Cost of Living in Egypt
The cost of living in Egypt can be very inexpensive if one takes the time to familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of the city.
For example, it's quite common for new expats to use a lot of taxis – these are not particularly expensive, but once a basic knowledge of locale is developed and anxiety lessens, it can become much more economical 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 baksheesh’s (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, and can have unfair expectations of what foreigners can contribute. Unfortunately, they don’t realise that you are also tipping everyone else too, nor do they take into account that you may have your own budgetary constraints.
On the plus side of moving to Egypt, household expensive like utilities and cleaning services are very low. Electricity bills are around the equivalent of $10 to $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 the equivalent of $15 per week.
For example, it's quite common for new expats to use a lot of taxis – these are not particularly expensive, but once a basic knowledge of locale is developed and anxiety lessens, it can become much more economical 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 baksheesh’s (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, and can have unfair expectations of what foreigners can contribute. Unfortunately, they don’t realise that you are also tipping everyone else too, nor do they take into account that you may have your own budgetary constraints.
On the plus side of moving to Egypt, household expensive like utilities and cleaning services are very low. Electricity bills are around the equivalent of $10 to $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 the equivalent of $15 per week.
Estimated exchange rate:
$ 1 = EGP 6
€ 1 = EGP 8
£ 1 = EGP 11.50
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