bill.

And then there's the felafel

If you want to save time and money, you can always pick a felafel. Fresh and delicious, a felafel can cost anything between 10 and 30 shekels ($2.5-$7), depending on the location. Budgeting Tip #10

Shopping in the supermarket

What we like to do while traveling is just go to a local supermarket or grocery store and get simple, wholesome and affordable food. If you do that in Israel, a fresh ciabatta bread or similar will cost you about 4-6 shekels per piece (approx. $1). Our delicious cottage cheese (try it - it's really good!) will cost about the same. Fresh fruit and vegetables will cost anything between 4 to 20 shekels per one kilogram which is roughly $0.5-$3 per pound.

Activities and things to do

There's a gamut of prices for activities, of course. Here are some examples -

• A guided walking tour of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv - Anything from free (tip-based) by Sandeman to several hundreds of shekels per person.
• Visiting a national park - 14-28 shekels ($4-$7) per person depending on the park
• Entry to the Museum of Israel in Jerusalem - 54 shekels ($14) for an adult
• Kayaking or rafting on the Jordan River - 93 shekels ($24) per person

Budgeting Tip #11

There's plenty you can do in Israel for free! There are so many things to see just walking the streets or hiking outdoors. Going to the beach - either in the Sea of Galilee, the beaches of the Mediterranean or the Dead Sea - can be free of charge if you go to the right beaches. Or just wandering in the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem - including visiting the many churches and other sites. You could easily create a magical itinerary with very few expenses on excursions and sightseeing. (Note to self: I should probably create a blog post around that!)

So there you go, you have all of my tips now and hopefully they can help you cut on the cost of your trip to Israel. If you have any questions or feedback - please do let me know by leaving a comment below - thank you!

And in case you want to pin this post on Pinterest, here are a few images -

First time in Israel tour was 1993 2nd time from 2012 > 2019 taking a small group from South Africa but in 2017 we stayed 2 days in Tel Aviv . In Tel Aviv you can arrange with your hotel to book a free Diamond Tour , they will pick you up and drop you back to the hotel..Another interestinh placet we vsited was n the evening was Sarona Market. But hotels in Israel they are better than American hotels ive frequented America from New York down to Virginia not meantioning Atlanta and Cleveland TN. Israel buffet food in most hotels is excellent.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Gwen. I agree, buffet food in Israeli hotels is amazing. Especially the breakfast options.

Hi Anne the information was very informative. I’m visiting the Holy Land in July 2022 would you be kind enough to draw up an itinerary for me please. Kind regards Bernie

Hi Bernie, Unfortunately, I can’t really prepare itineraries for people. There’s a lot that would go into doing that for a specific traveler. You can Google “travel planners” and hopefully find someone who can do this for you for a fee.

Your information is amazingly helpful From India I am planning to visit Israel October 2021 ( i am 70 and have my shots ) Please guide me with an itinerary mainly for the holy lands including the muslim side and the dead sea I have been to Petra so I don’t need to go to Jordan. As I have walking problem I would like to go at a slow pace but I have to do it. In 2015 when on a cruise we were all set to visit Israel but there was some problems and the ship did not go there at that time my leg was ok lol So once you guide me with the itinerary I can start booking flight and hotels. Thanks Anna

Hi Liz, I’m so glad the information here helps. And how awesome that you’re vaccinated and can start planning for later in the year! Most people here of the eligible age groups have had their shots too and we’re seeing a nice decline in the numbers, so hopefully next fall would be ok. Unfortunately, I don’t really deal with preparing personal itineraries. That would be too time-consuming and not something I could do. There are travel consultants who can help with that (paid services) and there’s also online planners that you can try. If you have any specific questions about any places, let me know. I’d be happy to try and help.

My understanding is that my cell phone I bring with me from America will only need an adapter because it’s takes up to 220 voltage and Israel. Therefore it would not need a converter? But when I try to plug my phone charger into the adapter that I have here now at home it won’t go in the adapter? I don’t know what to do could you help me

Hi Deborah, Are you sure you have the right kind of adapter? It needs to be the type that adapts from the US-type plug. Try this post about getting the right adapter for Israel .

Hi Anne, my husband and I are hoping to take our first trip to Israel in Sept 2020 Is that a good time of year? How do we find a guide who is very knowledgeable and honest. Would like to have a guide that can show us Israel from a locals point of view than everything touristy. Any suggestions?

Hi Eilean, Keep in mind that in 2020 Rosh Hashana is on September 18th. That means some things will be closed between 18-20 while others will be super crowded with families. Anytime before the 18th will be better. You then have Yom Kippur and Sukkot. The holidays will end on October 10th. In my opinion, it’s best to visit after that date. It will be post-holidays, and the weather should be a bit cooler than in early September. You can read more about the holidays in Israel and how they can affect travel in this post . Unfortunately, I can’t really recommend a guide as I’ve never tried any of them. I do know that you need to study quite a lot to become a certified tour guide here, so I would ask about that when hiring. I’m seeing a lot of recommendations here – maybe that page can help. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Hi Eileen, I will also be in Israel in September- September 1- September 14. One week based in Tel Aviv, one based in Jerusalem. Maybe we can share some expenses on day trips, etc. Please respond if you are interested.

Anna, my husband and I just returned from Israel. We did a group tour that took care of everything, literally: Flight from New York; luxury buses through the ten days, 3 meals a day (more than I needed,), accommodations in hotels averaging $150 to $250 per night (from their website), and all fees for activities. The cost was $3,850 per person. Definitely want to go back and have more control of our time at places. Will definitely use your tips for our next trip. Question can local guides be hired for explanation of sites? Thank you.

Hi Yvonne, So glad you enjoyed your trip to Israel! Yes, there are plenty of local English-speaking guides that will be happy to show you around. This might be a good idea for single-day trips around places like the Galilee where the guide also takes you around in his or her car. For places like Akko , you really don’t need a guide. There’s good public transportation and you get your own audio guides for the visit. I would start by trying to come up with an itinerary of things that you want to see and then check each one to see where you might want to hire a guide.

Hi Yvonne, What was the name of the tour company that you used. We are thinking a tour co might be best for our first trip. Or do you think it’s pretty easy to maneuver without an organized tour?

hi there, thanks for these information. I am planning to go next year for holy trip and I am deeply curious about what the total cost will look like. Can you help me with this?

Hi Omotola, The total cost would depend on how you set up the trip. You can get the ranges in this post, and see for yourself. A group tour might actually bring costs down a little bit. Enjoy your trip!

Hi thank you so much for the good information. I am planning to go there next year and these tips will surely be helpful

So glad you found this helpful, Johanna! Have a great trip!

We are going to Israel for the first time ever in October this year. Found your articles very helpful. Given the fact that my husband and I are in our 60’s is there any place we should stay away from in Tel Aviv? We are both in good health, but are a bit worried about making any “mistakes” about where we should or should not be going. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Tel Aviv is generally very safe. During night time, you may want to avoid the area near the Old Central Station. I don’t think it’s dangerous per se, but not very pleasant. If you can, stay by the promenade , it’s always active, day or night and it’s fun and safe. Overall, it’s hard to make mistakes about where to stay in Tel Aviv. I would keep price and proximity to what you want to see and do the main priority. Enjoy your trip!

Hi, this is of a great help. One question, is there a specific day and time that the shuk lower the produces prices? Thank you so much for your great help.

That usually happens on Friday afternoon. It’s usually between 1-2 PM and 4-5PM which is the closing time for Friday. It could be a bit earlier during shorter autumn days. I hope this helps.

Just what I was searching for! Thank you for all your tips!

Thank you so much for your very practical, down to earth, clearly delineated, fact based ideas. I will use each one of them…really

That’s great to hear! Thank you! And if you have any questions, just leave me another comment here and I’ll be happy to try and answer them!

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Israel Budget ~ How Much Does a Trip to Israel Cost?

How much does it cost to go to israel (8 nights).

Here’s the quick rundown.  It’s broken down below to get a deeper insight! FAQs at the bottom!

If you’re planning a trip to Israel, it might be helpful to know how much does a trip to Israel cost! Well, read on!

Accommodations from Trip to Israel Cost

Could you do it cheaper? Absolutely.  The average comes down to about $60 a night. I did a big mix of hostels and hotels!

Keep in mind:  I had just done 2 back to back tours, and I was ready for some alone time in hotels!

I stayed in a few cities, but I wanted to highlight the two that really blew me away!  I’ll put the other ones I stayed in at the bottom of this section.

Eilat was really interesting for me since it marked the 3rd city/country that I visited the Red Sea from, and it was so interesting that they all had such a different vibe! Eilat was really clean and had a vibrant personality.

I ended up staying in a hostel there, but it had a private room with a private jacuzzi !! The room was nice too, but I’m just going to put a picture of the tub up since that’s what really drew me in. It was also a short walk to the beach and boardwalk. I really enjoyed my night here.

Click to go to hotel page!

There are several places along the border of the Dead Sea to stay at, and I stayed in Ein Bokek . I really enjoyed staying at this hotel because it was right on the water’s edge, so it was really easy to get to the water.  There were also plenty of chairs and overhangs to protect from the sun.

Mitzpe Ramon               Yeroham              Jerusalem             Tiberias               Tel Aviv 

Transportation ~ How Much Does it Cost to Go to Israel?

Could you do it cheaper? If you didn’t get the rental insurance, but 😐

Keep in mind: Parking costs are included in fees.

I rented a car from this site, and the price was pretty good for the car itself, but you can see the price went up a *lot* when you add the insurance!  I’m not sure I would have been as comfortable driving without the insurance! I know my credit card had some, but it didn’t cover everything. Better safe than sorry!

Gas wasn’t as expensive as it was in Iceland, but still pretty high!  It came out to be like $6.86 per gallon.

The most expensive taxi was from the Eilat/Aqaba border to my hostel in Eilat, and then I took a few cabs in Jerusalem when I parked my car.  Overall the prices were pretty standard. I downloaded the “Gett” app to use taxis in Israel.

Food ~ How Much is a Trip to Israel?

Could you do it cheaper?  Absolutely!  As always there are options to go to grocery stores!

Keep in mind:  Jerusalem was my most expensive meal.

My most common meal was a kebab/schwarma!  Those seemed to hold pretty steady at about $10 which included the wrap, fries, and a drink!

l did end up going to dinner at McDonald’s in Ein Bokek (Dead Sea) because there weren’t really that many other options that weren’t wildly expensive.  Budgeting about $10 a meal would be a good bet.  The only one that was much over taht was a fish and chips meal at a Jerusalem restaurant.

Alcohol ~ How Expensive Is Israel?

Could you do it cheaper?  I feel this one is obvious…

Since Eilat marked my first day traveling alone after two consecutive tour groups, I decided to relax in Eilat beachside with a fun watermelon breezer. Also, it was the cheapest option!  I suppose that’s what I get for dining at a beachside bar!

I ended up grabbing a few drinks in Jerusalem since I made some friends. I’m surprised that they weren’t more expensive considering how expensive (relatively) my dinners were in Jerusalem!

Activities ~ Cost to Travel to Israel

Could you do it cheaper? I didn’t see any coupons or anything

Keep in mind: Aren’t these the reason you want to go??

Makhtesh Ramon Rappelling

The Jeep and Rappelling tour in Mitzpe Ramon with Adam Sela Tours was not something I’d heard of but WHOA what an adrenaline rush!  The two-hour jeep tour went in and around the Makhtesh Ramon, and it was incredibly informative!

Adam Sela has a knowledge base as deep as the Makhtesh itself.  I don’t want to ruin all the fun facts he’d give you in the tour, but basically, a Makhtesh is a vast crater.  What makes it really interesting is that it isn’t made from a volcano or meteor, but it’s a natural occurrence! A natural occurrence that happens to be over 24 miles long and shaped like a heart 🙂

Cute little Ibex chilling

The morning started off with a short demonstration to show how it was possible for a “crater” of that magnitude to be formed.  I don’t think I would have understood it without that demonstration! Then off we went in the jeep, bumping along with occasional stops for Adam to let me feel, smell, and even taste some local plantlife!  

Because of the way the Makhtesh was formed, it’s possible to see many different geological formations, which Adam knew all about.  It was like being on a rock safari with a scientist from the Smithsonian! The jeep tour culminated in a beautiful panoramic view of the largest makhtesh in the world and this cliche jump pic!

After the panoramic view, we drove back to where I was going to rappel down.  This was very exciting for me since it’s not something I’ve down in a while, and certainly not outside! I’d only done it at a summer camp!

I’m very afraid of heights, but they made me feel safe.  What really helped was letting go of the ropes and just hanging there and realizing that I was not holding myself up, but they were.  I’m certainly not what you’d call an athlete, and I managed to do it. I had a HUGE sense of pride when it was done!

The price for this package (he has others) is basically renting the cheap. The more people you have, the cheaper it is! Try and find some people to go with you!

Dig for a Day

This activity was about an hour away from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv in a National Park called Beit Guvrin.  Honestly, when I signed up, I thought it was just going to be a bunch of amateurs (it was) digging around in dirt (it was) to “discover” things that were hidden specifically for us (it WASN’T!).

What a surprise this was!  My guide was Eiran, and his lecture about the site was more like a story where he involved the audience members and our collective prior knowledge.  As a teacher, I was impressed with his style 🙂

Turns out, the people who lived in the city we were helping to excavate shoved rock, rubble, and possessions into their underground rooms to ruin it for anyone else trying to settle there.  That’s why there are actual items to discover!

Phase 1: Digging. Phase 2: Sifting. Phase 3: Spelunking!

