Jerusalem: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Jerusalem is Israel's largest city, with about a million residents on hills 60 kilometres from Tel Aviv. It houses the Knesset, the government and the Supreme Court, the Hebrew University, major hospitals, holy sites of three religions and pilgrimage tourism. In recent years technology companies, biotech and medical start-ups have grown here.

Jerusalem suits new immigrants who value history, tradition and a calm pace, religious families, academics and students, doctors and public sector workers. Secular young people and those looking for nightlife and the beach usually prefer Tel Aviv.

Districts where expats live

• Rehavia and Talbiye - a green centre with Jerusalem stone houses, expensive and prestigious.
• German Colony and Baka - cafés on Emek Refaim street, many English and French-speaking families.
• Katamon - a calm residential area near the centre, cheaper than Rehavia.
• Nachlaot - old courtyards by the Mahane Yehuda market, popular with young people.
• Talpiot, Gilo and Pisgat Zeev - more affordable, newer buildings, many Russian-speaking families.

Whole neighbourhoods such as Mea Shearim live by strict religious rules, which is hard for secular families.

Cost of living

The rate is about 3.05 shekels per dollar on 6 October 2026. On top of rent come the arnona municipal tax, utilities and building maintenance fees. Groceries and restaurants in Israel are among the most expensive in the world.

Practicalities: climate, transport, Shabbat

Climate. The city sits at about 750 metres, summers are dry and hot at 28-30°C by day but cool in the evening. Winters are rainy at 8-12°C, with snow every few years. Transport. Light rail, buses and a travel card with discounts by age and status. A fast train runs to Tel Aviv and the airport. Shabbat. From Friday evening to Saturday evening public transport almost stops, and most shops and cafés are closed. Safe room. When choosing a flat, people check for a protected room or a shelter in the building.

Taxes

Income tax is progressive from 10% to 47%, and with the surcharge on high incomes the top rate is 50%. VAT has been 18% since 1 January 2025 and corporate tax is 23%. New immigrants pay no tax on foreign income for 10 years. More in taxes in Israel.

Moving and legal status

• Russian citizens need an electronic travel authorisation for stays of up to 90 days, the fee is $9 (25 shekels) and it is valid for 2 years;
• the main route for living here is repatriation under the Law of Return for Jews, their children, grandchildren and spouses, with citizenship granted right after arrival;
• new immigrants receive the absorption basket, Hebrew courses and access to public healthcare;
• others need a work visa tied to a specific employer or specialist role, with separate visas for students and volunteers.

We check the documents proving Jewish descent, prepare the file for the consular review and help with the first steps after the move.

The situation in 2026

After Israeli and US strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026, Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel and a special regime was declared. A ceasefire has held since 8 April, and since June restrictions have been lifted almost everywhere except some northern communities. The alert system and safe rooms in newer buildings remain part of life, so tenants check for them when renting.

Is the city worth considering

Pros: world-class history and culture, a university and strong medicine, mild summers, strong communities, and immediate citizenship for new immigrants. Cons: a high cost of living, a city that closes on Shabbat, tension between communities and the region's military risks. Jerusalem suits families and people who value tradition and a calm pace rather than nightlife.