Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Egypt, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Egypt?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Egypt and whether the reported $813 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $215.96.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
4.11 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
20.53 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
4.62 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.8 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.82 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.75 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.32 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.19 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.91 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.56 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.78 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.43 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
3.59 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
4.75 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
9.09 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.4 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
0.75 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
0.51 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.43 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.39 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.31 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.28 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.27 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
8.21 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.5 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.14 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.57 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.26 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
12.83 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.51 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.26 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
1.54 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.47 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
24126.44 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21760.37 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
31.02 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.01 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
15.52 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
24.88 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
8.43 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.13 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
92.69 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
2867.96 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
35.75 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
41.13 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
100.93 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
45.53 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
170.39 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
102.14 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
367.05 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
222.1 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
615.77 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
346.73 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
215.96 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
12.13 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 4.11 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 20.53 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.91 USD, a loaf of bread 0.56 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.43 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.26 USD and a monthly pass around 12.83 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 31.02 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 24.88 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 8.43 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 92.69 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 2867.96 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 35.75 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 100.93 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 170.39 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 102.14 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 615.77 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 346.73 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 215.96 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 12.13% annually.
Egypt
Given the recent events, you might say that the situation in Egypt isn’t the safest for a visit, but it is a safe country when it comes to violence and serious crimes. Still, you should exercise vigilance at every step.
Transport is not Egypt’s strong point either. You can count on poorly maintained roads and reckless drivers with little concern about other people’s safety. There have also been reports of assault happening in microbuses. Use trains as they are the safest option.
Pickpockets and purse snatching are the norm in Egypt, especially in crowded places, around tourist landmarks, and on the metro, train stations, or airports. Be very careful and keep your belongings tightly by your side.
Egypt is located in a seismically active zone, with earthquakes that cause severe damage. The last major one was in 1996. Also common are the sand storms that occur between March and May every year.
Kidnappings do occur in more isolated areas, but given that these areas have now been backed up with extra security due to terrorist attacks, this shouldn’t be too big of a concern. When it comes to mugging, it exists in the form of carjacking, with muggers usually holding some kind of weapon to get you to leave your car. If you find yourself in such a situation – do not resist. These people are usually only after your car and don’t plan on hurting you.
Terrorism is one of the biggest concerns for tourists. Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks, and the main threat comes from the extremists linked to Daesh-Sinai. Remain vigilant at all times.
Scams are Egypt’s biggest problem. There is so many of them that they cannot all be listed, but to name a few most prominent ones – never enter a taxi without negotiating the price first as they may and will overcharge you ridiculously; if you want to enter a museum, you might get stopped by someone telling you that you have to wait for the museum to open and that you can enter their shop and have some tea while you wait – this is a scheme to pressure you into buying something in their store; at amusement parks, don’t trust people that act like your friends as they often befriend people and then offer to hold their belongings while they’re on a ride only to disappear the moment you get on the ride.
Many women have traveled safely to Egypt, without having any problems. However, many women will have a problem with being cat-called on the streets, while they might find whistles and comments directed at them offensive. Avoid parts of cities that are filled with bars and clubs, and visit them alone, since there is a higher chance of running into intoxicated people, and wear clothes that cover your arms, legs, and chest in order to minimize unwanted attention.
Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Egypt, but the procedure of acquiring one isn’t too complicated: you can get a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at the airport for $25 USD. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the day of entering Egypt. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Egyptian pound is the official currency in Egypt. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted by most establishments.
Egypt has a hot desert climate characterized by generally dry weather year round and throughout the country, except on the northern Mediterranean coast that receives plenty of rainfall in winter.
Cairo International Airport is the busiest airport in Egypt, serving as the primary hub for EgyptAir, EgyptAir Express and Nile Air. It is located in Heliopolis, to the northeast of Cairo around 15 km from the business area of the city.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Egypt, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.