I myself wasn’t lucky enough to find anything more than a few pottery shards, but the group next to me found the lip of a vase and a handle! Even luckier is my friend who found a *complete* bowl!!  

I thought the experience was great for kids and adults alike! However, at the end of the tour, there is a little spelunking with VERY small spaces that I, quite frankly, am impressed I even fit through. This part is optional though, so if you have bad anythings or a fear of tight spaces, I’d sit the last part out.

Bethlehem tour

There are several options to get into Palestine, and I opted for a Bethlehem half day to keep on schedule.  I really wish I’d been able to get down to Ramallah or Hebron since I heard really good stuff about them.  If you’re interested in seeing more than just a day trip, here’s a Palestine Guide.

I just wasn’t comfortable heading into Palestine alone, so I thought a reasonably priced tour was the way to go.  I’m not very religious, but I still found the trip to be very beautiful and moving. I imagine it’d only get better if you were religious.

My guide was very enthusiastic and funny.  He took us to the church that was built over the spot believed to be where Jesus was born, and he helped us cut the line (it was packed!).  He even took this picture of me touching the exact spot where they think the birth happened!

They say this is the spot Jesus was born!

We also went to the Milk Grotto where it’s believed that Mary spilled some milk while feeding baby Jesus.  I really liked the stories the guide told us here. He really made Mary out to be more of a person and more importantly, a mother.  Women go to the Milk Grotto to help with conception.

Souvenirs  from a 10 day trip to Israel Cost

Could you do it cheaper?  If you’re good at haggling!

Keep in mind:  Everything is negotiable! But I always feel bad haggling too much.

I always have to get my spoon, so I was very happy to find one 🙂  The next big souvenir was a gorgeous dress that I got for my girl, Jody!  I bought one in Jordan, and she really wanted one too. So I found this beautiful one in the Jerusalem market for her!

In Bethlehem, I found a small nativity scene carved from Olive Tree Wood which I got for my stepmother since she is religious.  In the same shop, I also found some rosary beads with a small locket with Jerusalem dirt which I bought for a family friend who is very religious, and I thought it’d mean a lot to her :).

When I went to Timna, there was a souvenir-making station which was included in the price.  I got to make this little sand art bottle! The colored sand is all naturally occurring from the color rock assortment in the park!

Could you do it cheaper?  Parking D:

Keep in mind: Some of these won’t apply if you don’t drive.

The worst fee was the parking ticket fee!  I emailed and asked for a reduction, but I haven’t heard back 🙁  All the signs were in Hebrew, and I was told that I could park on blue and white striped places.  Apparently, that wasn’t all the way true because you still have to pay. But there aren’t any kiosks. You have to pay with an app? How would I know that?

Basically, all the parking fees were annoying. If I was doing this trip again, I’d turn my car in for Jerusalem and Tel Aviv because parking was such a nightmare.

I’d say the toll was worth it!

There was a small toll to get into Haifa.  I might  update this post later if I am charged for another toll.  I read on the contract that there are some toll roads in Israel, and they just charge the car company (who then charges you). It’s been about two weeks, and I haven’t received anything yet.  I will update if that changes.

Four bucks is kind of expensive for laundry, but honestly, I needed it. I’d been sink washing my whole trip, and my clothes needed a bit of a refresh! Unfortunately, I feel like anything that was white when it went in did not come out white. :/

Total: $1445.57 for 9 days.

I hope you find this helpful for your trip to israel cost breakdown let me know what prices you paid and where, how much does a trip to israel cost.

Well, I think I just showed you in detail, but you’re looking at about $16 a day for food, about $60 a night on average for good accommodation, and about $30 a day for activities.  Of course, these are just ranges! See above for more specific break downs!

Is Israel cheap for tourists?

Israel feels more mid-range on costs. I’ve certainly had more expensive trips like Iceland or Scotland, but also have had much cheaper like Mexico or Peru!  I think the main cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will cost you more than the outlying cities, for sure.

How much cash should I take to Israel?

I wouldn’t take too much money with you in cash because many places do take credit cards (especially in the big cities like Haifa, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv).  However, if you’re going to be out in the smaller deserts or the Negev, then you must want the equivalent of $30 a day.

How much is a meal in Israel? Is food expensive in Jerusalem?

Meals will cost you about $10 a meal (even a happy meal at McDonald’s!), but as you can see Jerusalem was the most expensive meal of the trip, and it was just a mid-range place.

Is it dangerous to visit Israel?

Pin for later!

Full Disclosure: I did receive the Jeep/Rappelling tour and Dig for a Day tours in exchange for pictures and mentions.  I did reach out to them first, and I did pay associated fees.

Carly "Wayward" Heyward

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[…] who has traveled to over 50 countries on a teacher’s salary! Follow her adventures on her blog, Flight of the Educator and on […]

[…] trip to Israel will cost you a lot of money, so be prepared to spend a lot if you are planning a visit here. Everything in […]

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Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after going through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!

[…] 2. Budget for your Israel Trip […]

How come you opted in getting a rental car if I may ask? The buses in Israel are generally pretty reliable and cheap. Also for the taxis, you can haggle your way to cheap prices. As for Palestine, how was that? I’ve been to Israel three times, and generally as a Jewish person the reputation of the West Bank(Palestine) is to generally stay away from it since its dangerous for Americans and Israelis. I know there are some very nice people in the West Bank, but I just heard overall it was not generally safe at all. I definitely felt safe when I was in Israel though.

I decided on a car because I got a really good deal! Plus, I really wanted to go to Mitzpe Ramon, and the man there said it might be difficult to get to with buses. I also wanted the flexibility to bop around, so car seemed best! I felt totally safe in Palestine. I was on a brief tour though, and we went to the main sites in and around Bethlehem.

[…] Price: Alcohol is expensive in Israel (I mean really expensive), so take that into consideration when you’re planning your night(s) out. Want to get a better idea of how much you should plan to spend in Israel in general? Check out this handy week-long price breakdown. […]

Great info and I’m glad you enjoyed the trip. You’re breakdown of costs, tour info and experiences is exactly what i was looking for to help frame my trip. Great job with no spin.

Aw, thank you so much! That’s my absolute goal! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Did I miss how you got there in the first place? That would have to be added to the costs.

Yes, absolutely, but since that would be such a different number depending on where you’re coming from, I opted to leave it out. Especially since I Just crossed the border from Jordan (literally on foot), and then I flew home from Tel Aviv.

Comments are closed.

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A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Israel

Israel celebrated its 70 th Independence Day in April 2018, but its history stretches back hundreds of years. It’s home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations and important religious sites of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Centuries of kings, leaders, immigrants, merchants, pilgrims, and people of various ethnicities coming in and out of the country has made Israel a melting pot of cultures and ideas.

As the “Promised Land,” Israel holds a special place in the hearts of the 86% Roman Catholic population of the Philippines . The Philippines is also home to a ten-million-strong Muslim community, whose holiest sites include the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Beyond Religion

By and large, Filipinos see Israel as a religious destination, but the country offers more. Unspoiled beaches line the coast, enjoying 300 days of sunny, beach-perfect weather. Fascinating architecture populates the towns. Dozens of museums and landmarks steeped in history dot the city. And in the deserts and seas, natural wonders promise one-of-a-kind adventures.

A vibrant food scene awaits, moreover. Crispy falafel , rich hummus , and sweet baklava are sold in colorful displays. Savor the sweet cheesiness of a kanafeh , the delightful mix of flavors of shakshuka , and the distinct taste of wines from one of Israel’s many rolling vineyards.

Ready to check the country off your bucket list? Here’s an Israel travel guide that would help you make the most of your stay. We discuss the requirements, safety, attractions, food, and more.

It’s time to discover the wonders that Israel holds.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa to Travel to Israel?

Israel and the Philippines maintain an open-door policy, which means Filipinos who hold Philippine passports don’t need a visa to visit the Holy Land . Philippine passport holders can travel visa-free to Israel for up to 90 days. Make sure that your passport will still be valid six months beyond the date you intend to make your trip.

You’ll still be interviewed at the port of entry, though, so you need to keep the following handy:

• Philippine passport
• Confirmed round-trip ticket with an onward flight
• Confirmed hotel reservation
• Pocket money or credit card (no need for a printed bank statement, but you need to be able to answer how you’ll fund your trip. You can mention that you already paid the whole cost if you booked a tour).

Read our detailed post on Israel’s visa requirements .

Go Backpacking or Book a Packaged Tour?

It depends. We’d like to give you a more specific answer, but it really does boil down to what you want to achieve on your trip. Let’s break down what you look for in your Israel vacation.

• What do you want to see? Most tours take visitors to the most popular tourist sites. So if you’re interested in the highlights, then a packaged tour is right for you. If you set your sights on discovering a hidden gem, then a DIY travel itinerary might be the smart way to go. Don’t feel obligated to choose one over the other, though. Mix and match your itinerary. You can visit famous spots on a backpacking trip or find a tour that accommodates relatively unknown areas.
• Do you enjoy structured trips? Packaged tours are structured. They follow a definite itinerary and leave little time for you to explore on your own. It’s a great option if you hate getting lost and prefer everything to be pre-arranged. If you’re fond of walking around and discovering things, then go backpacking. You decide where to go, when you want to go.
• What’s your budget? With packaged tours, you know how much you’re going to spend. DIY trips, on the other hand, allow for a flexible travel budget. You might encounter surprise expenses in Israel (you underestimated the price range of the restaurant hubs, for instance). The beauty of it, however, is you can work with a tight budget.
• How would you like to learn? Tour packages come with a guide, so in every site you visit, you’ll surely receive information. With DIY travels, you’ll learn about the site from locals and various guides, who offer different insights and share unique experiences. Much like with number 2, if you like to learn in a structured way, then go for a tour package. If you’re into discovery and interacting with people, go backpacking instead.
• Convenience or Control? Tours take care of everything for you — the itinerary, accommodations, and transportation. So, if you want a convenient trip, a packaged tour is the one for you. If you want to plan things yourself, though, DIY travel is the way to go.

If you lean toward tour packages, here are some trips you can check out. These are all 2018 tours, so check their page if you plan to visit Israel in 2019 and beyond.

• Holy Land Pilgrimage (by Catholic Travel, Inc.) – The tour stretches from November 15-26, 2018 and visits Mount Nebo, Madaba, Petra, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Mount Tabor, Jerusalem, Jericho, Qumran, the Dead Sea, and more.
• Holy Land (by Travelmall.ph) – A 13-day, 12-night tour that includes Mount Nebo, Madaba, Petra, the Jordan River, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Qumran, the Dead Sea, Cairo, and more.
• Holy Land Pilgrimage: Israel & Jordan (by Larga.ph) – A 7-day, 6-night tour that includes Tel Aviv City, the Dead Sea, Masada Ruins, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Petra, and more.
• A Journey to Holy Land (by Rakso Travel) – A 12-day tour that includes Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Petra, Nazareth, Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, the Dead Sea, Qumran, Mt. Sinai, Cairo, and more.

If you want to travel to Israel independently, here are some tips on making the most of your trip:

• Sample the street food – Food sold at the supermarkets and restaurants can be pricey, so it’s best to go to the shuk (market), where you can buy local food at low prices and you have room to haggle.
• Take the bus or train – Take advantage of the affordable train services and city buses in Israel — only take a taxi when you feel like splurging.
• Steer clear of tourist markets – Many souvenir shops that cater to foreign tourists charge more than small stalls do. So, avoid popular tourist markets. Instead, look for stalls not frequented by tourists (hint: these are places where prices are in shekels, not dollars).
• Stick to your budget – As mentioned earlier, there’s more room for surprise expenses in a DIY trip. So, include service charges, tips, and extra cash in your budget.

The Best Time to Visit Israel

There are three great seasons to travel to Israel: spring (April-May), when the weather is perfect for touring; summer (June-August), when skies are clear and water attractions are officially open; and Christmas, which is an incredible time to go on a pilgrimage.

The weather is pleasantly warm, and the scenery is breath-taking during Spring. Flowers cover the hillsides and wildlife come out of hibernation. Pools and beaches are open to the public, as well. In May, Israelis celebrate various festivals, such as the Shavuot (Pentecost) and the Israel Festival so look out for that if you’re traveling to the country about this time.

A trip to the beach is lovely in the hot Israeli summer. Oases, streams, and other adventure spots cool down hordes of tourists while several water sports are a hit among adrenaline junkies. Summer is also when the city nightlife is at its peak.

Christmas (December-January)

What’s more special than spending Christmas in Bethlehem? Much like in the Philippines, a festive air embraces the Holy Land, and magnificent Christmas services take place.

For a comprehensive guide on Israel’s best seasons, read  When is the Best Time to Visit Israel?

The Ideal Israel Travel Budget

How you plan a budget depends on your trip.

Packaged Tours

The cost of the tours we mentioned above range from Php111,000 to Php144,000 . They include breakfast, admission, accommodations, tour transportation, guides, and airfare. Depending on your package, you’ll have to add a little extra to your budget to cover the Philippine travel tax (Php1620) and Visa fees and border taxes (Php7000 or $130).

Lunch and dinner are usually not covered in tour packages. You’ll be on your own at this time. As food tends to be a little pricey here, even by European standards, allot around Php820 to Php1100 per meal . If you want a bargain meal, explore the shuk . With luck, you’ll score a plate of falafel for an equivalent of Php110 or Php160. A 1.5L bottle of water, meanwhile, could cost around Php60.

Additionally, tipping is expected in Israel. Tours recommend setting aside Php540 to Php800 for tips per day. So, a day in Israel could cost Php2,240 (a conservative estimate) on top of your tour package fees. Don’t forget pocket money for souvenirs, too.

