F
or a modest sum, Israelis can own sprawling properties abroad, sparking debates about quality of life and financial priorities. A NIS 2.6 million ($715,000) budget can buy a luxurious villa in Tuscany or Greece, or a spacious home in Austin, Texas - the price of an average apartment on Tel Aviv's outskirts. Real estate is a national obsession in Israel, driven by more than just returns and leverage; it's about feeling like a winner or a fool.

    The high cost of living has led many to wonder what kind of home they could buy elsewhere for the same amount. In Petah Tikva's Hadar Ganim neighborhood, an average apartment costs NIS 2.6 million. This 88-square-meter (947-square-foot) property includes four rooms, a safe room, and two renovated bathrooms. For the same price in Austin, Texas, you could buy a private home on a 1-dunam (0.25-acre) lot with 300 square meters (3,230 square feet) of living space.

    "The area we're talking about is similar to Ra'anana's distance from Tel Aviv," said Or Yohanan. "It's also close to major tech companies and offers public education and no state income tax." Austin's downtown is lively, with a strong Israeli community and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a small town despite being a large city.