Kfar Saba may be the Israeli city with the highest overall quality of life, according to research published by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics on Monday.
Using 56 distinct quality of life indicators, the researchers ranked the 18 largest Israeli cities: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beersheba, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Bat Yam, Herzliya, Hadera, Holon, Haifa, Jerusalem, Kfar Saba, Netanya, Petah Tikva, Rishon Lezion, Rehovot, Ramat Gan, and Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
Kfar Saba ranked highest in most categories, including job satisfaction, life expectancy, satisfaction with parks and green spaces, quietness, and general trust in others. In 2024, the year the data were collected, the city also reported no fatal traffic accidents.
Meanwhile, Ramat Gan led in employment and high school graduation rates and had the lowest infant mortality rate. Herzliya reported the highest median household income, the lowest housing density, and the most trust in the legal system.
According to the CBC, Petah Tikva's overall quality-of-life score rose, with residents reporting the highest satisfaction with their work-life balance. Similarly, Netanya's overall score increased, and residents reported the highest satisfaction with their income.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa rose in 2024 to the group of cities with the highest overall quality-of-life indicators, with the highest percentage of residents in jobs with potential for advancement and the lowest percentage of people engaged in long-term employment.
In contrast, Beit Shemesh, Rishon Lezion, and Haifa all fell from the top group to the group with medium overall quality-of-life scores.
Beersheba had the highest percentage of affordable housing, per the CBC report.
Overall safety, depression rates, and water quality
Regarding community and safety, Bnei Brak residents reported feeling safest at night, and the city also had the highest percentage of citizens voting in national elections. They also reported the highest confidence in their own health, ability to cope with problems, sense of appreciation from family members, satisfaction with life, and sense of safety online.
Similarly, Bat Yam reported the lowest depression rates and the highest satisfaction with public transportation and commute time.
Finally, Jerusalem had the highest reported drinking water quality, and residents reported the fewest new cases of malignant tumors.