Cost of Living in Egypt
The cost of living in Egypt can be very inexpensive, provided one takes the time to gain experience especially in the major cities like Cairo. For example it is quite common for new expats to use a lot of taxis – these are not particularly expensive but once familiarity with the cities sets in, it can become a whole lot cheaper to take the local transportation like the metro and microbuses.
The cost of eating in Egypt can also be very affordable. If you opt to avoid meat and dine in simple places then you can survive on a food budget of just E£ 15 per day.
In the major cities and areas of Luxor, Aswan, Cairo or the oases, there is the idea that everyone must be tipped – the infamous ‘baksheesh’. This can become quite costly and frustrating. It is advised that you always check your receipt when making a purchase because store owners and cashiers have no problem adding on stiff baksheeshes (tips), without your consent. This can be contested if noticed right away.
It is important to realise that the average Egyptian lives just above or below an expat’s idea of poverty. They often work more than one job to make ends meet, so to them you are rich and can afford to tip. Unfortunately they don’t realise that you are also tipping everyone else too.
On the plus side of moving to Egypt, utility bills are very low. Electricity bills are around $10 and $15 per month, even with the air-con running half the day. Petrol costs are equally low and it’s very affordable to hire someone to keep your home clean once a week for around $15 per week.
The cost of eating in Egypt can also be very affordable. If you opt to avoid meat and dine in simple places then you can survive on a food budget of just E£ 15 per day.
In the major cities and areas of Luxor, Aswan, Cairo or the oases, there is the idea that everyone must be tipped – the infamous ‘baksheesh’. This can become quite costly and frustrating. It is advised that you always check your receipt when making a purchase because store owners and cashiers have no problem adding on stiff baksheeshes (tips), without your consent. This can be contested if noticed right away.
It is important to realise that the average Egyptian lives just above or below an expat’s idea of poverty. They often work more than one job to make ends meet, so to them you are rich and can afford to tip. Unfortunately they don’t realise that you are also tipping everyone else too.
On the plus side of moving to Egypt, utility bills are very low. Electricity bills are around $10 and $15 per month, even with the air-con running half the day. Petrol costs are equally low and it’s very affordable to hire someone to keep your home clean once a week for around $15 per week.
Estimated exchange rate:
$ 1 = EGP 6
€ 1 = EGP 8
£ 1 = EGP 11.50
Here follows a cost guide to living in Egypt:
| Accommodation (monthly rent in good area) | |
| Furnished 2 bedroom apartment | EGP 3,000 |
| Room in shared apartment | EGP 1,500 |
| Food and Drink | |
| Milk | EGP 8 |
| Cheese | EGP 25 |
| Dozen eggs 12 | EGP 9 |
| White Bread | EGP 9 |
| Spaghetti | EGP 15 |
| Coca Cola | EGP 9 |
| Still mineral water | EGP 5 |
| Potatoes | EGP 8 |
| Tomatoes | EGP 8 |
| Bananas | EGP 10 |
| Fresh beef fillet | EGP 60 |
| Fresh whole chicken | EGP 30 |
| Fresh white fish | EGP 29 |
| Table salt | EGP 8 |
| Imported can of beer | EGP 20 |
| Fine wine | EGP 60 |
| Imported Cigarettes | EGP 10 |
| Household | |
| Laundry detergent | EGP 62 |
| Dishwashing liquid | EGP 19 |
| Soap | EGP 6 |
| Toothpaste | EGP 8 |
| Shampoo | EGP 22 |
| Aspirin | EGP 7 |
| Utilities | |
| Telephone line (monthly rental) | EGP 26 |
| Purchase of cheap cell phone | EGP 220 |
| An apartment monthly energy costs | EGP 50 |
| Eating Out, Entertainment & Health | |
| Three-course dinner in restaurant | EGP 110 |
| Fast-food meal | EGP 30 |
| Cup of coffee in bar/cafe | EGP 14 |
| Beer in bar | EGP 26 |
| Annual gym membership | EGP 4,000 |
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