Airfare rates vary depending on various factors, roundtrip tickets could cost from Php50,000 to Php100,000 depending on your airline and the season of travel. Moreover, you need around Php3,800 to Php5,400 per day to cover your accommodations, transportation, meals, and tours. Where you fall in this range depends on your save-vs-splurge mindset.

For instance, a shared hostel room could cost as low as Php1,100 a night. Some hotels, however, carry price tags of up to Php9,000. Moreover, the country’s street food could go as low as Php110. If you’re willing to pay extra, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can set you back around Php820.

Interested in exploring a national park or museum? Prepare an entrance fee of Php530 to Php749. But if you’d rather spend your money elsewhere, Israel still has tons of free tourist attractions that you could check out.

Flying to Israel from the Philippines

Currently, there’s no direct flight from Manila to Israel. Here are some flight routes that require no visa.

• Manila, Philippines — Bangkok, Thailand — Tel Aviv, Israel
• Manila, Philippines — Hong Kong — Tel Aviv, Israel
• Manila, Philippines — Istanbul, Turkey — Tel Aviv, Israel (No need for a visa if you won’t leave the airport)

Here are some (of many) flights that need a visa for the layover:

• Manila, Philippines — Guangzhou or Beijing China — Tel Aviv, Israel
• Manila, Philippines — Seoul, South Korea — Tel Aviv, Israel
• Manila, Philippines — Amman, Jordan — Tel Aviv, Israel

The total duration of a trip from the Philippines to Israel varies. Some flights with short layovers (less than 2 hours) take around  15-16 hours . Others, meanwhile, could take as much as  23 hours  to account for longer layovers.

A note: You can’t enter or exit Israel through Gulf Cooperation Countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar) because of the strained diplomatic relations between the states.

Is It Safe to Travel to Israel ?

Yes, traveling to Israel is safe . The media may air stories about conflicts in the Gaza strip but life carries on in most parts of Israel. Schoolchildren attend their classes, markets sell all sorts of goods, buyers haggle, and the young have their share of fun in the city nightlife. Business as usual , as they say, and hordes of tourists enjoy all Israel has to offer safely. Travel to the Lebanese and Syrian border is not recommended, however.

Expect heavy security once you enter the country, though. The airport inspects people and luggage closely. Security personnel roam about in shopping malls. These, on many accounts, make people feel safe and secure.

The extra security, however, shouldn’t make you complacent. You’re still at risk for petty crimes, such as theft of passports, wallets, and phones. So, stay vigilant and keep an eye on your valuables. Avoid changing money on the streets — swap your dollars or pesos for shekels at the airport or certified money changers. Lastly, keep yourself up-to-date on the news for weather updates and travel advisories for Israel.

Where to Stay in Israel

Tourism is one of Israel’s largest industries, so you have a lot of accommodations to choose from. Major tourist spots are dotted with hostels, inns, and hotels ranging from one-star, affordable bed-and-baths to luxurious five-star lodgings.

Here are a few accommodations you can check when you’re planning your trip. A disclaimer: these prices are for a single adult. Prices vary according to the number of visitors and change without prior notice.

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Where to stay in tel aviv, where to stay in eilat, where to stay in galilee, where to stay in negev.

Attractions & Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

It’s hard to compile a list of must-see attractions in the Holy Land. Israel is full of awe-inspiring destinations and adventure-filled activities that you’ll never find yourself looking for something to do on your trip. Don’t miss out on these:

• The Old City – A parcel of land barely a square kilometer, the Old City houses important religious sites, such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Temple Mount.
• The Mahane Yehuda Market – Get great deals on candies, pastries, spices, tea, and all sorts of produce. It’s the best place to introduce your taste buds to new flavors.
• The Israel Museum – This place is home to more than 5,000 cultural treasures, such as titanic statues, woven fabrics, sculptures, paintings, and the Dead Sea Scrolls , one of the world’s oldest biblical manuscripts.
• The Yad Vashem – This is the Holocaust Memorial Museum, a tribute to victims of the Second World War.
• The City of David National Park – An active archeological site that houses the birthplace of Jerusalem, where King David united the people of Israel.
• Rothschild Boulevard – A beautiful boulevard lined with trees and shops, cafés, clubs, and museums. This section of Tel Aviv is brimming with a youthful, energetic vibe.
• The Tel Aviv Museum of Art – One of Israel’s prime tourist attractions, the museum boasts a collection of contemporary art, which includes masterpieces in photography, design, and architecture.
• Carmen Market – This is the largest open-air marketplace in the city. It’s also the best place to find good deals on fresh produce and clothes.
• The Ancient City of Jaffa – With beautiful walls and labyrinthine corridors, the city of Jaffa is a sight to behold. Travelers enjoy the charming, old buildings that house modern attractions. Countless art galleries, cafes, museums, restaurants, and bars welcome visitors day in and day out.
• Tel Aviv Beaches – A visit to Tel Aviv is not complete without a trip to the coast. The city has 16 beaches, all with turquoise waters perfect for watersports or a quiet stroll under the sun.
• The Red Canyon – Bikers love the beautiful hiking trails of the Red Canyon. Witness how the sunlight hits the reddish rock, giving off an intense red hue that gave the canyon its name.
• Timna Park – This majestic valley is surrounded by steep cliffs, yellow sandstone mountains, and Mount Timna, the first copper mine in the world . Hiking trails snake across the park, which give hikers a beautiful view of the area’s wildlife.
• Underwater Observatory Marine Park – This pristine area boasts a beautiful coral reef and a variety of sea creatures, such as turtles, stingrays, and sharks.
• Dolphin Reef – Get to know one of the most intelligent creatures of the sea at Dolphin Reef. This sea-pen allows tourists to watch and swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.
• King’s City Theme Park – This is a biblical-themed amusement park built around the stories of King Solomon. Some of its attractions include the Cave of Illusions and King Solomon’s Waterfalls.
• Mount Tabor – Believed to have been the site of the Transfiguration of Christ, Mount Tabor sits east of the fertile Jezreel Valley. Apart from pilgrims, it also draws adventure seekers with its scenic hiking trails and paragliding locations.
• The Sea of Galilee – In the Christian tradition, the shores of Galilee is where Jesus recruited the first disciples. It’s also where the walking on water and the calming of the storm took place.
• Basilica of the Annunciation – This Roman Catholic Basilica is said to stand on the site of Mary’s home, where the Angel Gabriel visited her to tell her that she would carry the Son of God.
• Capernaum National Park – This houses the remains of a fishing village from the time of Jesus’ ministry.
• Nazareth Village – A unique destination in Israel, this is a recreation of a first-century Galilean farmstead that portrays what life was 2000 years ago. There are ancient vineyard terraces, a wine press, quarries, and actors who portray daily life.
• The Masada – An ancient fortress that sits atop a rock plateau south of the Dead Sea . Masada was built by King Herod the Great and offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise.
• The Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon)  – One of the world’s largest erosion craters and the country’s most beautiful natural wonders.
• Negev Jeep Tours – A guide takes visitors deep into the desert, climbing sand dunes, traveling through desert streams, and getting up close and personal with nature.
• Camel Rides in the Desert – What better way to experience the desert than on the back of a camel? Many places in Negev offer camel rides to let visitors take in the stunning the scenery.
• Tel Be’er Sheva National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site , this is an archeological site of the biblical town of Beersheba.

For a full list of places to visit, read  Main Israel Destinations and Attractions .

Israel’s Culinary Adventure

Israel’s food scene is vibrant and bursting with the combination of flavors and textures from various parts of the region. Tables are laden with sour cheeses, soft, flaky bread, lots of lemons and olives, and delicious vegetables tossed and taken to different directions by various condiments and sauces. Everywhere, the smell of fresh herbs and spices waft in the air.

A vacation in Israel means you get to take part in this culinary feast. Don’t leave without trying out these Israeli food :

• Hummus – A thick paste made of ground chickpeas, sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon, and garlic
• Falafel – Crispy, fried balls of mashed, spiced chickpeas
• Tahini – A paste made of sesame or nigella seeds
• Kanafeh – A cheese pastry drizzled in sweet syrup
• Shakshuka – Poached eggs in cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and spices
• Boureka – A pastry stuffed with cheese, spinach, and mashed potatoes and sprinkled with cheese
• Kebabs – Beef or lamb on a skewer grilled to perfection
• Israeli Salad – A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice
• Baba Ganoush – A creamy spread made from cooked eggplants and sesame seeds
• Malabi – A creamy, milk-based pudding perfumed with rosewater and topped with fruit or nuts
• Labneh with Za’atar – Labneh is a thick strained yogurt often spiced with Za’atar, a mix of herbs, salt, and sesame seeds
• Hafuch Coffee – Fondly called upside-down coffee, it’s a beverage where the milk is first poured in, followed by coffee and milk foam

Sample Itineraries for an Israel Trip

Clueless on how to plan your trip? Base your itinerary on these pre-planned ones:

A Seven-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Jerusalem: The Old City. Visit one of the oldest cities in the world which is lined with magnificent stone walls. Walk around the Tower of David, the Room of the Last Supper, the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Day 2: Jerusalem: The New City. Visit the Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim. Grab a bite and buy goods from the Mahane Yehuda Market. Visit the Israel Museum as well as the Yad Vashem.

Day 3: The Dead Sea, Masada, and Kfar HaNokdin. Take a dip at the Dead Sea, then drive south to the mountain fortress of Masada. Then, travel to the Kfar HaNokdim and ride a camel into the desert.

Day 4: Sea of Galilee. Head north to the Sea of Galilee. Explore the towns where Jesus Christ once walked. Then, head to a lakeside resort in Tiberias and explore nearby Nazareth.

Day 5: Haifa and Caesarea. Travel to Haifa and explore the Baha’i Shrine and Gardens. Explore Caesarea, a town built by Herod the Great.

Day 6 and 7: Tel-Aviv. Cap off your Israel experience with a trip to Tel Aviv. Spend the day on the beaches, try watersports, or take a dip in the waters. Visit the Tel Aviv Art Museum, stroll along Rothschild Boulevard, and try out restaurants and bars.

A Ten-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tel Aviv. Explore the vibrant city, the local museums, art galleries, trendy cafes, Israeli restaurants, and the beach. Try watersports and go swimming.

Day 2: Galilee. Head to the hometown of Jesus and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. Explore the village of Cana, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee.

Day 3: Galilee. This time, tour a kibbutz, a traditional Israeli community, the iconic Banias Nature Reserve, the Nimrod Fortress, and Safed.

Day 4: The Mediterranean Coast. Explore the ancient town of Caesarea, the Baha’i Gardens, the Crusader Port city of Akko, and Rosh Hanikra.

Day 5: Northern Israel. Ascend Golan Heights, the tip of Israel, and visit the ancient synagogue at Katzrin. Marvel at the views from Mount Bental and the vineyards along the way.

Day 6: Masada and the Dead Sea. Take in the beauty of the Masada Fortress and take a dip in the Dead Sea (you won’t sink, though).

Day 7: Bethlehem. Explore Jesus’ birthplace and visit the Manger Square. Go to the Church of the Nativity, Crusader Church, Shepherds’ Field, and the Franciscan Grotto of the Lady Mary.

Day 8: Jericho. Visit Hisham’s Palace and the Hasmonean Palace, the Mount of Temptation, St. George’s Monastery, and the Nabi Musa.

Day 9: Jerusalem: Old City. Visit the world’s holiest sites, like the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Tower of David, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Day 10: Jerusalem: New City. Cap off your Israel trip with contemporary tourist attractions, such as the Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum. Get a good bargain at the Mahane Yehuda Market and explore the charm of the Mea Shearim.

A Few Reminders Before Your Trip

Israelis are warm and friendly people, but you still have to do your part as a traveler and learn the local nuances to make the most of your trip.

• Use Local Greetings. English is spoken as a second language by a majority, but they surely appreciate greetings in their language. So, drop the hellos and goodbyes and say  Shalom.
• Don’t Smoke on a Saturday. Israelis observe the Shabbat , which runs from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. Shops quiet down and the roads become deserted. We advise against smoking during this time.
• Don’t Bring Up Politics. This topic is loaded and can get heated, so steer clear of it to keep the peace.
• Wear Modest Clothing in Religious Sites. Modest clothing means no bare legs or shoulders. In mosques and synagogues, women may be asked to cover their upper arms. Men, meanwhile, should enter synagogues with a yarmulke. It’s best to pack long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Bring Adapters. Standard voltage is 220 volts, 50Hz AC. Most buildings have Continental European sockets, which requires plugs with two round pins.
• Download Moovit. It’s an app that provides accurate train and bus schedules. It also has directions and routes to help travelers find their way.
• When you’re at a shuk, vendors expect you to haggle. Always ask for a lower price.

Useful References

Here are other guides to help you plan your travel to Israel:

• The National Geographic
• Lonely Planet
• Culture Trip
• Tourist Israel
• iGoogled Israel

With centuries-old religious sites, an abundance of natural wonders, fresh and diverse cuisine, and a welcoming people, it comes as no surprise that Israel is a tourists’ paradise.

Take part in this iconic experience. Travel to Israel and discover the best it has to offer.

10 Tips for budget travel in Israel

It is possible to travel on a budget in Israel, and since Israel is such an expensive destination, it’s not just impoverished students who might be interested in money-saving tips.

Before people come to Israel, they are often concerned about safety, but once they arrive they understand that the biggest problem in Israel is the high prices.

Here are some tips to help you travel on a budget:

Budget tip #1 Take into consideration the “Chagim” (Jewish holidays) when planning your trip

You can start saving when booking your trip to Israel. Flights and hotels are much more highly priced during the holidays. You may well know that, but what people often don’t appreciate is that in Israel there are other holidays: Jewish holidays.

