Back-to-School Costs in Israel Reach Thousands of Shekels per Family

As Israeli students prepare to return to school after the recent ceasefire with Hezbollah, families face significant financial burdens from back-to-school expenses. A special survey by the organization Pethach Lev examined three shopping baskets (basic, average, and branded) based on prices and promotions observed in July 2026 across national chains and online stores. The calculation focused on a family with two elementary school children and one middle school child, including items such as backpacks, pencil cases, notebooks, six school shirts, a pair of sneakers, and textbook rental fees.

The average cost per child in the mid-range basket is approximately 1,000 shekels, totaling about 3,050 shekels for the three children. This figure excludes additional parental payments for trips, activities, insurance, and digital equipment like tablets, which can add hundreds more per student. The timing of these expenses is particularly challenging, as August already involves high costs for summer camps, babysitters, increased food consumption, and leisure activities.

Considering the median gross salary in Israel is around 10,586 shekels, and a dual-income household earning about 23,300 shekels before tax, the back-to-school basket consumes over 10% of monthly income. This financial strain can lead to cash flow difficulties and prolonged economic hardship for many families.

To reduce costs, experts recommend early inventory of existing supplies, limiting new purchases to one personal item per child, and involving children in budgeting decisions. Utilizing social programs such as the Ministry of Education's textbook rental (up to 280 shekels per child), National Insurance grants for eligible families (1,204 shekels per child), and community initiatives like "The Social Closet" for exchanging school shirts can also help.

While back-to-school expenses remain a major budget item, careful planning, awareness of rights, and reuse of materials can save families hundreds or thousands of shekels, easing the financial impact as the new school year begins.