Cost of Living: Israel vs Singapore

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Israel and Singapore.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Israel is 60.1% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Transportation, where costs are 67.0% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $40 in Israel for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Transportation 67.0%

Israel is 67.0% cheaper

Rent Per Month 63.4%

Israel is 63.4% cheaper

Property Prices 57.4%

Israel is 57.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 60.1%

Israel is 60.1% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Household Utilities +54.1%
  • Restaurants +22.4%
  • Clothing And Shoes +12.8%

Is Israel cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Israel is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Israel are 60.1% lower than in Singapore.

Where Israel is cheaper:

  • Transportation 67.0% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 63.4% cheaper
  • Property Prices 57.4% cheaper

Where Israel is more expensive:

  • Household Utilities 54.1% more expensive
  • Restaurants 22.4% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 12.8% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Israel: 21.06 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
93.2% more expensive in Israel

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Israel: 1,179.32 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
62.5% cheaper in Israel

Monthly public transport pass

Israel: 66.27 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
29.1% cheaper in Israel

1 liter of milk

Israel: 1.97 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
34.6% cheaper in Israel

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Israel is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 60.1% on living expenses by choosing Israel over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

60.1%

Israel is 60.1% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

22.4%

Israel is 22.4% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Markets

19.2%

Israel is 19.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

18.2%

Israel is 18.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

67.0%

Israel is 67.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

54.1%

Israel is 54.1% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

28.7%

Israel is 28.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

26.7%

Israel is 26.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Childcare

55.5%

Israel is 55.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

12.8%

Israel is 12.8% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

63.4%

Israel is 63.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

57.4%

Israel is 57.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

27.6%

Israel is 27.6% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Israel Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 21.06 $ 10.90 $ 93.2%
Israel is 93.2% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 84.24 $ 77.88 $ 8.2%
Israel is 8.2% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 16.01 $ 7.79 $ 105.5%
Israel is 105.5% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.02 $ 4.88 $ 17.6%
Israel is 17.6% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.91 $ 1.68 $ 73.2%
Israel is 73.2% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.32 $ 1.22 $ 90.2%
Israel is 90.2% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.43 $ 1.52 $ 5.9%
Israel is 5.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 3.50 $ 2.00 $ 75.0%
Israel is 75.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 4.00 $ 2.49 $ 60.6%
Israel is 60.6% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 8.41 $ 10.00 $ 15.9%
Israel is 15.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.16 $ 2.21 $ 2.3%
Israel is 2.3% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.97 $ 3.01 $ 34.6%
Israel is 34.6% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.58 $ 2.35 $ 9.8%
Israel is 9.8% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.88 $ 2.92 $ 1.4%
Israel is 1.4% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 4.06 $ 3.35 $ 21.2%
Israel is 21.2% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 15.23 $ 19.37 $ 21.4%
Israel is 21.4% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 11.18 $ 11.15 $ 0.3%
Israel is 0.3% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 19.86 $ 15.21 $ 30.6%
Israel is 30.6% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.41 $ 4.57 $ 25.4%
Israel is 25.4% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.25 $ 2.97 $ 24.2%
Israel is 24.2% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.95 $ 4.51 $ 56.8%
Israel is 56.8% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.30 $ 2.71 $ 15.1%
Israel is 15.1% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.54 $ 2.39 $ 35.6%
Israel is 35.6% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.58 $ 2.20 $ 28.2%
Israel is 28.2% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.95 $ 1.86 $ 4.8%
Israel is 4.8% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 66.27 $ 93.46 $ 29.1%
Israel is 29.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 10.67 $ 13.05 $ 18.2%
Israel is 18.2% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.68 $ 1.56 $ 7.7%
Israel is 7.7% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 4.77 $ 3.58 $ 33.2%
Israel is 33.2% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 0.84 $ 0.78 $ 7.7%
Israel is 7.7% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 31.34 $ 16.28 $ 92.5%
Israel is 92.5% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 2.03 $ 2.22 $ 8.6%
Israel is 8.6% cheaper
New Economy Car 44,929.94 $ 140,192.38 $ 68.0%
Israel is 68.0% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 43,964.10 $ 128,887.54 $ 65.9%
Israel is 65.9% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 243.77 $ 158.22 $ 54.1%
Israel is 54.1% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 11.42 $ 18.54 $ 38.4%
Israel is 38.4% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 28.86 $ 37.95 $ 24.0%
Israel is 24.0% cheaper
Gym Membership 69.20 $ 115.77 $ 40.2%
Israel is 40.2% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 20.55 $ 12.22 $ 68.2%
Israel is 68.2% more expensive
Movie Ticket 12.64 $ 11.68 $ 8.2%
Israel is 8.2% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,038.38 $ 1,272.43 $ 18.4%
Israel is 18.4% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 12,776.83 $ 29,780.50 $ 57.1%
Israel is 57.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 92.87 $ 80.91 $ 14.8%
Israel is 14.8% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 58.40 $ 42.93 $ 36.0%
Israel is 36.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 118.87 $ 105.33 $ 12.9%
Israel is 12.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 130.95 $ 126.28 $ 3.7%
Israel is 3.7% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,179.32 $ 3,140.74 $ 62.5%
Israel is 62.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 954.22 $ 2,267.71 $ 57.9%
Israel is 57.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,883.22 $ 6,205.41 $ 69.7%
Israel is 69.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,602.86 $ 3,723.55 $ 57.0%
Israel is 57.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 8,821.39 $ 22,697.92 $ 61.1%
Israel is 61.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 7,287.28 $ 15,076.91 $ 51.7%
Israel is 51.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,004.78 $ 4,151.48 $ 27.6%
Israel is 27.6% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.92 3.17 55.2%
Israel is 55.2% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. Enter your monthly expenses in Israel to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Israel and Singapore goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Israel vs Singapore

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Israel

Singapore

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Israel Cost of living in Singapore

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