- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Egypt Guide (PDF)
While the cost of living in Egypt is somewhat higher than that of its North African neighbours, it does compare favourably with nearby Middle Eastern destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan.
Large cities like Cairo, favoured by expats, tend to attract a higher cost of living than smaller towns. In the Mercer Cost of Living Survey for 2020, Cairo was ranked as the 126th most expensive city out of 209 cities surveyed.
Cost of accommodation in Egypt
Expats will find that accommodation prices vary according to area and of course, the size and quality of accommodation. Living in large cities will generally push the price of rent up, while expats living in smaller towns or rural areas will find lower prices. Apartments in the city centre are also more expensive than those in outlying suburbs.
Cost of transport in Egypt
The price of petrol in Egypt is generally cheap but can be prone to sudden spikes in cost. Public transport is attractively priced. Taxis are also affordable and the price of a trip can be negotiated with the driver, although Westerners may find it difficult to secure the same rate as locals.
Cost of food and entertainment in Egypt
Food, drink and clothing can consume as much or as little of the household expenses as a particular lifestyle demands. Cooking at home with local ingredients, eating out locally a few times a month and avoiding budget-blowing fine dining restaurants will allow a comfortable standard of living on a reasonable budget.
Local goods are reasonably priced but imported products are costly and should be avoided if possible. Expats should explore local bazaars and markets to find inexpensive local goods.
Cost of education in Egypt
Public schools in Egypt can be attended free of charge, but many expat parents prefer to send their children to an international school. These schools tend to have high fees, so they may not be suitable for expats on a budget or those whose salary packages don't include education expenses.
Cost of living in Egypt chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Cairo in June 2020.
Accommodation |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
EGP 8,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
EGP 5,500 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
EGP 4,500 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
EGP 2,500 |
Shopping |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
EGP 18 |
Milk (1 litre) |
EGP 15 |
Rice (1kg) |
EGP 11 |
Loaf of white bread |
EGP 11 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
EGP 75 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
EGP 45 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
EGP 80 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
EGP 5.40 |
Cappuccino |
EGP 35 |
Bottle of local beer |
EGP 32 |
Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant |
EGP 400 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
EGP 0.50 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable average per month) |
EGP 250 |
Basic utilities (per month for small apartment) |
EGP 600 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate (per kilometre) |
EGP 3.20 |
Bus/train fare in the city centre |
EGP 5 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
EGP 8 |
Further reading
►For more information on financial matters in Egypt see Banking, Money and Taxes in Egypt.
Are you an expat living in Egypt?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Egypt. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

This tavern keeper and restaurateur, fed up with the UK drinking culture, moved with his wife to Hurghada to dive in The Red Sea and bask in the desert sun. He is now able to spend his time playing underwater photographer and writer. Read more on Peter's blog, Hello Hurghada.
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