Cost Comparison 2025

New YorkvsTel Aviv

United States
Israel

Overall

💰

-10.0%

New York is 10.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-30.0%

Housing is 30.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-5.0%

Restaurants 5.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-15.0%

Food shopping 15.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between New York, United States and Tel Aviv, Israel reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that New York is more affordable than Tel Aviv by approximately 10.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in New York are higher than in Tel Aviv by 43%. A one-bedroom apartment in New York's city center costs around $3,500, while the same in Tel Aviv is approximately ₪6,000.

Dining out in New York costs about the same compared to Tel Aviv. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $20 in New York versus ₪60 in Tel Aviv.

Public transportation in New York is more affordable, with monthly passes at $127 compared to ₪213 in Tel Aviv.

Purchasing power in New York is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Tel Aviv.

Grocery shopping in New York is more expensive by approximately 18%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in New York can expect to spend approximately $779 per month (excluding rent), while in Tel Aviv, the same lifestyle would cost around ₪2,001. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,727 monthly in New York versus ₪7,004 in Tel Aviv. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
New York, United States
Tel Aviv, Israel

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$3,500
₪6,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,500
₪4,500
3BR City Center
$7,000
₪10,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20
₪60
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$120
₪300
Cappuccino
$6
₪15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$8
₪30

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$2
₪6
Bread (500g)
$4
₪8
Eggs (12)
$5
₪15
Cheese (1kg)
$15
₪50

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
₪6
Monthly Pass
$127
₪213
Taxi Start
$5
₪12
Gasoline (1L)
$1
₪8

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$180
₪550
Internet (60 Mbps)
$70
₪100
Mobile Minute
$0
₪0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Tel Aviv to New York, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from New York to Tel Aviv requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

New York

Cost of Living Index100
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index100

Tel Aviv

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York more expensive than Tel Aviv?

No, New York is approximately 10.0% cheaper than Tel Aviv. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in New York compared to Tel Aviv?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 91% of your Tel Aviv salary when living in New York. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Tel Aviv, you'd need about $45,455 in New York for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between New York and Tel Aviv?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 43%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

New York offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, New York provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider New York if you prioritize earning potential, or Tel Aviv for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for New York vs Tel Aviv?

In New York, a single person needs approximately $3,279 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $7,227. In Tel Aviv, these figures are ₪6,501 for singles and ₪14,504 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between New York and Tel Aviv in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Tel Aviv to maintain your lifestyle from New York

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers