Deciding where to live in Israel is not easy. You might be planning Aliyah, already living in another city in Israel, or just looking for a good real estate investment – but in most cases you’ve probably set your sights on one of the major cities in Israel. Today, I will compare the two cities which are probably the most popular choices – Tel Aviv vs Haifa.
So where should you live? Well, it depends. It all comes to one question: what do you want from life?
To borrow a comparison that an American friend of mine (who has been living in Israel for quite some time now) has made – Tel-Aviv can be likened to New York – a business and cultural hub, with a younger and more liberal population, and better employment options.
On the other hand, Haifa can be compared to Boston – academic, laid back and quiet city, with less job opportunities but also lower cost of living.
but before we continue, a quick review of each city.
Tel Aviv
Who doesn’t know Tel-Aviv? Located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline and with a population of around half a million, it is the economic and technological center of the country and the center of the Gush-Dan metropolitan area.
As the “party capital” of the Middle East, it has a lively nightlife and 24-hour culture, and receives over 2.5 million international visitors annually. Lately it received the title of the “World’s Vegan Food Capital”, as it possesses the highest per capita population of vegans in the world, with many vegan eateries throughout the city. it is liberal, gay friendly, fast and easy going.
The city has become a major world high tech hub. Tel Aviv has more than 1,000 startup companies and research and development centers, and was ranked the second-most innovative city in the world and again came second on a list of top places to found a high tech startup company, just behind Silicon Valley.
as the city offers far more in terms of employment opportunities, it comes with high costs of living (especially rent) – The city has the 31st highest cost of living in the world.
Haifa
Haifa is the third-largest city in Israel – after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv – with a population of 285 thousand. Built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the city hosts two of the most respected academic institutions in the country, the University of Haifa and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (the top ranked university in both Israel and the Middle East).
The city also plays an important role in Israel’s economy, as it is home to Matam – one of the oldest and largest high-tech parks in the country – and it’s bay area which is a center of heavy industry, petroleum refining and chemical processing, along to one of the two main sea ports of the country.
The city has 17 kilometres (11 miles) of shoreline, of which 5 kilometres (3 miles) are beaches. The city’s main tourist attraction is the Bahai World Centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with the golden-domed Shrine and the surrounding gardens.
Tel Aviv vs Haifa – Employment options
If you are looking for work in the hi-tech industry, or in the content, PR, media, fashion or similar fields – Tel-Aviv is the choice for you.
Haifa is more heavy-industry based, has fewer jobs in general, and probably less for non Hebrew speakers. Having said that, Matam hi-tech park hosts many manufacturing and R&D facilities for a large number of Israeli and international hi-tech companies (Intel, Apple, Amazon, Google, IBM and many more).
And – as has been said – Haifa is cheaper, mainly in terms of rent. It probably offers the best value for money in terms of housing costs vs. job opportunities, and also has decent public transport (including on Shabbat, which is uncommon in Israel), lots of parking space, easy access to the sea and great nature in close proximity.
Tel Aviv vs Haifa – Culture and nightlife
A common Israeli saying, “Haifa works, Jerusalem prays, and Tel Aviv plays”.
Tel Aviv is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Titled the ‘Mediterranean Capital of Cool’ by the New York Times, this is a 24 hour city with a unique pulse, combining sandy Mediterranean beaches with a world-class nightlife, a buzzing cultural scene, incredible food, UNESCO recognized architecture, and an international outlook.
Tel Aviv is known as “the city that never sleeps” and a “party capital” due to its thriving nightlife and famous young atmosphere. Eighteen of Israel’s 35 major centers for the performing arts are located in the city, along with many museums, architectural and cultural sites and amazing beaches.
Tel-Aviv was also named “the best gay city in the world” by American Airlines, and it is one of the most popular destinations for LGBT tourists internationally, with a large LGBT community living in the city.
Haifa, on the other hand, is much more laid back.
Even though it’s one of the biggest cities in Israel, Haifa has a “small city” vibe, which can’t compete with the cultural life of Tel Aviv. But, it’s built on the slopes of Mount Carmel and is very green and quiet, most of the residential areas have fantastic views, the Carmel National Park is all around you and the beach is never more than 20 minutes away.
Also, Haifa is a much more diverse city. Israeli Jews comprise some 82% of the population, with almost 14% Christians (the majority of whom are Arab) and 4% are Muslims. Haifa is the center of liberal Arabic-speaking culture of Israel, and it is close to the historic cities of Acre and Caesarea.
Summary
The choice between Tel-Aviv and Haifa is quite an easy one once you know what you are looking for. To sum it up:
If you’re into living close to nature, in a semi “rural” environment with great views and hiking opportunities, but still want to live in a city large enough to give you a reasonable chance of employment and decent urban life – Haifa is the place for you.
If you are looking for your white collar dream career, want a 24/7 active night-life and ten cafes and bars on every corner, and willing to pay a bit more for that lifestyle – go to Tel-Aviv.