Aliyah Relocation Guide
Making Aliyah is exciting โ and finding the right place to live is one of the most important decisions you'll make. This guide combines official CBS data, Olim community insights, and financial tools to help you choose the right city, understand your benefits, and plan your housing budget.
Bruchim Habaim ("Welcome") was built by Olim, for Olim โ with data in 6 languages.
Your Aliyah Housing Timeline
A recommended timeline for planning your housing before and after Aliyah.
Research & Compare Cities
Use our city profiles and comparison tools to shortlist 3-5 cities. Consider: proximity to work, community, schools, budget, and lifestyle preferences.
Browse City ProfilesUnderstand Your Budget
Calculate what you can afford using Sal Klita, rent assistance, and your savings. Factor in Olim mortgage benefits if planning to buy within 1-2 years.
Affordability CalculatorArrange Initial Rental
Secure a rental in your chosen area for at least 6 months. Many Olim use Facebook groups, Yad2, or community connections. Budget 4,000-8,000 NIS/month depending on city.
Cost of Living by CitySettle & Explore
Use your first year to explore neighborhoods in person, build community connections, and understand the local market. Collect Sal Klita and rent assistance.
Olim Benefits DetailsConsider Buying
When ready, leverage Olim mortgage benefits (75% LTV, reduced rates) and lower Mas Rechisha brackets. Use our tools to analyze the market and find the right property.
Complete Buying GuideOlim Housing Benefits Summary
New immigrants receive substantial financial support for housing. Here's what you're entitled to.
| Benefit | Amount | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sal Klita (Absorption Basket) | ~25,000-35,000 NIS | 6-12 months | Paid in installments; amount varies by family size |
| Rent Assistance | ~1,000-2,000 NIS/mo | Up to 5 years | Varies by region; higher in periphery |
| Arnona Discount | 90% off | First year | Municipal property tax discount |
| Mas Rechisha Reduction | Resident rates | 7 years | First-home brackets (0% up to ~1.9M NIS) |
| Mortgage Benefits | 75% LTV, lower rates | 15 years | Same terms as Israeli residents |
Source: Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Bank of Israel. Amounts are approximate and subject to change.
Popular Cities for New Olim
Where Olim from different countries tend to settle, based on community data.
English Speakers
Ra'anana, Modi'in, Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh
French Speakers
Netanya, Ashdod, Jerusalem, Herzliya
Russian Speakers
Ashdod, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Bat Yam
Spanish Speakers
Ra'anana, Herzliya, Haifa, Jerusalem
Young Professionals
Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ramat Gan, Givatayim
Religious Families
Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Efrat, Ramat Beit Shemesh
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find housing before making Aliyah?
Start by researching cities using our neighborhood profiles and comparison tools with CBS data. Many Olim rent for the first 6-12 months to explore before buying. Sal Klita (absorption basket) payments help cover initial rent. Popular first-stop cities for English speakers include Ra'anana, Modi'in, Jerusalem (Baka/Katamon), and Netanya.
What financial benefits do Olim receive for housing?
Olim receive: Sal Klita (absorption basket) of ~25,000-35,000 NIS over 6-12 months, rent assistance for up to 5 years (varies by region), 90% Arnona (property tax) discount for the first year, reduced Mas Rechisha (purchase tax) brackets when buying, and eligibility for subsidized mortgage tracks. Total housing-related benefits can exceed 100,000 NIS.
Should I rent or buy when making Aliyah?
Most Aliyah advisors recommend renting for at least 6-12 months first. This lets you explore neighborhoods, understand the market, and settle into work before committing to a purchase. Rental costs are partially offset by Sal Klita and rent assistance. When ready to buy, Olim get favorable mortgage terms for up to 15 years after Aliyah.
What is the Sal Klita (absorption basket)?
The Sal Klita is a financial grant given to new Olim by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. For a single person it's approximately 25,000 NIS; for a couple approximately 35,000 NIS; with additional amounts per child. It's paid in installments over 6-12 months and is intended to help cover initial living expenses including rent.
Which cities have the largest Olim communities?
Cities with the largest Olim populations include: Netanya (large French-speaking community), Ra'anana (English speakers), Ashdod (Russian speakers), Be'er Sheva (Ethiopian and Russian communities), Jerusalem (diverse Olim), and Haifa (Russian speakers). Use our Olim Guide to see city-by-city immigration data.
Bruchim Habaim was created by Olim to help future Olim make informed housing decisions. Our data comes from the Central Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, Bank of Israel, and Israel Tax Authority. Available in English, Hebrew, French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish.