Israel is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern innovation, where millennia-old religious sites meet vibrant contemporary culture. From the golden Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem to the bustling beaches of Tel Aviv and the otherworldly landscapes of the Dead Sea, this small Mediterranean nation offers extraordinary diversity.
Local currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS / ₪); 1 USD ≈ 3.65-3.80 ILS (check current rate).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Israel.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- 90-130 ILS ($25-35)
- Budget
- 150-250 ILS ($40-68)
- Midrange
- 350-550 ILS ($95-150)
- Luxury
- 700 ILS+ ($190+)
Food
- Street
- 15-35 ILS ($4-10) for falafel, hummus, burekas
- Local
- 35-60 ILS ($10-16) at market restaurants
- Midrange
- 80-150 ILS ($22-41) at sit-down restaurants
- Fine
- 250 ILS+ ($68+) per person at top restaurants
Transport
- Bus
- 5.90 ILS ($1.60) city bus with Rav-Kav card
- Taxi
- 30-60 ILS ($8-16) for a typical city ride
- Airport
- 50-300 ILS ($14-81) from Ben Gurion depending on mode
- Daytrip
- 80-180 ILS ($22-49) by bus or organized tour
Activities
- Museum
- 45-70 ILS ($12-19) for Israel Museum, Yad Vashem free
- Sites
- 45-65 ILS ($12-18) for Masada, Caesarea, Bet She'an
- Tour
- 150-300 ILS ($41-82) for guided day tours
- Excursion
- 300-550 ILS ($82-150) for organized multi-site day trips
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Israel costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$350-490/week
Midrange traveller
$840-1400/week
Luxury traveller
$2450+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Get a Rav-Kav rechargeable transit card for discounted fares on all buses and trains - saves 10-20% versus cash fares
Eat your main meal at lunch when many restaurants offer lunch specials (prix fixe menus) at significant discounts versus dinner
Hummus joints and falafel bars (hummusiot) provide incredibly filling and nutritious meals for under 40 ILS ($11) - they are not just budget options but the best of Israeli cuisine
Supermarkets like Shufersal, Victory, and Rami Levy have excellent deli sections with Israeli salads, rotisserie chicken, and prepared foods at a fraction of restaurant prices
Museum combination tickets (Israel Museum + Bible Lands + Bloomfield Science Museum) offer significant savings over individual entry fees
Airbnb and apartment rentals with kitchens save substantially on food costs - Israel's excellent supermarkets stock everything for self-catering
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
The world's most important Holocaust memorial and museum is free to visit. The main museum, Hall of Names, and extensive outdoor sculpture garden require a full half-day minimum.
Western Wall Plaza
Visiting the holiest accessible site in Judaism, placing prayers in the ancient stones, and observing the Shabbat candlelighting ceremony is completely free.
Tel Aviv Beaches
Miles of Mediterranean beaches from Jaffa to Herzliya with lifeguards, shower facilities, and public access at no cost. The beach promenade (tayelet) stretches 14km.
Bahá'í Gardens Haifa
The stunning 19 terraced gardens descending Mount Carmel are free to visit, though timed entry tickets must be reserved in advance online.
Mahane Yehuda Market Browsing
Jerusalem's legendary market is free to browse and absorb. The atmosphere, smells, and people-watching are a cultural experience without spending a shekel.
Old City of Jerusalem Walking
The four quarters of the Old City - Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Armenian - can be explored on foot for free. Entry to the Western Wall Plaza is free.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art (Tuesday Evenings)
Israel's premier art museum offers free admission every Tuesday evening from 6-9 PM, including access to all permanent collections.
Ramon Crater Overlook
The spectacular overlook at Mitzpe Ramon into the world's largest erosion crater is free. The short walk along the crater rim trail costs nothing.
Beit HaTfutsot (Museum of the Jewish People)
The recently renovated Diaspora Museum at Tel Aviv University dramatically redesigned to modern standards is free for Israeli residents and students; nominal fee for others.
Nahalat Binyamin Arts Market
Tel Aviv's twice-weekly (Tuesday and Friday) street market of Israeli artists and craftspeople is free to browse and creates a charming atmosphere in the pedestrian street.