In  this post  you can see exactly when they are and what to expect. It’s interesting being in Israel for Yom Kippur or Pesach, but if you do want to holiday then, you’ll need to book well in advance.

Budget tip #2 Low-cost flights to the new Ramon Airport

In the middle of 2018, a new airport is due to open in the south of Israel, north of Eilat. It will be called Ramon (and the airport code will be ETM) and will be used by low-cost airlines like Ryanair. If you’re planning a desert vacation to Negev or the Judaean Desert (Dead Sea and Masada) or if prices are significantly cheaper, then it may be worth considering flying here instead. It will take you about four hours to get to Jerusalem.

Until it will open there are  Eilat and Ovda Airports

Budget tip #3 Budget accommodation – Hostels and couchsurfing

By far the biggest expense is accommodation, and hotels in Israel are on the expensive side: you can expect prices comparable with London and New York. The good news is that there is something you can do about it. The cheapest option is to try  couchsurfing , which involves sleeping as a guest in a local home, while a second affordable option is to stay in hostels.

I often talk about hostels in my posts because they are a great alternative to hotels, not only for young travelers but also for families and basically anyone that wants to save on accommodation. Another advantage of sleeping in a hostel is having a kitchen, where you can store food in a fridge and cook for yourself – an option that you don’t have in hotels.

Hostels in Jerusalem Hostels in Tel Aviv

Budget tip #4 Street food

Food products in Israel are very cheap, especially fruit and vegetables, but the prices in restaurants are high and the price of alcohol is ridiculous. A beer in a pub in Tel Aviv can cost 30 shekels or more, that’s 7-8 euros, or around 9 dollars! So always check the menu before you order.

The good news is that you don’t have to eat in restaurants in order to enjoy cheap and tasty local food. Street food in Israel is really good. A pita with falafel, sabich, shawarma, or a simple plate of hummus, will fill you up for 7-8 euros. Most of it comes without meat and many dishes are vegan friendly. In 2011 there was a wave of social justice protests in Israel, with demonstrators railing against the high price of basic commodities. As a result, there has been a proliferation of café chains like Cofix and Cofizz, that sell coffee and shakes for 5 shekels. You will find them in many of the city centers.

Budget tip #5 Public transportation

Public transportation in Israel is fairly good. You need to remember that there are no buses and trains from Friday afternoon till Saturday night, and there is rarely sufficient information in English, but you can always ask an Israeli or consult Google maps. Prices are fair and service between the big cities is regular. Buses  – the most common means of transportation both in and between cities. And the only public transportation option if you want to get to Mitzpe Ramon, Eilat, Nazareth, the Negev Desert, the Judaean Desert or the Golan Heights. Bus ride from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv – 16 shekels (4 euros) Bus ride within Tel Aviv – 7 shekels Sherut  – large 10-seater minivans that run along the bus routes; prices are the same and you can ask the driver to stop at any point along the route, not just at the bus stations. Trains  – the train can be a good option between the following places: Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva. At some point in 2018, a train will also get you to Jerusalem.

Budget tip #6 Local sim cards

Every hotel, hostel and café offers wi-fi and in Tel Aviv there is free internet access all over the place. But if you’re coming for more than a week, and especially if you’re going to drive to the Negev Desert or the Golan Heights, you might want to consider buying a local sim card. Using Google maps or Waze to navigate and the internet to find information about places will make your trip much easier. There isn’t a company that I can particularly recommend, as prices and packages change regularly. Your best option is to ask at your hostel or hotel, or to head to a shopping center to ask about prices at the different cell phone companies.

Budget tip #7 Smart planning

When traveling there are always surprises: many are pleasant, but some are less so. Things that you didn’t foresee will always occur during the course of your trip. But in general, planning the trip, knowing what you want to see, when it opens, and what it costs, will ultimately save you money. The following posts will help you understand and plan your trip to Israel better: Free things in Jerusalem The ultimate guide to planning your trip to Israel

Budget tip #8 Walking (and not taking taxis)

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are much smaller than the big cities in Europe or the U.S., so walking from site to site is easy enough, especially since all the hotels and hostels that I recommend are centrally located. Although it seems obvious, I am advocating walking as a means of saving money as the taxi option may actually be best avoided: high numbers of tourists have complained of bad experiences with taxi drivers.

Budget tip #9 Haggle

In the vast majority of shops in Israel there are fixed prices. However, in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Jaffa flea market and Carmel Market (note this doesn’t apply to food), you will need to bargain with the owner (if there is no price on it, then the price is determined by your face). Ask for the price but never buy at the first shop, as many shops sell the same goods.

Budget tip #10 Budget tours – free, guided and my booklets

Tours are pretty much a must in Israel, especially in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. As I write in almost every post, in Israel you need to know the history of the place in order to understand and enjoy the sites. There are a couple of good ways to understand what you’re looking at without resorting to hiring a private guide (which is the best option if you can afford it).

In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv there are some companies that offer decent  free group tours . These are 2 to 3-hour walking tours that give a good introduction to the cities. I used to work for one of the companies offering such tours, and my only criticism would be that the tours are not really free: rather, it is a tip-based tour, as the guide points out at the beginning and end of the tour. What the guide doesn’t tell you is that he or she is obliged to pay the company about $3 for each traveler that joins the tour, so if you do join, please don’t give less than $10 per person.

Another great and affordable option is to download or order my booklets! I have written three so far, about Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Judaean Desert.

If you’re only coming for a short visit but want to see as much as possible, then Abraham tours could be a good option for you. There is no guide, but the driver explains a little bit and you can download their app complete with explanations.  It’s a great app  (I wrote the texts :-)).

As a low-budget traveler myself, I must add that traveling is all about seeing new places and meeting people and learning about all manner of new things, and not about saving money. I meet travelers (mostly young Europeans) who take pride in how little they spend. If you want to save as much money as you can, you may as well stay at home. Coming to Israel and not visiting its museums and parks or taking tours would make the whole trip somewhat pointless.

Order my 3 booklets  – Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Masada – from me directly for 19€ right now and get the PDF and EPUB version for free! Or buy the PDF or EPUB for 9.90€.  Check out all of my merch . The booklets are also available on  Amazon .

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Shaloom sir I am from India now tourism open I have to plan Israel My contact number:-+919182528983 Please send ur watsapp no sir

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Best hotels & hostels in Israel

• HOTELS TEL AVIV
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• ABRAHAM HOSTELS
• HOSTELS JERUSALEM
• HOTELS JERUSALEM
• HOTELS DEAD SEA
• HOTELS IN THE NEGEV
• HOTELS GALILEE
• HOTELS GOLAN HEIGHTS

Places to visit

• JERUSALEM TRAVEL GUIDE
• TEL AVIV TRAVEL GUIDE
• JUDAEAN DESERT TRAVEL GUIDE
• HOTELS GALILEEE
• HOTELS IN THE GOLAN HEIGHTS

Tours in Israel

• TOUR OF JERUSALEM'S OLD CITY
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• YAD VASHEM TOUR
• RAMPARTS TOUR
• MASADA TOUR

All my tours

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• HARD COPY BOOKLETS + PDF
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Top luxury hotels in Israel

Dan Caesarea Resort

Carlton Tel Aviv Hotel – Luxury on the Beach

The David Citadel Jerusalem

White Diamond

The Inbal Jerusalem

Sheraton Grand Tel Aviv

Israel - the estimated travel expenses for food, public transport, attractions entrance and accommodation., how much does a trip to israel cost.

Currency in Israel is Israeli New Sheqel

Israel prices guide., if you are travelling alone to israel, depending on your expectations, you will pay for an overnight stay from 51 usd (189 ils) for a hostel to 257 usd (952 ils) for a luxury hotel., the other daily costs you have to pay when travelling to israel are:.

• Food 13 USD (49 ILS)
• Meals in restaurants 30 USD (112 ILS)
• Bottled water 1.30 USD (4.80 ILS)
• Local transportation 6.30 USD (23 ILS)
• Entrance tickets 36 USD (135 ILS)
• Alcoholic beverages 6.10 USD (23 ILS)

As you can see - a stay for a few days in Israel can cost 348 USD (1,200 ILS) or 1,500 USD (5,800 ILS) , depending on whether you are a frugal tourist or you are planning to spend a luxurious holiday in Israel.

How much Israeli New Sheqel should I have for one week in Israel?

If you want to spend a week in Israel the cost of your stay will be:

• 811 USD (3,000 ILS) - a cheap stay for 7 days in Israel
• 1,000 USD (3,900 ILS) - a budget travel for 7 days in Israel
• 1,500 USD (5,600 ILS) for a one week of comfortable stay in Israel
• 3,600 USD (13,000 ILS) for a week of luxury holidays in Israel

How much money do I need per day to stay in Israel?

If you are travelling alone to Israel, 110 USD a day should be enough. If you choose a hotel for your stay in Israel, the price will rise to 150 USD. A couple will have to pay around 270 USD for one day in Israel. A family with two children should have 470 USD for one day stay in Israel.

How to visit Israel on a low budget? How to travel Israel cheaply? How to save money while travelling in Israel?

In order not to exceed reasonable expenses during a trip to Israel, which we estimate at 153 USD (567 ILS) for a one day, you must comply with the following rules:

• Choose to stay in a hostel (51 USD (189 ILS) ) or in a cheap hotel (66 USD (246 ILS) ).
• Use public transport. The price for a one-way ticket is 1.60 USD (5.80 ILS) and for a monthly pass 61 USD (225 ILS) .
• Make your own breakfast and own dinner. Daily shopping cost in the shop is around 13 USD (49 ILS) in Israel.
• Choose restaurants outside the city centre and close to tourist attractions. Meal in a cheap restaurant cost around 19 USD (70 ILS) in Israel. McMeal at McDonalds (or equivalent meal in other fastfood restaurant) costs approximately 15 USD (55 ILS) .

Car-related costs are mainly fuel, road tolls and parking fees. Of course, the price depends on the purpose of the journey and energy efficiency of a vehicle.

In Israel, you will pay for the fuel accordingly:

• Petrol price in Israel is around: 1.90 USD (7.10 ILS)
• Diesel fuel price in Israel is around: 1.80 USD (6.80 ILS)
• 1kg sausage: 27 USD (100 ILS)
• 0,5 kg bread: 2.40 USD (9.00 ILS)
• 10 eggs: 3.80 USD (14 ILS)
• 1kg cheese: 14 USD (50 ILS)
• 1 liter milk: 1.80 USD (6.50 ILS)
• 1 kg apples: 3.10 USD (11 ILS)
• Bottle of local beer (0,5 liter): 8.10 USD (30 ILS)

Car rental prices in Israel

• What is the average price for a car rental in Israel?
• How much does it typically cost to rent a car in Israel?
• Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week in Israel?

What is most famous in Israel? How much does an average entrance to travel attractions in Israel cost?

The most important tourist attractions in israel that we recommend:, the museums worth a visit in israel:, on warmer days, we recommend walking in parks in israel. below is a list of the largest and most interesting parks in israel. parks in israel:, alcohol prices in israel, israel - whisky prices comparison, israel - rum prices comparison, israel - vodka prices comparison, israel - gin prices comparison, book the best hotels in israel - in partnership with booking.com, compare hotel rates in israel and save up to 80%.

Mary’s Well Nazareth By Dan Hotels

Caesar Premier Jerusalem Hotel

Renaissance Tel Aviv Hotel

Prima Tel Aviv Hotel

Nova Like Hotel - an Atlas Hotel

Astral Maris Hotel

Compare travel cost and expenses in specific cities in israel 2024.

- blogger and travel writer (37 years old, Zodiac sign: Virgo)

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• Travel Destinations
• Africa & Middle East

How Much Does A 10-Day Trip To Israel Cost?

Published: November 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Raine Alger

• Budget Travel

Introduction

Planning a trip to Israel is an exciting prospect. With its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes, this small but dynamic country has something to offer every traveler. From exploring ancient sites in Jerusalem to relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Tel Aviv, there are endless possibilities for a memorable journey.

However, before setting off on your adventure, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. Budgeting for your trip can help you make the most of your time in Israel without breaking the bank.

In this article, we will guide you through the various aspects of planning a 10-day trip to Israel, including the average expenses you can expect to encounter. From flights and accommodation to food, transportation, and activities, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview to help you plan your budget effectively.

Please note that the costs mentioned in this article are based on average prices and may vary depending on your travel style, preferences, and the time of your visit. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices beforehand to get a better idea of your specific expenses.

So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker, let’s dive into the details of how much a 10-day trip to Israel might cost and help you plan your dream vacation.

Flight Expenses

One of the major factors influencing the cost of your trip to Israel is the price of your flights. The cost of airfare can vary depending on several factors, such as the time of the year, the airline you choose, and how far in advance you book.

If you are flying from the United States or Europe, you can expect to pay anywhere between $500 to $1500 for a round-trip ticket to Israel. Prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as summer and major holidays, while you may find better deals during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

To save on flight expenses, it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance and be flexible with your travel dates. Additionally, consider flying into and out of alternative airports or using flight comparison websites to find the best deals.

Keep in mind that some airlines offer direct flights to Tel Aviv, Israel’s main international airport, while others may have layovers in major transit hubs. It’s important to factor in the duration of layovers and consider if it’s worth paying a bit more for a more convenient and time-saving itinerary.

Another point to consider is the cost of any additional baggage you may need to check in. Each airline has its own baggage policy, and exceeding the allowed weight or size limits can result in additional fees. To avoid unexpected expenses, make sure to check the baggage rules of the airline you choose and pack accordingly.

Overall, it’s best to allocate a significant portion of your budget for flights, as they can be a substantial expense. By planning ahead and exploring different options, you can find affordable flights and maximize your budget while still enjoying a comfortable journey to Israel.

Accommodation Costs

When it comes to accommodation in Israel, there are a wide range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels to budget hostels and vacation rentals, you can find something that fits your needs.

In popular tourist cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the cost of accommodation tends to be higher compared to smaller towns and rural areas. On average, a mid-range hotel in these cities can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per night. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, you can find comfortable guesthouses or hostels for around $50 to $100 per night.

If you prefer a more authentic and immersive experience, consider staying in guesthouses or bed and breakfast accommodations. These often offer a more personalized and locally-inspired stay, providing a unique glimpse into Israeli culture.

Another alternative is vacation rentals, such as apartments or villas, which can be a cost-effective option for families or groups. Websites like Airbnb offer a variety of properties in different price ranges, allowing you to choose the accommodation that best suits your budget and requirements.

For those who are willing to immerse themselves in nature, camping is a popular option in Israel. There are many designated camping sites across the country, offering basic facilities and a chance to sleep under the stars. This can be an affordable way to experience the beauty of Israel’s landscapes, with camping fees usually ranging from $10 to $30 per night.

When planning your accommodation budget, also keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time of year and any special events or holidays. It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.

Overall, there are plenty of accommodation options available in Israel catering to different budgets. By doing some research and comparing prices, you can find the right accommodation that not only fits your budget but also enhances your overall travel experience in Israel.

Transportation Costs

Getting around in Israel is relatively easy, thanks to its well-developed transportation system. To explore the different attractions and cities in the country, you have various options to consider.

One of the most popular ways to travel within Israel is by using public transportation. The country has an extensive network of buses and trains, which are efficient and affordable. Bus fares typically range from $1 to $10, depending on the distance traveled. Train tickets are also reasonably priced, with fares starting at around $7 for short journeys.

In major cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, you can also use public transportation, including buses and light rail. These options are convenient and cost-effective, with fares typically ranging from $1 to $3 per ride.

If you prefer more flexibility and convenience, you may consider renting a car. Rental prices can vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and the rental company. On average, expect to pay around $40 to $100 per day for a standard car rental. It’s important to factor in additional costs like fuel, parking fees, and tolls when budgeting for a rental car.

For shorter distances or sightseeing within a specific area, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in major cities. Be aware that taxi fares in Israel are metered and can vary depending on the distance traveled and traffic conditions.

When exploring the beautiful coastal areas, consider taking advantage of the bike-sharing programs available in cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Eilat. These programs offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, with prices starting as low as $5 per hour.

Overall, transportation costs in Israel can vary depending on your preferred mode of travel. Using a combination of public transportation, rental cars, and occasional taxis or ride-sharing services can help you make the most of your trip while keeping transportation expenses within your budget.

Food and Dining Expenses

Israeli cuisine is a wonderful blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Jewish influences, and experiencing the local food scene is an essential part of any trip to Israel. When budgeting for your 10-day trip, it’s important to consider the costs of food and dining.

In Israel, you can find a variety of dining options to suit all budgets. From street food stalls and casual eateries to upscale restaurants, there is something for everyone. On average, you can expect to spend around $10 to $20 per person for a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant or a street food joint.

If you prefer to cook your own meals or have a more budget-conscious approach, consider shopping at local markets and grocery stores. This allows you to try out fresh produce, Israeli snacks, and local products while saving some money. You can easily find grocery stores and supermarkets throughout the country, offering a wide range of options.

For a special dining experience, indulging in Israeli cuisine at mid-range or high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 per person, depending on the restaurant and the dishes chosen. These restaurants often offer a diverse menu, incorporating traditional Israeli flavors with contemporary twists.

Don’t forget to try some of the local specialties during your trip, such as falafel, hummus, shawarma, and fresh seafood. These dishes can often be found at affordable prices in street-side restaurants or market stalls.

When it comes to drinks, tap water in Israel is safe to drink. However, if you prefer bottled water, it is readily available at convenience stores and supermarkets. In terms of alcoholic beverages, beer and wine are popular choices, with an average cost of around $5 to $10 per drink.

Lastly, don’t forget to factor in the costs of snacks and drinks during your sightseeing and exploration. It’s always good to have some extra budget for local treats or a coffee break in charming cafes.

Overall, the cost of food in Israel can vary depending on your dining choices. By balancing local eateries, markets, and enjoyable dining experiences, you can savor the diverse flavors of Israeli cuisine while keeping your food expenses within your budget.

Sightseeing and Activities

Israel is renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and stunning landscapes, offering a wide range of sightseeing and activities for travelers. While some attractions have entrance fees, others are free to explore or require a small donation.

One of the must-visit attractions in Israel is the Old City of Jerusalem, home to religious sites like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. Entrance to these sites is usually free, but donations are appreciated. Other popular attractions in Jerusalem, such as the Israel Museum or the Tower of David, charge admission fees ranging from $10 to $20.

In Tel Aviv, you can visit the vibrant Carmel Market, stroll along the promenade of the Mediterranean Sea, or explore the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Most museums and art galleries in Tel Aviv have entrance fees of around $10 to $15.

If you’re interested in nature and outdoor activities, you can explore the beautiful Masada fortress or hike in the stunning landscapes of the Negev Desert. National parks and nature reserves in Israel usually charge entrance fees of around $5 to $10 per person.

Another popular destination is the Dead Sea, where you can float in its salt-rich waters and enjoy mud baths. Access to the public beaches at the Dead Sea is usually free, but if you want to visit one of the private beach resorts, you may have to pay a fee of around $20 to $30.

It’s also worth considering any guided tours or excursions you may want to join during your trip. The cost of guided tours depends on the duration and the specific activity, ranging from $50 for a half-day tour to a few hundred dollars for a multi-day excursion.

Remember to allocate some budget for souvenirs and shopping as well. Israel is known for its unique crafts, artisanal products, and traditional souvenirs, which you can find in local markets and tourist shops throughout the country.

Overall, the cost of sightseeing and activities in Israel can vary depending on your preferences and the specific attractions you choose to visit. By planning ahead and prioritizing your must-see sights, you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories without overspending.

Visa and Travel Insurance Costs

Before traveling to Israel, it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary documentation in place. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter the country. Fortunately, many nationalities are entitled to a free tourist visa upon arrival, which is valid for a stay of up to 90 days.

However, it’s important to check the visa requirements for your specific country of origin to ensure a smooth entry into Israel. If you are planning to stay in Israel for longer than the allotted visa-free period, you will need to apply for a visa in advance through the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa fees vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you require.

Travel insurance is another crucial aspect to consider when planning your trip to Israel. While it’s not mandatory to have travel insurance, it is highly recommended to cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancelations or delays, and lost or stolen belongings.

The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on factors such as your age, duration of the trip, and the coverage you require. On average, travel insurance for a 10-day trip to Israel can range from $30 to $100 per person.

Before purchasing travel insurance, carefully review the policy coverage, exclusions, and any pre-existing condition limitations. It’s also a good idea to compare different insurance providers to ensure you get the best coverage at the most affordable price.

Having appropriate travel insurance provides peace of mind and protects you from potential financial burdens in case of unforeseen circumstances during your trip to Israel.

In summary, make sure to check the visa requirements for your nationality and allocate a budget for any visa fees. Additionally, consider investing in travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected expenses and ensure a worry-free journey.

Additional Expenses

When planning your budget for a 10-day trip to Israel, it’s important to consider additional expenses that may arise during your journey. These miscellaneous costs can vary depending on your personal preferences and travel style.

One common additional expense is tipping. In Israel, it is customary to leave a gratuity of around 10-15% at restaurants and for services such as taxi rides or guided tours. While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated and considered a common courtesy.

If you plan on using your mobile phone during your trip, be aware of potential roaming charges. It’s advisable to check with your mobile provider beforehand to understand their international roaming plans or consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone.

Another expense to consider is souvenirs and gifts. Israel offers a wide range of unique and traditional products that make for great gifts or mementos. Whether it’s jewelry, ceramics, or Dead Sea products, be sure to allocate some budget for shopping during your trip.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to set aside some money for unexpected expenses or emergencies. While we hope nothing goes wrong, having a contingency fund can alleviate stress if any unforeseen situations arise, such as lost belongings or health-related issues.

If you plan to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or visiting national parks, you may need to purchase appropriate gear or equipment. It’s important to factor in the cost of any necessary equipment rentals or purchases.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider the cost of airport transfers to and from your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time and location, you may need to take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer. Researching the options in advance can help you budget accordingly.

By accounting for these additional expenses, you can ensure that you have a comfortable and stress-free trip to Israel without any financial surprises along the way.

Planning a 10-day trip to Israel can be an exciting and enriching experience. By taking the time to understand the various costs involved, you can create a budget that allows you to make the most of your time in this captivating country.

Flight expenses can be a significant part of your budget, but by booking in advance and exploring different airlines and options, you can find affordable fares. Accommodation costs vary depending on your preferences, with options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels and vacation rentals.

Transportation costs in Israel are reasonable, with public transportation offering an efficient and affordable means of getting around. If you prefer more convenience and flexibility, renting a car is also an option to consider.

When it comes to food and dining, Israel offers a delightful culinary experience. From street food to fine dining, there are options to suit all budgets. Sampling local delicacies and exploring the diverse food scene can be an enjoyable part of your journey.

As you explore Israel’s historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural attractions, there may be entrance fees to consider. Planning ahead, prioritizing your must-see sights, and considering any guided tours or excursions can help you stay within your sightseeing and activities budget.

Don’t forget to allocate budget for visa fees and travel insurance, as these are essential aspects of any trip. Finally, accounting for additional expenses, such as tips, souvenirs, and unexpected costs, ensures that you have a well-rounded budget that encompasses all aspects of your trip.

By taking the time to plan and budget accordingly, you can embark on a memorable 10-day adventure in Israel, creating lifelong memories without compromising your financial well-being.

So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and get ready to discover the wonders of Israel!

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Cost of living and prices in Israel, prices of food, rent, shopping, etc 🇮🇱 Updated Jul 2023

Israel, located in Western Asia, is a small but thriving country that boasts of a rich cultural heritage and a high standard of living. The country is bordered by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Despite being a relatively small country with an area of only 20,770 square kilometres, Israel has a population of over 7 million people. Israel is a hub for innovation, technology, and business, with Tel Aviv being one of the most thriving and bustling cities in the world. The country is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine, and vibrant arts and culture scene. With a GDP of $272.7 billion and a high GDP per capita of $37,082, Israel is considered one of the developed countries in the world. The cost of living in Israel varies depending on the city and the lifestyle you choose. While some areas like Tel Aviv can be expensive, you can find more affordable options in suburbs or smaller towns. Additionally, some expenses like healthcare and education are subsidized by the government, making them more affordable. Overall, Israel offers a high quality of life and a unique cultural experience, making it a popular destination for tourists and expats alike.

Cost of Living Estimate in Israel

Total cost of living in Israel for two person with average consumption for one month will be 1629.57 USD , no rent price included. Click here to calculate cost-of-living estimate in Israel

You can calculate cost of living in Israel by changing quantity using input near each good or service. Resulting total will appear in a floating box in the bottom of your screen.

Restaurants prices

Israel is a heaven for food lovers and has something for everyone. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls to explore across the country. The cuisine in Israel is a mix of Jewish, Arabic, and Mediterranean influences, making it an excellent place to experiment with food. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Jewish dishes like falafel, hummus, and shakshuka, or looking for some contemporary fusion cuisine, Israeli restaurants offer a range of options. Tel Aviv is considered the food capital of Israel, and you'll find plenty of restaurants serving up delicious food with a modern twist. However, every city in Israel has its unique culinary identity, and exploring different food cultures adds another dimension to your trip.

Traveling to Israel would be incomplete without sampling its street food. Israeli street food is a treat for foodies, and it’s an affordable way to eat your way through the city. The street food scene is vibrant and diverse, with everything from traditional Middle Eastern fare to international delicacies. In Tel Aviv, don't miss out on the chance to eat from the popular Carmel Market. The market has many stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, and snacks that will tantalize your taste buds. Some of the must-try street foods include shawarma, sabich, and malabi, which are readily available everywhere. Whether dining in a fancy restaurant or eating on the streets, eating in Israel is a delightful gastronomical adventure you won't forget.

Markets prices

Market prices in Israel can be described as high in comparison to other countries around the world. This can be attributed to a number of factors such as the cost of living, high taxes, import fees, and the strong shekel. These high prices can be reflected in a variety of consumer goods such as food, clothing, and electronics, making it difficult for some individuals to make ends meet. However, despite the high prices, Israel is still a popular destination for tourism and business, indicating that the market is able to sustain itself in spite of the challenges.

Despite the high prices, Israel is still an attractive market for businesses and investors. This is due in part to the country's stable economy, high standard of living, and strong innovation sector. Businesses that are able to navigate the high costs and gain a foothold in the market can reap substantial rewards in terms of profitability and growth. Additionally, the government has implemented policies to support entrepreneurship and innovation, making Israel a hub for startups and tech companies. While high prices may be a challenge for consumers, they have not deterred investors from capitalizing on the opportunities that the Israeli market has to offer.

Transportation prices

If you're traveling to Israel, you'll find a range of transportation options that make it easy to get around and explore the country. One of the most popular modes of transportation is the train network, which covers many major cities and tourist sites. You can easily travel between Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and other destinations using the train, which offers comfortable seating, onboard amenities, and scenic views of the passing landscape. If you're looking for a more flexible option, you can rent a car and drive yourself around Israel, enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace. With well-maintained roads and a GPS system, it's easy to navigate the country and see all the sights on your itinerary.

