Cost of living in israel

Matzot, vegetables, and a washing machine: Passover 2026 marks a new era of Israeli consumerism

The pre-Passover shopping season begins, highlighting a key trend: Expensive and complex products, led by electrical appliances, are rapidly moving into food retail chains.

"Consumers are shifting from category-based buying to choosing what’s cheapest, closest, and most convenient."
Finance Minister and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 16, 2026.

Business owners protest at Knesset as Smotrich raises Israel's import tax exemption

FORMER PRIME MINISTER Naftali Bennett addresses the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Naftali Bennett's big comeback: Can the ex-PM return from political hiatus to topple Netanyahu?

ISRAELI POLITICIAN Bezalel Smotrich is seen before President Donald Trump speaks to the Knesset, on October 13, 2025 in Jerusalem.

Two protesters held outside Religious Zionist Party offices amid budget, cost-of-living tension


Are Israel’s import standards too high for its own good?

The government wants to reform Israel’s import standards – but is there any hope for success while the Standards Institution stands in the way?

 RIDICULOUS: HEINZ introduced ketchup in 1876, but the product’s labeling has been downgraded in Israel to ‘tomato seasoning’ by the SII.

Is Israel’s notorious cost of living really that high?

A slew of economic factors have landed the Jewish state in a fairly expensive position – but how does it compare to other countries?

 ‘In nearly every category, Israelis can buy a lot less with their incomes than the average person in the OECD’

Local, regional authorities file High Court petition against 'Arnona Law'

Israeli authorities have argued that the "Arnona Law" could harm citizens and have detrimental economic effects on numerous localities.

 New Israeli Shekel banknotes and coins are seen in this picture illustration taken November 9, 2021.

Good news for drivers: Gas prices will remain stable, for now

Since April 2022, when gas prices rose worldwide, temporary provisions have been continuously used to reduce the price.

 Illustration image of a man fueling his car at a gas station, in Jerusalem, on June 28, 2022.

Israeli public becoming less optimistic about national security - poll

The Israeli Voice Index found that most Israelis are dissatisfied with the government's handling of nearly every field.

 IDF soldiers cast their votes in a ballot box of the Golan Brigade 474 for Israel's general election at the Sa'ar military base in central Golan Heights on November 1, 2022.

2023 summer trends: From unique accommodations to popular flavors, fashion

Discover the latest trends sweeping the nation, from innovative accommodations to mouthwatering ice cream flavors and stylish fashion statements.

View of the sky from an airplane window

Temperatures are rising, and so is the cost of McDonald's ice cream

With yet another price hike for the fast food chain, it's not just the sudden cold of biting into ice cream that will give you a headache.

A food delivery man waits outside a McDonalds restaurant in Tel Aviv. April 18, 2020

Israel's Health, Finance ministries to freeze rise in medication prices

In order to freeze the price increase, Israeli law requires the approval of the finance and health ministers, as well as the ratification of the Health Committee.

 An ultra-orthodox haredi Jewish man shops for medicine at the local pharmacy in Tzfat, Northern Israel

Netanyahu must focus on lowering Israel's cost of living - editorial

We can only hope that the prime minister and his new committee will use this opportunity to focus on seriously tackling the issue that clearly tops the national agenda for most Israelis.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads the government's weekly government meeting.

Why are dairy products so expensive, and is there a shortage?

According to the CEO of Milk Producers Association, the dairy shortage isn’t connected to the rising costs, and should be temporary.

 Is the price of milk in Israel only going to continue to rise? (illustrative)