Cost of Living in Libya

Updated: March 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Libya, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Libya?" 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 Libya and whether the reported $773 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $258.91.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Libya

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	3.93 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	23.6 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	2.95 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	--
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	--
Cappuccino (regular)	0.53 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.46 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.17 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.85 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.37 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	0.92 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.33 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	5.55 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	2.77 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	7.62 $
Apples (1 lb)	1.69 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.11 $
Oranges (1 lb)	0.82 $
Tomato (1 lb)	0.57 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.6 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.57 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.58 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.24 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	--
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	--
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	--
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	2.08 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.39 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	19.67 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	0.98 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.59 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	5.0 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.03 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	14259.26 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	12031.08 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	17.34 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.04 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	27.84 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	20.54 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	13.48 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	3.93 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	49.38 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	1362.4 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	29.63 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	30.03 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	40.03 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	48.3 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	178.99 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	110.88 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	340.45 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	200.78 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	858.97 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	357.98 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	258.91 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	11.54 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 3.93 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 23.6 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.85 USD, a loaf of bread 0.37 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.33 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.39 USD and a monthly pass around 19.67 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 17.34 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 20.54 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 13.48 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 49.38 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 1362.4 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 29.63 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 40.03 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 178.99 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 110.88 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 858.97 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 357.98 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 258.91 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 11.54% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Libya

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Libya isn't safe and many governments are advising their citizens against traveling to Libya because of the current conflict following the bloody war to oust the Gadaffi dictatorship. This country is dangerous and if you're currently in Libya, make plans to leave as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

The ongoing tumultuous situation makes it difficult to travel at night. Even though road conditions aren't too bad in Libya, but driving standards are poor with factors that complicate traffic additionally, like the wind-blown sand that reduces visibility.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are active in Libya, and both petty and violent crime is rife. Avoid carrying too much cash and keep in mind that expensive watches, jewelry, and cameras will make you look like an easy target for pickpockets and opportunists.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There aren't many natural disasters that affect Libya, apart from occasional earthquakes.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Violent confrontations like muggings and robberies are on the rise lately, so it is recommended that you take extra care on the streets of Libya, avoid dark streets and deserted areas. Bear in mind that risks increase after dark.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Libya. The biggest threat is coming from the extremist groups including Daesh that are responsible for the majority of attacks.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

There are many scams in Libya as well as scammers trying to take advantage of travelers. Be wary of people trying to distract you in order to steal from you and of taxi drivers overcharging you for a ride. We advise you to be extremely careful when handling money and around ATMs.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Libya is definitely not safe for solo female travelers. They are advised, if it is absolutely necessary that they leave their accommodation at night, to go out accompanied by someone. Be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public.

Cost of Living in Libya

Libya

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing