Daily travel budget for Israel

I was surprised by how quickly my budget stretched in Israel. Falafel was $6, but a pizza in Tel Aviv was $20, and drinks hit $9 each. The buses were great at $2.50 per ride, but I made the mistake of using taxis too often, paying $12-15 each time. Tips were always 10%. My daily average was $85, though some days spiked to $120 with nightlife or attractions. For planning, I’d say $80-90 daily is realistic for meals, transport, and tips. Israel is incredible, but definitely not cheap.

Meals: $6-8 for falafel or street food, $20-25 for restaurants. Transport: $2-4 buses, $10+ taxis. Tips: 10-15%. Safe daily budget: $70-80 for meals, transport, and tips. Add more for nightlife, as Tel Aviv bars can easily add $40 in a night. Attractions like Masada or museums cost $10-20 each, so factor in $100-120 for special days. Israel is costly compared to its neighbors, but you can reduce expenses with hostels and food markets. For most travellers, $2,400-2,600 covers a month comfortably.

I averaged around $95 per day in Israel. Sit-down meals were $18-25, while drinks in Tel Aviv bars were $10 each. Public transport was easy and inexpensive, with buses at $2-3, but I also used taxis occasionally at $10-15. Tips were 12%. At this budget, I could enjoy proper dinners, café culture, and take day trips to Haifa or the Dead Sea without stress. Israel is amazing, but costs feel European rather than Middle Eastern. $90-100 daily is a safe plan for meals, transport, and tips.

Israel is one of the pricier countries in the region. Street food like falafel and shawarma costs $5-7, while restaurant meals are $15-20 minimum. Buses and trains are affordable at $2-5 for local rides, but taxis start at $7 and climb fast. Tipping is standard at 10-15%. On a tight budget, $55-60 daily is doable if you stick to falafel shops and public transport. However, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv cafés can eat through your money quickly, so plan carefully. For a month, even budget travellers should set aside at least $1,800.