Jerusalem, Israel
One of the oldest cities in the world, sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and the capital of Israel.
Above Average vs Israel Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Jerusalem vs Israel Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 10.0%
- Sales Tax: 17.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₪ 160,000
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Population: 936,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 290/year
- Summer High: 85°F
- Winter Low: 45°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: ₪2,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₪4500/mo
Cost of Living
Jerusalem's cost of living index is 120 (Israel average = 100).
| Category | Jerusalem | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
| Housing | 150 | 100 | +50.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₪2,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₪4500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₪5,625/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₪1,333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Jerusalem:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₪250 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ₪19 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₪100 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₪120 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ₪489 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Jerusalem scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Jerusalem has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F | 45°F | 2.5" |
| April | 70°F | 60°F | 2.8" |
| July | 85°F | 60°F | 1.5" |
| October | 65°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Jerusalem faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Mediterranean coast with tsunami risk.
Mediterranean region with wildfire risk.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 10%
- Sales Tax: 17%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Jerusalem per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Sunday to Thursday school week. Breaks for Jewish holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover).
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jerusalem, Israel?
The cost of living index in Jerusalem is 120, which is Higher the Israel national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Jerusalem?
The median home price in Jerusalem is ₪2,000,000. The housing index is 150.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jerusalem is approximately ₪4500/mo.
Does Jerusalem, JM have income tax?
Jerusalem is in JM, which has an income tax rate of 10%.
What is the climate like in Jerusalem?
Jerusalem enjoys approximately 290 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.