Less on groceries, more on vacations: How Israelis' spending has changed

Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics for the second quarter of 2026 shows a 5.7% increase in credit card spending compared to the same period last year. Spending on clothing, footwear, electronics, and furniture surged by 9.6%, while food and beverage spending rose only 1.2%. Israelis increased spending on flights, hotels, and tourism by 4.7%, but leisure spending dropped by 6.5%.

Despite the high cost of living, Israelis continue to increase their credit card spending. Data published today (Wednesday) by the Central Bureau of Statistics shows that in the second quarter of 2026, spending rose by 5.7% compared to the same period last year. The sharpest increase was in the category of clothing, footwear, electrical appliances, electronics, and furniture – a jump of 9.6%. In contrast, spending on food and beverages rose by only 1.2%, indicating a shift from basic consumption to larger purchases. Spending on services, including flights, hotels, and tourism, rose by 4.7%. In the technology sector, there was a 10.8% increase in purchases of computers and software, and a 10.2% increase in transportation equipment and services. On the other hand, spending on fuel, electricity, and gas fell by 0.4%. In the leisure sector, there was a 6.5% decline, while spending on flights and tourism continued to rise by 4.5%. The CBS notes that the largest spending category is 'other goods and services' (about 45%), followed by services (about 20%), industrial goods (about 20%), and food and beverages (about 15%). The data indicate a change in consumption habits: Israelis are spending more on big purchases, technology, fashion, and vacations, and less on groceries.