Deciding where to live in Israel is not an easy thing to do. You might be planning Aliyah, already living in another place in Israel or just looking for a nice real estate investment – most likely you will end up considering one of the major cities in Israel. Today, I will compare the two cities which are probably the most common choices – Tel Aviv vs Jerusalem.
So where should you live? Well, it depends largely on you and your preferences.
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 large business and cultural hub, with a younger and more liberal population, and better employment options.
On the other hand, Jerusalem can be compared to Washington DC – a more academic and government based city, much more laid back and quiet, with great diversity in population and a huge cultural and historical value.
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.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the religious and historical epicenter of the world, Holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. The one-square-kilometer walled area of the old city contains the Western Wall, which is the last remaining wall of the Jewish Temple compound, is the place where Jesus died, was buried and resurrected, and said to be the place from where Muhammad rose into the heavens.
Beyond its religious and historic significance, Jerusalem is the capital of modern-day Israel and an advanced, dynamic city containing the modern-day functions you would expect of any large city.
Although not as liberal as its younger, more relaxed sister Tel Aviv, Jerusalem has become a distinguished cultural center, with a fascinating array of museums like Yad Vashem, which is Israel’s memorial for the millions who perished in the Holocaust. Just down the road from Yad Vashem, on the beautiful Mount Herzl, is the Israel Museum, which houses a huge selection of artistic, archaeological, historical, and cultural displays (including the world-famous Dead Sea Scrolls).
Also, the wave of great cuisine which has swept across Israel has not missed the city, and it is known for the Machne Yehuda Market – one of the most vibrant parts of the city, where you can buy many great products or enjoy the delicious hole-in-the-wall style restaurants and great bars for nightlife enthusiasts.
Tel Aviv vs Jerusalem
While both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are two busy, vital and intriguing cities that offer a multitude of must-see attractions, they couldn’t be more different. Despite their geographic proximity – only 35 minutes by train – they have entirely different landscapes, scents and flavors.
Climate
As we already said, Tel Aviv is located on the coastline of the Mediterranean sea, and therefore very hot and humid, especially in the summer.
Jerusalem is up on the mountains, 754 meters above sea level, and therefore is less humid and enjoys slightly lower temperatures. Accordingly, the air quality is better – fresh and clean – or as a famous Hebrew poem describes it, “mountain air as clear as wine”.
Culture & Nightlife
When comparing Tel Aviv vs Jerusalem in terms of culture, we should probably call it a draw, as both cities have an amazing culture, tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife. But in such a different vibe!
Both cities are highly toured destinations, but in Jerusalem you might encounter many Ortodox Jews and Arab populations that are less common in Tel-Aviv. The culture in Tel-Aviv is much more cosmopolitan, mainly “western” influenced but with a middle eastern touch – while Jerusalem is much more conservative, but quite diverse.
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, and it was recently 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.
Jerusalem, on the other hand, buzzes with ceremonial activity: five times a day, the Muslim call to prayer fills the air and on Friday evenings at the Western Wall, the Kabbalat Shabbat, a Jewish prayer ritual, marks the beginning of the sabbath.
A near majority of the Jewish inhabitants of Jerusalem are religious and most of the rest are traditional and respective towards Judaism. This influences the general atmosphere – Some secular types complain about the lack of activity on the Shabat (Saturday), but others find the experience both restful and exhilarating.
Foodies will love Machane Yehuda Market, filled with restaurants and boutiques, where local vendors sell homeware, incense and Middle Eastern delicacies such as falafel and baklava. In recent years, the market has transformed into a nightlife hub with bars and live music.
In case you eat Kosher, in Tel Aviv you may find it a bit difficult to find a Kosher place to eat. In Jerusalem it will be hard to find a non-Kosher place.
That is the beauty of Israel: where else could you so easily combine the ultimate beach destination with one of the most ancient and holiest cities in history.
Cost of Living in Tel Aviv vs Jerusalem
According to Numbeo, You would need around 19,000 Israeli Shekels in Tel-Aviv to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 16,500 Israeli Shekels in Jerusalem (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses the Cost of Living Plus Rent Index, to compare cost of living between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
More statistics:
- Consumer Prices in Tel Aviv-Yafo are 9.41% higher than in Jerusalem (without rent).
- Consumer Prices Including Rent in Tel Aviv-Yafo are 16.50% higher than in Jerusalem.
- Rent Prices in Tel Aviv-Yafo are 34.24% higher than in Jerusalem.
- Restaurant Prices in Tel Aviv-Yafo are 12.48% higher than in Jerusalem.
- Groceries Prices in Tel Aviv-Yafo are 7.63% higher than in Jerusalem.
- Local Purchasing Power in Tel Aviv-Yafo is 6.20% lower than in Jerusalem.
Tel Aviv vs Jerusalem – Summary
The choice between Tel-Aviv and Jerualem is quite an easy one once you know what you are looking for. To sum it up we can use a common Israeli saying, “Haifa works, Jerusalem prays, and Tel Aviv plays”.
If you are looking for your white collar dream tech 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.
If you’re into living at a slower pace, in a semi religious environment with a great historic and cultural atmosphere, but still want to live in a city large enough to give you a reasonable chance of employment and decent urban life – Jerusalem is the place for you.