Housing
- One bedroom, city center
- Varies by city
- One bedroom, suburbs
- Varies by city
- Three bedrooms, city center
- Varies by city
Country research
Retire in Israel
Retirement planning in Israel depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.
57.1Overall research score
96.6Safety index
At a glance
The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.
Cost of living82.2/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety96.6/100Safety index
Healthcare85/100Quality index
Average temperature20.4°CYearly average
Why Israel
A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.
Whether Israel fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
What stands out
Costs and planning
Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- Varies by city and household
- Restaurant meal
- Varies by city and provider
- Utilities
- Varies by city and household
- Health insurance
- Varies by plan and provider
Residency and taxes
- Visa or permit
- No general retirement visa; residence depends on family, immigration eligibility or another status
- Minimum annual income
- Not listed
- Processing time
- Varies by pathway
- Income tax
- 10-50%
Safety, climate, and healthcare
The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.
Safety
- Safety index
- 96.6/100
- Intentional homicide
- 0.016 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
- Police response
- Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city
Climate and healthcare
- Sunshine
- Not listed
- Rainfall days ≥10 mm
- 5 days per year
- Doctor visit
- Varies by provider
- English speakers
- Not available as a comparable national statistic
Cities to consider in Israel
Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about retiring in Israel
What is the cost of living in Israel?
The relative PPP price-level score for Israel is 82.2/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as Varies by city, while health insurance is Varies by plan and provider.
Is Israel safe for expats and retirees?
Israel has a safety index of 96.6/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.016 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.
How is the healthcare system in Israel?
The healthcare system in Israel has a quality index of 85/100. A doctor visit costs Varies by provider, and health insurance typically costs Varies by plan and provider per month.
What are the visa requirements for retiring in Israel?
Israel lists the route “No general retirement visa; residence depends on family, immigration eligibility or another status”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by pathway. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.
What is the tax situation for retirees in Israel?
Retirees in Israel face income tax rates of 10-50%. Property tax is Arnona varies by municipality, property use and area and inheritance tax is No inheritance tax; other realization taxes may apply. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.
How large is the expat community in Israel?
Israel has approximately 2,091,569 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Not listed.
Other destinations to compare
Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.
Australia
Australia may suit retirees who value established services and varied urban and regional lifestyles, subject to visa eligibility, local costs, healthcare arrangements, and tax advice.
60.8overall score
98.3safety
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Denmark
Whether Denmark fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
58.8overall score
98.3safety
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Iceland
Whether Iceland fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
55.9overall score
97.3safety
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Luxembourg
Whether Luxembourg fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
72.6overall score
96.8safety
83healthcare
New Zealand
New Zealand may suit retirees who value outdoor access and established services, subject to the temporary-retirement visa's age, investment, income, insurance, and time-limit requirements.
70.7overall score
97safety
89healthcare
United States
Whether United States fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
53.1overall score
87.5safety
88healthcare