Quick Answer: A cheap vacation in Eilat in 2026 is possible. Budget-friendly: From 280 ₪ per person per day. A family of 4 for 4 nights in January with proper planning: From 3,700 ₪ instead of from 7,200 ₪. The secret: come in winter or mid-week, stay in a vacation apartment with a kitchen, and use the free beaches. Average savings: From 3,500 ₪.
Last updated: May 2026 · Prices verified from official websites
Eilat is known as an expensive destination, but the truth is more complex. With proper planning — it's possible to vacation there affordably. Here are the real figures.
Average Daily Costs (Per Person)
| Travel Level | Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget | ~From 280 ₪/day |
| Mid-range | ~From 620 ₪/day |
| Luxury | ~From 1,150 ₪/day |
Average prices based on 2026-2026 data.
Accommodation — The Biggest Investment
| Type | Nightly Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel | From 80 ₪ per person |
| 2-star hotel | ~From 340 ₪ per room |
| 3-star hotel | ~From 450 ₪ per room |
| Vacation apartment (2 rooms, 4 people) | From 550 ₪ |
| Villa with pool (8 people) | From 1,200 ₪ |
The best tip: A group of 6-8 people in a villa with a pool — costs less per person than a regular hotel room.
Food — Where the Budget Hole Is
- Cheap meal (pita + drink): From 40 ₪
- Main course in a mid-range restaurant: 80-150 ₪
- Main course in a chef's restaurant: 150-250 ₪
- Coffee: From 15 ₪
Tip: A homemade breakfast + lunch at the local market saves from 150 ₪ per person per day compared to eating out every meal.
12 Tips for Real Savings
Timing
1. Come in January-February: Accommodation prices are 40-50% lower, less crowded, almost no rain, 21-23°C during the day.
2. Mid-week days: The same apartment can cost 30-40% less on Sunday-Wednesday compared to a weekend.
3. Book early: 2-3 months in advance for peak season guarantees a price. 48-72 hours before — sometimes a cheap "last-minute" price.
Accommodation
4. Apartment with a kitchen instead of a hotel: Save on breakfast and lunch — from 100 ₪ per day.
5. City center over North Beach: The same apartment is 30-40% cheaper. 10 minutes drive to the sea.
6. Large group = villa: 6+ people in a villa costs less per person than a hotel room.
Food
7. Cook breakfast: Coffee, eggs, bread — from 50 ₪ for 4 people compared to 200+ ₪ outside.
8. Eat lunch at the local market: Not tourist prices — resident prices.
9. Early dinner: Some restaurants offer discounts for 17:30-18:30.
Activities
10. Free beaches: North Beach, Dekel Beach, Princess Beach — completely free.
11. Musical Fountain: A free and beautiful attraction in the city center.
12. Online tickets in advance: Entrance to paid attractions with online booking — sometimes 15-20% discount.
Real Budget Example: Family of 4, 4 Nights in January
| Item | Without Tips | With Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (2-room apartment) | From 4,000 ₪ | From 2,000 ₪ |
| Food | From 2,400 ₪ | From 1,200 ₪ |
| Admissions | From 800 ₪ | From 500 ₪ |
| Total | From 7,200 ₪ | From 3,700 ₪ |
Savings: Approximately from 3,500 ₪ on the same vacation.
Find affordable vacation apartments in Eilat on Livo →
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FAQ
How much does a 3-night vacation in Eilat cost for a couple?
Budget-conscious couple: Approximately from 2,500 ₪ for 3 nights (apartment, food, admissions). Mid-range couple: From 4,000 ₪. Luxury: From 8,000 ₪ and up.
Is Eilat more expensive than the rest of Israel?
Not necessarily — in winter and mid-week, prices are significantly lower. Accommodation and activities can be expensive during peak season (Passover, summer, holidays), but with proper planning, it's possible to vacation on a reasonable budget.
When is the cheapest time to travel to Eilat?
January-February and November (excluding Hanukkah) — the lowest prices. Mid-week days (Sunday-Wednesday) are also 30% cheaper than weekends.
How much does it cost to travel to Eilat from the center?
Direct bus from Tel Aviv: Approximately 148 ₪ round trip. Flight with Arkia / Israir: From 150 ₪ one way (to Ramon Airport). Private car: Fuel ~From 150 ₪ one way.
What can you do for free in Eilat?
Free activities: North Beach, Dekel Beach, and Princess Beach (all free), the Port Promenade, the Marina, the Musical Fountain, the Red Canyon, Mount Yoash viewpoint, the Bird Sanctuary during migration seasons, and in winter, Eilat Municipality's '101 Free Experiences' initiative.
How much does a family vacation in Eilat cost for 4 nights?
Budget-conscious family with proper planning: From 3,500 ₪ for 4 nights (apartment with kitchen, home-cooked meals, free beaches + one attraction). Average family: From 5,500 ₪. Choosing a 4-star hotel in season: From 9,000 ₪.
Does a vacation apartment really save money?
Yes — a vacation apartment for a couple costs 30-40% less than a hotel of the same standard, and allows you to save 100-200 ₪ per day on breakfast and coffee. For a family of 4: a 2-room apartment costs the same as one hotel room but provides a kitchen, balcony, and double the space. For a group of 6+, a villa is the cheapest way to quality accommodation.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 1, 2026