Bethlehem, a city with deep historical and cultural significance, is located in Palestine. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Bethlehem, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.08 on average, with a range between $5.38 and $13.46.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $26.92, with prices ranging from $26.92 to $80.76.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.75, with a range between $6.73 and $10.77.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.69 to $5.92, imported beer $2.96 to $5.92, cappuccino $1.35 to $5.11, and Coke/Pepsi $0.54 to $1.35.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.62 and $2.96 per liter, averaging $1.62.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.54 and $3.23, with an average price of $0.58.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.62 to $6.46, averaging $1.94.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.35 to $6.46 per kg, while oranges range from $0.81 to $2.69 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.81 and $1.35 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.54 to $2.42 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.81.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.62 and $3.5 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.69, with a cost of $0.67 to $2.69 per km and $10.77 to $26.92 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $269.21 to $600, averaging $424.34.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $188.44 to $700, averaging $424.01.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $673.01 to $888.38, averaging $787.13.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $269.21 to $538.41, averaging $403.81.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1100.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $600.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $57.21 and $137.29, averaging $86.74.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $32.3 to $53.84, with an average cost of $40.59.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 11 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$8.08
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$26.92
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.75
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.04
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.50
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.74
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.58
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.87
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.62
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.58
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.94
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.73
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.72
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.77
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.15
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$7.54
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.27
Apples (1kg)
$1.44
Oranges (1kg)
$1.08
Potato (1kg)
$0.90
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.90
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.70
Tomato (1kg)
$0.99
Banana (1kg)
$1.26
Onion (1kg)
$0.72
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.56
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.81
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$96.91
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.87
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$37,688.71
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.69
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.35
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$13.46
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$47,303.18
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$424.34
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$424.01
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$787.13
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$403.81
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$86.74
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$40.59
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$18.51
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$40.38
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$21.54
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$8.75
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$69.54
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$41.46
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$86.15
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$67.30
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,100.00
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$600.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$610.20
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.17%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$183.96
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$3,805.48
Bethlehem Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Bethlehem offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other cities, especially in terms of housing and dining.

Public transportation is notably inexpensive, making it a cost-effective option for getting around the city.

While some grocery items like eggs and milk can vary widely in price, overall grocery costs remain manageable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bethlehem presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and transportation options.

Potential residents can enjoy a rich cultural experience without the high expenses found in larger metropolitan areas.

Understanding these costs can help individuals and families plan their budgets effectively when considering a move to Bethlehem.