For a unique and memorable transportation experience, consider taking a ride on a camel in Israel. This iconic mode of travel has been used for centuries in the Middle East, and it's still a common form of transportation in some areas. You can book a guided camel ride and explore the stunning desert landscapes of Israel, taking in the sights and sounds of this ancient land. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely bike tour of the country, pedaling through winding streets and charming neighborhoods as you experience Israeli culture up close. Whatever your preferred method of transportation, you'll find plenty of options to explore and enjoy in Israel.

Utilities Per Month prices

Travelers to Israel should be aware of the high cost of utilities in the country. Water and electricity prices are much higher than in most other countries, and visitors should expect to pay more for these basic necessities. Israel's arid climate has led to a higher cost of water, and the country is forced to import much of its electricity, which raises prices.

There are ways for visitors to save on utilities while in Israel, however. Many hotels and rental properties offer room rates that include the cost of utilities, so travelers should always ask about this option before booking. Additionally, visitors can conserve water and electricity by turning off lights and air conditioning when they leave a room, taking shorter showers, and not leaving faucets running unnecessarily. By being mindful of the cost of utilities and taking steps to conserve them, visitors can help to reduce their impact on the environment and save money at the same time.

Sports And Leisure prices

Israel is a wonderful destination for sports enthusiasts and leisure-seekers alike. The country is home to many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming, all in stunning natural settings. Visitors will find numerous trails and parks to explore, each with its unique character, whether it's the forests of the Galilee or the beaches along the Mediterranean coast. Adventurers can experience whitewater rafting, kayaking, and even cave exploring in the country's beautiful water systems.

For those who enjoy more organized sports, Israel offers several options, including tennis, golf, and soccer. The country hosts international tournaments in these and other sports that are well worth watching. Israel is also known for its martial arts, with many training centers offering classes for all skill levels. If you're looking for something more relaxed, there are many leisure activities to enjoy, like shopping in bustling markets or indulging in spa treatments. Whatever your interests are, Israel guarantees an exciting and memorable experience for everyone.

Salaries And Financing prices

Salaries and financing in Israel can vary greatly depending on the industry and job. The tech industry is booming in Israel, with many of the world's largest tech companies having offices or headquarters in cities such as Tel Aviv. Salaries in the tech industry tend to be higher than in other industries, although the cost of living in places like Tel Aviv can be quite high as well. However, other industries such as healthcare and education also offer competitive salaries, and many companies offer benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

When it comes to financing in Israel, the country has a well-developed banking system with many options for travelers. ATMs can be found throughout the country and it's easy to exchange foreign currency at banks or exchange bureaus. Credit cards are widely accepted, although it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Israel uses the shekel as its currency, which may not be familiar to travelers from outside of the Middle East. However, many businesses will accept US dollars or Euros as well.

Childcare prices

Childcare prices in Israel can be quite steep, especially when it comes to schools and Kindergartens. The cost of education in Israel is among the highest in the developed world, and parents can expect to pay a premium for quality care. That being said, the high price tag often comes with top-notch facilities, experienced staff, and a high standard of learning. Many schools and Kindergartens in Israel offer specialized programs and activities to enhance the learning experience, such as language classes, sports teams, and music lessons.

Despite the high cost of childcare in Israel, many parents still prioritize providing their children with the best possible education. Schools and Kindergartens in the country are highly sought after, and parents often have to apply early to secure a spot for their child. While the price tag may seem daunting at first, many parents find that the long-term benefits of a quality education more than make up for the initial investment. In Israel, education is seen as a top priority, and parents are willing to go to great lengths to ensure that their children receive the best possible start in life.

Clothing And Shoes prices

Israel is a country with a vibrant fashion industry and a diverse range of clothing and footwear options. The prices of clothes and shoes in Israel vary depending on the brand, quality, and style. You can find many international clothing and shoe brands, as well as local Israeli designers. Malls and shopping centers are popular places to buy clothes and shoes, while open-air markets and small boutiques are popular options for unique and trendy styles. You can also find second-hand clothing stores and websites for those looking for more budget-friendly options. Whether you prefer high-end designer brands or streetwear, Israel has plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets.

When it comes to shopping for shoes in Israel, there is a vast array of choices, from athletic shoes to elegant heels and everything in between. From local Israeli shoe brands to international luxury labels, you can find it all. Shopping centers and shoe stores are a go-to for those looking for new shoes, while markets and online platforms are a great option for finding unique and vintage styles. With so many options, it's easy to find shoes that fit your style and budget. So, whether you're in the market for a new pair of sneakers or a chic pair of boots, Israel is sure to have what you're looking for.

Rent Per Month prices

For those looking for short-term rental options in Israel, there are numerous options available to choose from. From apartments and vacation homes to hotel suites, Israel has a wide range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference. Whether you're looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Tel Aviv or a cozy getaway in the countryside, you're sure to find something that meets your needs.

Short-term rental prices in Israel can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose. However, it's important to keep in mind that Israel is known for being a relatively expensive destination. Nevertheless, with some careful planning, it's possible to find a great deal on short-term rentals in Israel. Some of the factors that may impact the price include location, seasonality, and amenities. So, it's important to carefully consider your budget and needs to find the best short-term rental option for your stay in Israel.

Buy Apartment prices

Israel offers a wide range of real estate buying options to meet the needs of every type of buyer. Whether you are looking for a small apartment in the city or a large villa on the outskirts, you will find a diverse range of properties to choose from. Additionally, investors have the option to purchase commercial properties like office buildings, hotels, and retail spaces.

Israel's real estate market is known for its high prices, particularly in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. However, the market has seen some fluctuations in recent years and may present opportunities for buyers looking to enter the market at a more affordable price point. Prices of real estate in Israel are influenced by various factors including location, amenities, and property type. Despite the high prices, Israel remains a popular destination for both local and foreign investors thanks to its strong economy and political stability.

Cost of living in cities of Israel

• Be'er Sheva
• Bet Shemesh
• Hod Hasharon
• Kiryat Bialik
• Kiryat Motzkin
• Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut
• Petah Tikva
• Ramat Hasharon
• Rishon LeTsiyon
• Tel Aviv-Yafo
• Yokne'am Illit
• Zikhron Ya'akov
• Sde Yitzhak
• Rosh Haayin
• Pardes Hanna-Karkur
• Qiryat Shemona
• Mitzpe Ramon
• Galeel Elion
• Gush Etzion
• Kiryat Tiv'on
• Tirat Carmel
• Kfar Ha-Oranim

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How Much Does It Cost to Visit Israel

16 march 2024.

Israel on a Dime: Navigating the Costs of an Unforgettable Journey Founded in 1997, Magnificent Travel (Macera Tur Turizm Seyahat Acentasi Ltd Sti) has established itself as a leading tour operator and travel agency in Turkey, specializing in crafting private, small group, and cultural tours not just within Turkey but also to enchanting destinations like Egypt, Greece, Morocco, Jordan, and Israel. With a commitment to providing unique travel experiences, Magnificent Travel offers a blend of guided sightseeing and leisure time, allowing travelers to explore the major sites with expert guides while also enjoying moments for personal discovery.

Understanding Travel Costs to Israel

Exploring Israel, a land brimming with historical significance and natural beauty, can be a transformative experience. Yet, many travelers ponder over the financial aspect of such a journey. This section aims to unravel the mystery surrounding the How Much Does It Cost to Visit Israel , ensuring that your adventure is not just memorable but also well within your financial reach.

Firstly, accommodation is a major component of travel expenses. Israel offers a wide range of lodging options, from luxury hotels in bustling cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to quaint guesthouses in historical locations such as Nazareth and Safed. Budget travelers can find hostels and camping sites, particularly in scenic areas like the Galilee and the Negev Desert. Prices vary significantly depending on location, season, and the level of comfort desired. Early booking and off-season travel can lead to substantial savings, allowing you to experience the wonders of Israel without overspending.

Transportation within Israel is another important factor to consider. The country boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and light rail services, which can be a cost-effective way to explore different regions. Renting a car provides greater flexibility but comes with additional costs such as fuel and parking fees, especially in larger cities. Planning your routes and leveraging daily or weekly passes can optimize your travel budget while ensuring you cover all the sights on your itinerary.

When it comes to dining, Israel is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a delightful array of culinary experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets. Street food, such as falafel and shawarma, provides tasty and affordable meal options, while upscale restaurants offer the chance to indulge in gourmet dishes. Visiting local markets, like the famous Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem, not only allows you to sample fresh, local produce but also offers a vibrant glimpse into Israeli culture.

Lastly, sightseeing in Israel can range from free historical sites and public beaches to paid entrances for well-known attractions like the Tower of David or the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Many museums and sites offer discounts for students, seniors, and children, so it’s worth researching in advance. Additionally, considering city passes or guided tour packages can provide value for money, combining multiple attractions at a reduced rate.

Planning your trip to Israel with these factors in mind can help you manage your finances effectively, ensuring that your journey through this historic land is both enriching and economical. By making informed choices, you can immerse yourself in the diverse beauty and heritage of Israel, creating memories that will last a lifetime, all while adhering to your budget

Airfare and Transportation

The first step in planning your Israeli adventure is understanding the airfare. Prices can vary significantly based on your departure point, the season, and how far in advance you book. On average, international travelers can expect to spend a considerable part of their budget on flights. However, Magnificent Travel leverages its extensive network of local suppliers to offer competitive rates and options that mitigate these costs.

Once in Israel, getting around is facilitated by an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains, with costs that are pleasantly manageable. For those who prefer a more structured experience, Magnificent Travel provides access to private Israel tours with transportation included, ensuring a seamless journey across this historic land.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation in Israel ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and everything in between. Prices fluctuate based on location, with major cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv being on the higher end. Magnificent Travel offers curated accommodation options that strike a balance between comfort and cost, ensuring a restful end to each day of your exploration.

Daily Expenses

When budgeting for daily expenses such as meals, entry fees to attractions, and souvenirs, a realistic daily budget can vary. Israel offers a wide range of culinary experiences from street food to fine dining, catering to every palate and budget. Magnificent Travel’s guided tours often include some meals and entry fees, allowing for a more controlled budget.

Unique Experiences

Israel is home to unique experiences that are worth the extra expense, such as floating in the Dead Sea, exploring the ancient fortresses of Masada, or walking through the historical streets of Jerusalem. These experiences, often included in Magnificent Travel’s tours, enrich your journey, providing a deeper understanding and connection to the land.

Maximizing Your Experience with Magnificent Travel

Choosing Magnificent Travel for your Israeli adventure means embarking on a journey where every detail is carefully considered to maximize your experience within your budget. Our tours are designed to offer a comprehensive exploration of Israel, from its ancient history and cultural heritage to its natural wonders, ensuring a balance of guided sightseeing and personal leisure time and How Much Does It Cost to Visit Israel .

Tailor-Made Itineraries

Understanding that every traveler is unique, Magnificent Travel specializes in tailor-made itineraries that reflect your interests and budget. Whether you’re drawn to the religious significance of the Holy Land, the bustling markets of Tel Aviv, or the serene landscapes of the Galilee, we craft your journey to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Expert Guidance

Our tours are led by expert guides who provide insightful commentary on the history and culture of Israel, enriching your understanding and making each site visit more meaningful. With Magnificent Travel, you’re not just visiting; you’re engaging with the essence of Israel.

Visiting Israel is an experience that offers both historical depth and modern vibrancy. With Magnificent Travel, navigating the costs associated with such a journey becomes a part of the adventure, not a barrier. Our expertise and personalized approach ensure that your visit to Israel is not just a trip but a journey of discovery, comfort, and unforgettable memories, all tailored to fit your budget and exceed your expectations.

Fascinating tours in Israel The best Israel tours Day Tours, Private Tours, Israel Tour Packages , and much more.. Best Guides. Loyal Service. Easy Booking.

Insight Tribune

Ignite Your Mind and Illuminate Your World

Travel Insurance for Israel During COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a challenging experience. With countries imposing travel restrictions and entry requirements, it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and safe journey. If you’re planning to visit Israel during COVID-19, it’s crucial to understand the travel insurance requirements and what you need to consider before your trip.

Introduction

Israel is a popular destination for travelers worldwide, known for its cultural and historical landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities. However, traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic requires extra precautions, including securing the right travel insurance. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about travel insurance for Israel during COVID-19.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for Israel During COVID-19

In Israel, all foreign travelers are required to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related medical expenses. The Israeli government has set specific guidelines for travel insurance coverage, including hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and repatriation expenses. Without adequate coverage, you may face significant financial burdens in case of unexpected medical emergencies.

Moreover, travel insurance can provide additional benefits such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage loss or delay coverage. Suppose you need to cancel your trip due to COVID-19-related issues such as illness or travel restrictions. In that case, travel insurance can help you recover non-refundable expenses such as flight tickets, hotel bookings, and tour packages.

What to Look for in Travel Insurance for Israel During COVID-19

When selecting travel insurance for Israel during COVID-19, you should ensure that your policy meets the following requirements:

– COVID-19 medical coverage: Your travel insurance policy should cover COVID-19-related medical expenses, including testing, diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalization. – Repatriation coverage: If you need to be evacuated or transported back to your home country due to COVID-19 complications or travel restrictions, your travel insurance policy should cover the associated expenses. – Trip cancellation and interruption coverage: If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to COVID-19-related issues, your travel insurance policy should reimburse non-refundable expenses.

It’s also essential to read the policy’s terms and conditions carefully, including the exclusions and limitations.

Where to Buy Travel Insurance for Israel During COVID-19

You can purchase travel insurance for Israel from various providers, including travel agencies, insurance brokers, and online insurance companies. When comparing insurance policies, you should consider the coverage, premiums, deductibles, and customer service quality. Check the policy’s fine print to ensure that it meets the Israeli government’s guidelines on travel insurance coverage.

Conclusion: Traveling to Israel During COVID-19

In summary, if you’re planning to visit Israel during COVID-19, you should prioritize securing travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related medical expenses, repatriation, trip cancellation, and interruption. Make sure to read the policy’s terms and conditions carefully and ensure that it meets the Israeli government’s travel insurance requirements. By doing so, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free trip to Israel, knowing that you’re protected financially against unexpected events.

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Cost of Living in Israel

How much does it cost to live in israel.

Before venturing to Israel , you should know that this is a first-world economy, and costs in total will probably be about what they would be for a trip to Europe or the US.

It’s recommendable to know that upfront and not be unpleasantly surprised when you arrive.

Generally, as everywhere, it really depends a lot on your lifestyle and what your priorities are – and therefore what you can save.

The most expensive living item in Israel is the rent, everything else is pretty reasonable.

Spending around $2000/month is realistic as a fairly minimal budget.

Israel : Cost of Living by City

• Tel Aviv-Yafo

RESTAURANTS

Be very smart about your money and you can save up a huge amount.

For instance, when eating out, never order bottled water.

Tap water is safe and drinkable; everyone drinks it.

No need to waste money on bottled water as a matter of course.

You should also know that lunch/dinner prices are pretty much the same, so if you want to save up, just avoid the top upscale restaurants.

Purchasing in a grocery store or a market is the best way to enjoy a variety of food and healthy groceries.

Fresh veggies and fruit are always available at a low price, and you can also find cold cuts, a variety of cheeses, and even ready-made food like roasted chicken that costs much less than in a restaurant.

TRANSPORTATION

Generally speaking, though it is expensive, it is very easy to get around using public transport, without knowing a word of Hebrew.

However, keep in mind that public transport is designed to serve the needs of local residents, not tourists, so you won’t find frequent bus service to wherever you want to go.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Utilities are rather expensive in Israel, amounting to almost 240$ a month for basic ones like electricity, water, cooling, heating, and garbage services.

Internet, however, compared to this and especially compared to other countries, is relatively cheap, costing around 30$ a month.

SPORTS & LEISURE

Indulging in sports and leisure in Israel is far from cheap.

It is on par with UK standards, so if you want to go to a fitness club in this country, the average is around 72$, while renting a tennis court costs 20$ an hour.

Leisure is no cheaper either, with cinema tickets costing around 13$ each.

CLOTHING & SHOES

Brand-name clothes usually have the same prices as in the rest of Europe which are generally higher than in the US.

For example, Levi’s costs about $90.02.

As for locally made clothes, the problem for tourists anywhere is finding the good, cheap locations where the locals shop so you have to buy at mass chain stores for prices of around 60.90$.

RENT PER MONTH

Rent is extremely high in Israel, almost as high as in Ireland (which is infamous for enormously expensive rent).

The average price of rent, for an apartment outside of the city center rented by one or two people, is around 956.53$, and for one inside the city center around 1,181.36$.

Cost of Living Averages Table for Israel

How does the average person spend their money in israel.

In Israel, like in most countries, the biggest chunk of the paycheck gets spent on food, in markets or grocery stores.

The next huge expense is rent, since, as mentioned it is ridiculously expensive in this country.

Restaurants take up the next spot on the list, since food can get pretty pricey, and this goes for transportation too.

As usual, the smallest amount of money is spent on clothes and accessories, while sports and leisure take up as much as 6% of all expenses.

Average Costs Breakdown

Israel: average salary, minimum wage & mortgages.

Those that get a minimum wage of about 1,706.4$ might have a hard time making ends meet or covering all expenses, especially if they’re renting an apartment in such an expensive country.

However, the average monthly net salary is pretty high, and though their expenses are high too, an average citizen of Israel can live comfortably and have no problem earning for a living.

Of course, those renting an apartment will always have a harder time paying off their bills and rent, but generally speaking, Israel has a high living standard.

Israel Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Israel Safety Review

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Cost of Living by City in Israel

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Are foreign trips a deductible expense in Israel?

• January 22, 2024

A company needs to promote its business abroad. Can travel be a deductible expense in Israel?

It's often necessary for a company to travel abroad to promote its business. Whether for transactions, business meetings or trade shows, travel is becoming increasingly frequent.

The question is, can foreign travel expenses be "recognized" as a business expense?

This has a direct impact on the amount of  INCOME TAXES  and the amount of social security contributions in Israel. ( Bitouah Léoumi ).

READ ALSO: SIMULATION OF THE BITOUAH LEOUMI OSSEK MOURCHE / OSSEK PATOUR

A brief review of the issues to be addressed:

• Is a trip a deductible expense in Israel?
• Under what conditions?
• Is there a limit to the amount I can spend?
• Can vacations be added to the expenses?

How are foreign travel expenses recognized?

Firstly, it is essential that  travel expenses are directly related to business activities  and that they are necessary to generate revenue.

In other words, you need to have customers abroad. Or that you're looking to develop your business abroad.

This is in line with the objective of article 17 of the Israeli tax code: to be a deductible expense in Israel, the expense must be intended to help generate income for the company.

READ ALSO: TAX IN ISRAEL: ONLINE SIMULATION.

Here are a few examples:

1. Travel expenses abroad to study the latest developments and production techniques in which the taxpayer is involved.

In this case, the expense will be recognized.

2. Foreign travel expenses that are part of day-to-day operations, such as: travel to provide services to customers abroad; or travel required to complete a transaction.

Here too, the expense will generally be booked as a deductible charge in Israel.

3. Travel to buy equipment.

The expense will not be booked.

In this case, the cost of travel for the purchase of equipment must be added to the equipment purchased. We therefore add the cost of the ticket and other expenses (see below) to the price of the merchandise.

4. Travel expenses abroad for the preparation of a new company patent or business expansion, such as research, development or customer prospecting.

The income tax interpretation in this case is that the expense will be recognized as a capital loss, and the charges will be non-deductible.

5. If a document or declaration is submitted which could have been completed without travelling abroad, the expense will not be charged.

For example  The signature of a contract instead of an electronic signature.

What do I need to provide in order to recognize the expense of a trip abroad?

In order to prove that foreign travel expenses are "real", the following information must be provided:

• Travel destination.
• Purpose of the trip.
• Number of days abroad.
• The sum of the various expenses, itemized and broken down by type of expense. For this, we recommend a doh nessiote lehoul - foreign travel declaration.
• Details of accommodation expenses.
• Collect receipts and invoices for airline tickets.

What amounts are expensed when airline tickets are purchased?

• Economy / business class flights - 100% of the ticket price.
• First class flight - 100% of business class fare.

What amounts will be counted as accommodation expenses?

• If you are traveling abroad for less than 90 nights:

1. For the first 7 days of accommodation - up to 346 $ per night. 2. From the 8th night

- If the expense is less than 152 $, the entire expense will be booked.

- If the expense exceeds 260 $, the expense will be recognized at the rate of 75% with a minimum of 152 $.

• When traveling abroad, for a stay of more than 90 nights

Up to 152 $ per night.

How much is the daily flat rate granted by the tax authorities in Israel - without the need for receipts?

• If accommodation is required - up to 97 $ per day. (This amount is added to the cost of accommodation).
• If no accommodation is required - up to 162 $ per day.

How much will I have to pay in expenses when leasing a vehicle abroad?

The amount to be booked as a car rental expense can be as high as 76 $ per day.

In some countries, the above-mentioned maximum limit will be increased by 125%.

The countries are as follows:

Greece, Australia, Luxembourg, Italy, Norway, Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Angola, Finland, Belgium , France Korea, Denmark, Cameroon, Hong Kong, Sweden, United Kingdom , Switzerland and Taiwan.

So if no accommodation is required - up to 202 $ per day.

What is the exchange rate for foreign currency expenses?

The dollar exchange rate on the day the expense was paid is the exchange rate on which the expense will be determined in Shekels.

Important to know!

Charges recognized even when they concern a company employee. Foreign travel expenses will be recognized for tax purposes if they have been expended for the production of income, even if they were issued by the employer's employees.

Appropriate receipts must be enclosed in such cases, such as:

• accommodation,
• plane tickets,
• travel expenses.

Documents including expenses for accompanying persons must be printed and displayed separately.

If the cost of accommodation also includes payment for meals, you will be asked to provide proof of these expenses:

• passenger's name,
• the travel destination (each country separately),
• the purpose of the trip,
• business days abroad: Business Days.
• And the amount spent on each expense item.

Traveling longer? Don't panic: there's compensation for your children's education

If the taxpayer is abroad for a continuous period of more than ten months, he is entitled to education expenses for the upbringing of his children under age 18 during the tax year.

In a nutshell:

Companies needing to travel abroad can claim many of their travel expenses, thereby significantly reducing their taxes and social security contributions.

Your questions - our advice

• Is the calculation the same for an Ole Hadash?
• What is tax optimization for an Olé Hadash who travels a lot?
• When can I claim my travel expenses?
• Can an employee of a foreign employer also recognize his travel abroad?
• What happens if I travel abroad for Business but I'm also traveling with my family?

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War in Gaza has plunged Israel’s tourism industry into a crisis it will struggle to recover from

PhD Candidate in Sociology, University College Dublin

Disclosure statement

Samuel Scanlon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University College Dublin provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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On a warm evening in April 2023, I sat outside a café in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City and enjoyed a drink with friends. An exuberant American tourist sat at the table next to us and excitedly told us about his day.

Apparently, a chance encounter with the Patriarch of Jerusalem had led to him accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the Holy Fire Ceremony, Orthodox Christianity’s most significant event of the year.

This scene was being repeated by innumerable people in countless places throughout the city. The details change, but the significance of their authentic, spiritual experience carried through them all.

The significance of the “Holy Land” cannot be underestimated for the faithful. For more than 2,000 years it has been one of the world’s most significant pilgrimage sites. In modern times this has provided the foundation for a lucrative tourism industry worth a reported US$8.46 billion (£6.73 bn) for Israel and US$1 billion for Palestine in 2019.

But since October tourists have not been able to access the region at all. Most major airlines have suspended travel to Israel over concerns of safety, and governments around the world have advised their citizens against travelling there. Standard travel insurance packages also no longer include cover for people travelling to the region.

Beyond economic development, tourism plays a significant political role in the region. The Zionist movement, which led to the creation of Israel in 1948, recognised early that tourism was an excellent tool to foster global connections and encourage immigration to support the Zionist settlement of Palestine.

This has only increased and expanded over the decades. More recently, it manifests in an expansive industry of pro-Israel evangelical Christian tours and free birthright trips offered to young people of the Jewish diaspora.

For the first half of 2023, I lived in Jerusalem researching the political significance of tourism across the region. I interviewed people working in, advocating for, and being affected by tourism activities. It was a turbulent time as violence has escalated, yet pilgrims and tourists still flocked to the region as the global tourism industry continued to recover following the pandemic.

Having now watched Christmas, Ramadan, Passover and Easter pass, I find myself reflecting on how much has changed in just one year. After seven months of intense violence in the region, the destruction of Gaza, the very visible and ongoing suffering of Palestinians, and an International Court of Justice ruling that Israel’s actions in Gaza could amount to genocide, it cannot possibly return to business as usual.

Grinding to a halt

Tour companies in Palestine and Israel are used to waxing and waning violence resulting in uncertain income due to cancelled trips. They normally operate with a reserve of capital to ensure that they can survive these tough months.

But several of my interviewees revealed that these reserves have been completely depleted throughout the pandemic. Many companies are now in a very precarious position without their safety net as the industry grinds to a halt.

Some have reacted quickly, offering tours to diplomats and journalists – the only international visitors remaining in the region. But this can do little to staunch the bleeding industry and many, if not most, of these companies will no longer exist when tourism is finally able to return to the region.

Israel’s most steadfast allies are also beginning to waver in their support for the assault on Gaza. Mass student protests across infamously pro-Israel American universities, calls for boycott, divestment and sanctions, and an uncensorable social media advocacy and solidarity movement , make the future outlook for Israel’s tourism industry bleak, both as a generator of revenue and a Zionist political tool.

There will eventually exist a tourist audience in the future. But the receptiveness of this audience to a Zionist narrative is questionable.

International supporters of Israel are becoming aware of the violent settler-colonial aspect of Zionism . Many are being swayed to support Palestine along with vast swaths of the global population who had never spared a thought for Israel or Palestine before October. And the average tourist or pilgrim is now aware of the propagandist language and framing of narrative that previously they would have accepted at face value and never questioned.

The global surge of support for Palestinians may transition to these people wishing to visit and meet them to show solidarity and witness the suffering and oppression with their own eyes. Israel has effectively destroyed one of its historically most effective tools in the continuation of its settler project by destroying Gaza for the world to see.

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Israel’s US-Bound Travel and Tourism Market 2024

The United States remains a popular destination for the Israeli traveler, with travel expected to grow after Israel’s acceptance into the visa waiver program.

The United States continues to be Israelis’ favorite long-distance destination. In 2023, over 301,000 Israelis traveled to the United States for both business and leisure. The most popular leisure activities Israelis engage in are shopping, sightseeing, and visiting theme parks and museums.  Israel and the United States have strong commercial and trade ties, reflected by the volume of Israeli business travelers frequenting the United States, and represent a significate share of the incoming travel. Notably, many Israelis have relatives living in the U.S. or possess a dual citizenship, Israeli and American, a fact that contributes to the total number of U.S.-bound travel from Israel. There are direct flights from Israel to 9 airports in the United States, operated by United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and the Israeli-owned El Al Airlines. The top five most visited states by Israelis are New York, California, Nevada, Florida, and New Jersey. Israeli travelers are adventurous and open to new destinations; Israelis are closely familiar with U.S. culture and are receptive to marketing campaigns for other top destinations in the United States. In 2023, Israeli tourists spent an average of $2,800 per trip. As the travel and tourism industry continues to recover from the pandemic, as does the economy, the amount of dollars Israeli travelers spend in the U.S. is expected to increase as well. In November 2023, Israel was officially welcomed into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . Through the program Israeli citizens can travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays up to 90 days without a visa.  Israel’s admittance into the VWP is expected to significantly increase travel and tourism from Israel to the United States, with some experts estimating that travel volume will double by 2026. While the Israel-Hamas War has impacted the number of flights to the United States in 2024, operating airlines have reported that existing flights are near full capacity with anticipation that travel numbers will quickly rebound once hostilities have ended.   For more information on promoting the United States as a travel destination in Israel or the Israeli travel and tourism market, please contact Commercial Specialist Inbar Marom at: [email protected] .  

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Travel expenses

You may be looking for:

• Automobile or motor vehicle benefits – Allowances or reimbursements provided to an employee for the use of their own vehicle
• Transportation and airline passes

Content has been updated for clarity, completeness and plain language. No changes were made to the current CRA  administrative policy.

You may provide an allowance or a reimbursement  to your employee to compensate for travel expenses (other than automobile or motor vehicle expenses) they incur in connection with or in the course of their office or employment duties.

On this page

Determine if the employee is required to travel in the course of their employment duties.

You need to determine if the employee was required to travel in the course of their employment duties.

 If you did not require your employee to travel in the course of their employment duties, the allowance or reimbursement provided to your employee is taxable .

 Continue to: Step 5 - Calculate the value to be included on the T4 slip .

If you required your employee to travel in the course of their employment duties, the allowance or reimbursement provided to your employee may not be taxable.

 Continue to: Step 2 - Determine if any exceptions apply to the travel allowance or reimbursement you provide .

Determine if any exceptions apply to the travel allowance or reimbursement you provide

The allowance or reimbursement you provide to your employee for travel expenses may not be taxable if one of the following exceptions apply:

• Your employee works in a remote location
• Your employee works at a special work site, including a work site located in a prescribed zone

 If one of the above exceptions applies, do not continue to next step.

Learn more on the above exceptions using the links depending on your situation.

If one of the above exceptions  does not apply, the travel allowance or reimbursement your employee receives may be taxable.

 Continue to: Step 3 - Determine if the travel allowance or reimbursement is reasonable .

Determine if the travel allowance or reimbursement is reasonable

Generally, the CRA considers an allowance or a reimbursement reasonable if all conditions are met:

If you provide an allowance to your employee for travel expenses, you must consider all of the facts relevant to your employee's situation to determine if the amount of an allowance is reasonable, or in some cases, not greater than a reasonable amount.

To determine if the amount of the allowance is reasonable , you should compare the reasonable costs for travel expense that you would expect your employee to incur against the allowance you pay to the employee for the trip.

The amount for the allowance covers the expenses that you reasonably expect your employee to have to pay and you can justify your position.

If you provide a reimbursement to your employee for travel expenses, you must determine if the amount of the reimbursement is reasonable . The amount for the reimbursement or the accountable advance is considered reasonable if it meets all of the following conditions:

• The amount covers the actual employment-related expenses your employee incurred on your business.
• Your employee kept records and you received a copy to support these amounts.

 If the amount of the travel allowance or reimbursement you provide is not reasonable, the allowance or reimbursement is taxable.

If the amount of the travel allowance or reimbursement you provide is reasonable , the allowance or reimbursement may not be taxable.

 Continue to: Step 4 - Determine if the travel allowance or reimbursement is taxable .

Determine if the travel allowance or reimbursement is taxable

Generally, if you provide an allowance or a reimbursement for travel expenses to an employee who is not required to travel in the course of performing employment duties or for their personal travel , the allowance or reimbursement is taxable. Depending on your situation, the allowance or reimbursement may not be taxable under the Income Tax Act or the CRA's administrative policy .

Non-taxable situation

Under the Income Tax Act (ITA), if you provide an allowance not greater than a reasonable amount (step 3) or a reimbursement to your part-time employee for travel expenses, the allowance or reimbursement is not taxable if all of the following apply:

• Your employee incurs the expenses for travel to and from the part-time job.
• The travel expenses are for expenses other than those incurred in the performance of the duties of the employee’s part-time employment.
• You and your employee are at arm's length .
• Works in a designated educational institution in Canada .
• Provides service to you as a teacher or professor.
• The location of their employment is 80 kilometres or more from their home.
• Employee has other employment or carries on a business outside of their employment with you.
• The location of their employment is 80 kilometres or more from both their home and the place of the other employment or business.
• The amount of the allowance or reimbursement is reasonable (step 3).

A thorough review of the facts in each specific situation must be done to determine if the allowance or reimbursement is taxable. This includes determining that the travel allowance you provided is not greater than a reasonable amount .

Learn more: Income Tax Folio S1-F5-C1, Related persons and dealing at arm's length .

Taxable situation

If the allowance or reimbursement you provide to your employee for travel expenses does not meet all of the conditions above, the allowance or reimbursement is taxable.

Under the Income Tax Act (ITA), if you provide a reasonable allowance or a reimbursement to your employee who is an agent selling property or negotiating contracts or a member of the clergy for travel expenses, the allowance or reimbursement is not taxable if all of the following apply:

• The expenses are related to the performance of their employment duties (step 2).

If the allowance or reimbursement you provide to your employee for travel expenses does not meet all of the conditions above, the allowance or reimbursement is generally taxable.

Under the Income Tax Act (ITA), if you provided an allowance to your employee who is a member of the Canadian Forces for travel expenses, the allowance may not be taxable.

Learn more from the Department of National Defence: Chapter 209 - Transportation and Travelling Expenses .

Under the Income Tax Act (ITA), if you provide a reasonable travel allowance (other than an allowance for the use of a motor vehicle) to your employee for travelling away from the municipality and metropolitan area (if there is one) , the allowance is not taxable if all of the following apply:

• The travel allowance is provided for travel away from the municipality and metropolitan area (if there is one) where your establishment is located and where your employee ordinarily reports.
• The amount of the allowance is reasonable (step 3).

If the allowance you provide to your employee for travel expenses does not meet all of the conditions above, the allowance is generally taxable.

Under the CRA's administrative policy, if you provide a reasonable travel allowance (other than an allowance for the use of a motor vehicle) to your employee for travelling within the municipality and metropolitan area (if there is one) , the allowance is not taxable if all of the following apply:

• The municipality and metropolitan area (if there is one) is where your establishment is located and where your employee ordinarily reports.
• The travel allowance is provided to your employee to perform their duties in a more efficient manner during a work shift.
• Your employee travels away from the office.
• The amount of the allowance is reasonable (step 3), for meal expenses this is generally up to $23 including taxes (higher amounts may be reasonable if the meal cost in a location is higher).
• You can justify your position regarding the amount being reasonable (step 3).
• You are the primary beneficiary of the allowance.
• The travel allowance is not a form of additional remuneration and is not a form of tax avoidance.

This means that you do not have to include this type of travel allowance in your employee’s income if its main reason is so that your employee's duties are performed in a more efficient way during a work shift.

If the allowance you provide to your employee for travel expenses does not meet all of the conditions above, the full amount is taxable.

Under the CRA's administrative policy, if you provide an allowance or reimbursement for travel expenses for a business trip taken by your employee and the expenses are for business-related travel expenses, the allowance or reimbursement is not taxable if all of the following apply:

• The amount of the travel expenses is reasonable (step 3).
• You require the employee’s presence on the business trip to accomplish the business objectives of the trip and this is the main purpose of the trip.
• Your employee spends more than 50% of the time on business-related activities.

If your employee is required to perform employment duties as part of the trip, the amount included in the your employee’s income can be reduced for any employment-related activity.

For example, where a business trip is extended by your employee, only the amount related to the extension of the trip is taxable.

Under the CRA's administrative policy, if you reimburse your employee's spouse or common-law partner for travel expenses, the reimbursement is not taxable if all of the following apply:

• The amount of the travel expenses paid for the spouse is reasonable .
• You requested the spouse or common-law partner to be present on the business trip.
• The spouse or common-law partner was mostly engaged in business-related activities.

If the reimbursement you provide to your employee for travel expenses for your employee’s spouse or common-law partner does not meet all of the conditions above, the reimbursement is generally taxable to the employee.

 If the allowance or reimbursement is not taxable, you do not need to do any calculations.

Do not continue to next step.

• If the allowance or reimbursement is taxable , continue to: Step 5 - Calculate the value to be included on the T4 slip .

Calculate the value to be included on the T4 slip

If the allowance or reimbursement is taxable , the value is equal to:

• Total value of the allowance or reimbursement received or enjoyed
• minus Any amounts your employee reimbursed you  
• equals Value to be included on the T4 slip in box 14 and code 40

The amounts must be included in the pay period they were received or enjoyed.

An employer paid an allowance of $4,000 to his employee for travel expenses. The employee is sent to Toronto in Ontario for 9 days to meet with key partners. Presence is required on all days with free time to tour Toronto at their own expense. The airfare for the employee is $1,300. The hotel cost is $300 per night for 9 nights for a total of $2,700.

The allowance paid by the employer is not taxable because the allowance is for travel expenses in the course of their office or employment duties.

 You do not need to do any calculations.

An employer paid an allowance of $5,200 to his employee for travel expenses. The employee is sent to Niagara Falls in Ontario for 9 days to meet with key partners. The employee requested to stay an additional four nights after the end of the meetings and was allowed to do so by the employer. The extra days resulted in no increased cost for the flights, but four additional nights’ accommodations. Presence is required on all days with free time to tour Niagara Falls at their own expense. The airfare for the employee is $1,300. The hotel cost is $300 per night for 13 nights for a total of $3,900.

• $5,200 is the total value of the travel allowances
• minus $4,000 ($2,700 for 9 nights + $1,300 airfare) is the amount of the travel allowance that is not taxable  
• equals $1,200 (4 nights) is the value of the allowance
• minus $0 because the employee does not reimburse the employer  
• equals $1,200 is the value of the allowance to be included on employee's T4 slip

An employer paid an allowance of $200 monthly ($2,400 yearly) to his part-time employee for travel expenses. The employee is a teacher at a designated educational institution. The school is 60 kilometres from their home.

• $2,400 is the total value of the travel allowances
• equals $2,400 is the value of the allowance to be included on employee's T4 slip

Determine if you need to fill out Form T2200

If the allowance has been included in your employee’s income, your employee may be eligible to deduct employment expenses if certain conditions are met and you may need to fill out Form T2200, Declaration of Conditions of Employment .

It is your employee’s responsibility to claim the expenses on their income tax and benefit return and to keep records to support the claim.

Withhold payroll deductions and remit GST / HST

The withholding and remitting requirement depends on the type of remuneration: cash , non-cash , or near-cash .

You must withhold the following deductions:

Non-cash and near-cash : Option 1

• EI (do not withhold)
• GST/HST in certain situations

Cash : Option 2

Do not remit:

• GST/HST (do not remit)

 Learn how to calculate deductions and the GST/HST to remit : How to calculate - Calculate payroll deductions and contributions .

Report the benefit on a slip

If the benefit is taxable, you must report the following amounts on the T4 slip:

• Box 14 - Employment Income
• Box 26 - CPP/QPP pensionable earnings
• Code 40 - Other Information
• Box 24 - EI insurable earnings

 Learn how to report on a slip: Fill out the slips and summaries - File information returns (slips and summaries) .

Legislation

What is considered reasonable, what is considered reasonable allowance, what is considered reasonable reimbursement, what is a benefit, what is an allowance, what is a reimbursement, what is the cra's administrative policy for the purpose of taxable benefits, page details.

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul flying to Italy, Ireland on taxpayer dime for climate, business events

G ov. Kathy Hochul is jetting overseas on the taxpayers’ dime this week to attend climate and business events in Italy and Ireland.

The jaunt — Hochul’s second overseas trip since she became governor in August 2021 — comes on the heels of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ visit to Vatican City and Rome last week, when he was a guest of a papal foundation.

The first leg of Hochul’s state-funded trip will involve a 15-minute address Thursday at the Vatican about building climate resilience in the Empire State, Politico reported.

Afterward, she will be part of an audience with Pope Francis and other foriegn leaders at the conference on climate change at the Pontifical Academies of Science and Social Science there.

Hochul will then travel to Ireland, where she is scheduled to meet with senior government officials before delivering the keynote address at an economic conference in Killarney.

Her office would not say Tuesday how much the trip will cost, only telling The Post, “Governor Hochul is traveling on official business representing the State of New York in her official capacity as Governor, and therefore State funds will be used for official business.

“Any costs outside normal reimbursable business expenses will be paid for by the Governor’s own personal funds.”

The governor last traveled out of the country — to Israel — in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’ attack Oct. 7.

“Our goal for this trip is simple: strengthen international connections that will create economic opportunities for New Yorkers and a cleaner future for the next generation,” Hochul said in a statement. 

“From fighting the climate crisis to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, New York continues to lead the world with innovative solutions to global challenges.”