Cost of Living in Egypt

Updated:

NovoExpat

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
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries

Egypt

restaurant

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 $

store

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 $

commute

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 $

mark_as_unread

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 $

kitesurfing

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 $

child_friendly

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 $

checkroom

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 $

night_shelter

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 $

home

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 $

account_balance_wallet

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 %

Cost of Living in Egypt Overview

Welcome! Here’s a guide to understanding the typical costs of living in Egypt, from dining out and groceries to housing and utilities. Use this overview to help plan your budget and make informed decisions about living expenses.

Dining Out

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.

Groceries

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.

Transportation

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.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 31.02 USD.

Sports and Recreation

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.

Childcare and Education

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 Footwear

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.

Apartment Rentals

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.

Real Estate for Purchase

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.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

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

How Safe Is Egypt for Travel?

Warnings & Dangers in Egypt

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

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 & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

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 RISK: HIGH

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.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

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.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

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 RISK: HIGH

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 RISK: HIGH

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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

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.

Useful Information & Tips

credit_card

Visas

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.

currency_exchange

Currency

Egyptian pound is the official currency in Egypt. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted by most establishments.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

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.

flight_takeoff

Airports

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.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

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.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Egypt with other countries

Cost of living in countries