🇮🇱 Tel Aviv vs 🇯🇵 Tokyo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇮🇱
Tel Aviv
Israel
$2,646–$4,190/mo
₪9,800 – ₪15,519 / month (local)
🇯🇵
Tokyo
Japan
$2,708–$4,287/mo
¥404,179 – ¥639,851 / month (local)
Tokyo is 2% more expensive
Tel Aviv wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Tel Aviv (USD) | Tokyo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,985–$3,087 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,047–$1,654 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Utilities | $83–$160 | $85–$164 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Groceries | $419–$628 | $429–$643 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $55–$99 | $56–$102 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Public transport (monthly) | $105–$127 | $107–$130 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Internet & Mobile | $33–$55 | $34–$56 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Gym membership | $39–$72 | $39–$73 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$20 | $16–$20 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,646–$4,190 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 Tel Aviv |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.7 / 10 · 4.9 / 10
Tel Aviv
Tokyo▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Tel Aviv
Tokyo▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Tel Aviv▲ better
Tokyo
Education7.8 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Tel Aviv▲ better
Tokyo
Environment8.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Tel Aviv▲ better
Tokyo
Economy6.9 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Tel Aviv
Tokyo▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Tel Aviv
Tokyo▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Tel Aviv▲ better
Tokyo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Tel Aviv if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Tokyo
- ✓Startup nation
- ✓Beach
- ✓Nightlife
- ✓Cyber
Choose Tokyo if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Tokyo offers vs Tel Aviv
- ✓Safety
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Finance
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Full Tel Aviv guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Tel Aviv →📊
Full Tokyo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Tokyo →