Data accumulated from the Household Expenditure Survey carried out by the Central Bureau of Statistics show that the average household expenditure in Jerusalem is lower than the national average. In 2015, the average household expenditure in an Israeli household was NIS 15,410 a month, while in Jerusalem the average household expenditure was NIS 13,420 – lower than the average household expenditure in Tel Aviv (NIS 17,710) and higher than the average household expenditure in Haifa (NIS 12,253).

An examination of household expenditure on food (excluding fruits and vegetables) reveals that the average household expenditure on food in Jerusalem (NIS 1,850) is also lower than the national average, which stands at NIS 2,030. In this instance as well the expenditure in Jerusalem is lower than that in Tel Aviv (NIS 2,240), but higher than the household expenditure in Haifa (NIS 1,670). 

The main reason for the high household expenditure on food in Tel Aviv relative to Jerusalem derives from the high expenditure of Tel Aviv residents on meals outside their homes. The survey results show that in 2015 a household in Tel Aviv spent an average of NIS 1,020 a month on meals outside the house, as opposed to only NIS 260 a month spent by a Jerusalem household, and NIS 460 a month by a household in Haifa (while the national average is NIS 440 a month).
 

When examining the expenditure clauses for the purchase of food products it becomes apparent that Jerusalem households generally spent more than households in Tel Aviv and in Haifa. Jerusalem households usually spent 88% more than households in Tel Aviv, and 72% more than households in Haifa on meat and poultry; about 36% more than in Tel Aviv and 27% more than in Haifa on bread, grains, and baked goods; and about 28% more than households in Tel Aviv and 47% more than Haifa households on fruit and vegetables. However, on alcoholic beverages, Jerusalem households spent 71% less than households in Tel Aviv, and 45% less than households in Haifa.

Translation:Gilah Kahn