I've lived in Tel Aviv for a two years and four months, and I'm about to move into my fifth apartment. Believe me, I'm not proud of that, and I'm not as fond of change as my track record shows. For a number of different reasons (relationships beginning, relationships ending, mold issues) I've never been in one place for more than a year, and I'm soon hoping to change that. Although I haven't had the best of luck with apartments, my experience in moving and searching has given me some very helpful insight for anyone looking for an apartment in Tel Aviv.
Let's start out with the basics, price. Now this all depends on where in Tel Aviv you're looking and how simple you're willing to go. I know a few people who scored super cheap studios (if you can even call them that) for between 2300-3000 NIS. Now for these studios you won't have a real kitchen, more of a kitchenette, and your shower will basically be on top of your toilet (we're talking 10-20 square meters here). Hosting will be nearly impossible, so you're basically looking at a space big enough for a bed and a dresser. I guess that's how it is in some cities in the far east; I know that for me a space like this wouldn't do.
For those of you who insist on living on your own and want a decent studio (30 meters squared and above) you'll likely be looking at something between 4-5000 NIS per month. This is quite a lot of money, especially with salaries in Israel, so I advise you to weigh heavily how difficult it would be for you to live with a roommate or two. I have multiple friends with different style studios and any of them that were decent (by American Standards) with all facilities working and somewhat modern would fall into this price range.
If you're looking for something with roommates then you have a lot more wiggle room. Depending on the area and accommodations you can find a nice room for between 2000-3000 NIS per month (sometimes this includes bills and other times it doesn't). You're probably thinking that this is a wide range and you're right. It all depends on how many roommates you'll have (generally the more roommates the less you pay) and the quality of the apartment. If you want a nice apartment with one roommate then you'll be paying closer to 3k, whereas a decent apartment with 2-3 roommates will bring you closer to 2k.
Now you may be thinking that this post is primarily geared towards single people, so for those couples out there looking fear not, because this is truly my expertise. When you're a couple looking to move in together I imagine you're looking to build a home, and probably don't want to move every year or less. From the get go make sure to feel out your landlord and to let them know that you're looking for something permanent for the next few years. You'll usually be able to figure out if you're both on the same page and if start digging deeper into the place.
With any city location is king, and Tel Aviv is no different. City center and the Old North boast the highest prices, whereas you can get a nice place at a lesser price if you go further north to Ramat Aviv or across the Ayalon Highway to Ramat Gan or Givatayim (same goes for those of you looking for roommates).
Once you've narrowed down the area it's important to see the must haves for you and your partner. I for example must have air conditioning in every room, as summers in Tel Aviv can be brutal with all of the humidity (especially July and August). I also cook on a daily basis and much prefer a gas stove to and electric hotplate. Beware of weak water pressure in older buildings as well, and don't be embarrassed to check that everything works when you go to see a place.
Other than these basics some other things to consider are double-glassed windows if you live near a busy street or commercial center. Many people also want a balcony, which in my mind is more of a bonus than anything. My advice is to have a list with your "must haves" and not to waste time and settle for something that isn't right for you.
At the same time, you've got to stay within your budget, and herein lies the biggest challenge of all. For a couple you should be able to find something somewhat modern and nice in the center or old north, with all utilities in good working condition for between 5,500-6000 NIS per month. Again this number can go down if you go to Ramat Aviv, across Ayalon or further into South Tel Aviv, just as long as you don't mind paying far from the center of town. Of course you can find luxury places for double or triple these prices; however, if you're not rich then these will likely be your price points.
And now a couple of tips to make sure you don't get screwed. It may cost you a few hundred shekels, but if you don't understand and read Hebrew very well, make sure to take your contract to a lawyer to make sure there's no funny business in there. So often people sign and don't know what they're signing, so make sure not have someone you trust or employ read the contract over. I also recommend avoiding places with a realtor, as they take a hefty commission (one month's rent) and you can often find a great place without having to go through one.
And now, I'd like to give you some photos which will separate your expectations vs. reality when looking for an apartment in Tel Aviv at the price points that I mentioned above.
Here are your possible expectations:
And here is the reality of an apartment between 5,500 to 6000 NIS in Tel Aviv. These are pics from my apartment that I'll soon be leaving.
It's a nice apartment; however, when I see how my friends pay less and get so much more for their money abroad it can be depressing. Then again, you need be realistic and compare rent in Tel Aviv to the cost of rent in NYC.
I'm not telling you this to bring on a bout of depression, but only to warn you that if you want something decent in central TA you have to pay, and if you don't mind being in the center it may be worth your while to move to one of the surrounding areas.
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