Egypt cost of living index: 22.40/100 (NYC = 100). Monthly budget: $400–$1,200 depending on lifestyle. GNI per capita (PPP): $13,400. Egypt offers one of the lowest costs of living in North Africa, with Cairo providing a vibrant urban experience alongside ancient monuments. Despite high inflation (29.8% in 2024), the weak Egyptian pound makes it exceptionally affordable for USD/EUR earners—you stretch your budget significantly further than nearly anywhere else in the Middle East.
Sources: Numbeo 2025 (NYC base = 100); World Bank NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD 2024.
Key Data at a Glance
| Indicator | Value | vs New York City | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 22.40 | 77.6% cheaper | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Rent Index | 6.80 | 93.2% cheaper | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Groceries Index | 16.40 | 83.6% cheaper | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Restaurant Index | 24.60 | 75.4% cheaper | Numbeo | 2025 |
| GNI per capita (PPP) | $13,400 | — | World Bank | 2024 |
| Inflation (CPI) | 29.80% | — | World Bank | 2024 |
| Expat Value Score | 1.67x NYC | — | GlobalCostData | 2025 |
Housing Costs in Egypt
Cairo dominates Egypt’s expat rental market, with upscale neighborhoods like Zamalek, Maadi, and Heliopolis commanding premium prices: 2-bedroom furnished apartments in these areas range from $350–$600/month. Down the Nile in Giza, similar accommodations run $250–$400. For budget-conscious expats, Downtown Cairo and Dokki neighborhoods offer 1-bedroom furnished flats for $180–$300/month. Alexandria, Egypt’s Mediterranean coastal city, is notably cheaper: spacious 2-bedroom apartments run $200–$350, making it popular with retirees and remote workers. Unfurnished apartments across Cairo cost 20–30% less than furnished equivalents but require upfront investment in furniture and appliances. Utilities (electricity, water, internet) add $20–$50/month; air conditioning is essential in summer and significantly increases cooling bills. Most expat residences are secured through local real estate agents or Facebook groups; landlords often prefer cash or annual upfront payment.
Food & Groceries
Egypt’s food costs are remarkably low when shopping locally. A kilogram of chicken costs $1.50–$2.50, bread is $0.10–$0.25 per loaf, and fresh vegetables at neighborhood markets run $0.30–$0.80 per pound. Local Egyptian cuisine—koshari (a rice-lentil-pasta dish), ful (fava bean paste), and fresh fish in Alexandria—typically costs $1–$3 per meal from street vendors or casual eateries. Imported goods from Carrefour or Spinneys supermarkets carry a 50–100% premium: a jar of peanut butter costs $4–$6, European cheese $5–$8. A family’s monthly grocery bill for local staples runs $100–$150; adding regular imported items pushes it to $200–$250. Eating out at mid-range restaurants costs $3–$7 per person; Western restaurants and hotel dining can reach $15–$30. Street food remains iconic—ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) and fresh-squeezed sugarcane juice are under $0.50 and a reliable budget option.
Transport
Cairo’s public transportation is among the world’s cheapest. Metro rides cost $0.05–$0.10, buses $0.03–$0.08, and shared microbuses (common throughout Egypt) roughly $0.15 per ride. A monthly metro pass is less than $2. Ride-sharing via Uber or local apps (Uber and CaremGo are available) costs $1–$3 for typical Cairo journeys; a 5 km trip is roughly $2–$3. Taxis are cheaper but negotiation is required (expect $2–$5 for a central Cairo journey); licensed white taxis offer meters but are slower. Car ownership involves 20–30% import duties, making used vehicles expensive to purchase, though fuel costs approximately $0.45 per liter—cheap by global standards. Many expats skip car ownership entirely and use Uber, taxis, or the expanding metro network. Long-distance travel: intercity buses (AC Coach, SuperJet) connect Cairo to Alexandria ($5–$8, 3 hours), Giza, and the Red Sea resorts. Domestic flights are inexpensive but often booked at a premium when last-minute.
Healthcare
Egypt has both public and private healthcare. The public system is heavily subsidized and minimal-cost but often overcrowded; expats typically use private clinics and hospitals. A private general practitioner consultation costs $15–$40; specialized appointments (cardiologist, dermatologist) run $30–$60. Private hospital stays in mid-range facilities cost $100–$200/night (room only); premium international hospitals in Maadi or Heliopolis charge $300–$500+/night. Dentistry is affordable: a routine cleaning is $10–$20, a crown $50–$100, root canal $40–$80. Prescription medications are inexpensive; common antibiotics cost $1–$3 per course. Most expats purchase comprehensive private health insurance (international or local) starting at $40–$100/month depending on age and coverage. The American University of Cairo Hospital and Dar Al-Shifa Hospital are popular with expats for quality and English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are ubiquitous and many operate 24 hours.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Budget traveler | $400–$600 | Shared apartment or budget hotel, local street food and markets, metro/microbuses, minimal entertainment |
| Comfortable expat | $700–$1,200 | 1–2 bedroom furnished apartment in safe neighborhood, mix of local and imported groceries, occasional restaurants, Uber, basic health insurance |
| Western lifestyle | $1,500+ | Modern 2–3 bedroom apartment in premium neighborhood (Maadi, Zamalek), Western restaurants and imported foods, private car, international health insurance, entertainment and travel |
Key Insight for Expats
Egypt’s exceptional value proposition lies in the convergence of ultra-low costs, rich cultural heritage, and a strong purchasing power advantage for foreign-currency earners—a $1,500/month budget affords a comfortable, modern lifestyle comparable to $4,500+ in major US cities, while the recent currency devaluation has further amplified affordability for anyone earning in USD or EUR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Egypt affordable for expats?
Yes, absolutely. Egypt ranks among the world’s most affordable destinations for expats. At 22.4/100 on the Numbeo index, it is 77% cheaper than New York City. A comfortable lifestyle for a couple costs $700–$1,200/month; a single expat can live well on $500–$800. The cost of living has surged due to inflation and currency devaluation, but for USD earners, Egypt remains extraordinarily affordable.
What is the average cost of living in Egypt per month?
A budget traveler survives on $400–$600/month; a comfortable expat who wants their own apartment, regular dining out, and occasional travel expects $800–$1,200/month; Western expats accustomed to modern amenities often spend $1,500–$2,500/month to maintain a familiar standard of living. Regional variation is significant: Cairo is pricier than provincial cities like Assiut or Minya, and coastal resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh) cater to luxury tourism with corresponding prices.
Can you live well in Egypt on $800/month?
Yes, very well. On $800/month, you can afford a furnished 1–2 bedroom apartment in a decent Cairo neighborhood ($200–$350), groceries and local dining ($150–$200), utilities ($30–$50), health insurance ($30–$50), transport ($20), and entertainment ($50–$100). Expats living on $800–$1,000/month report a comfortable, not restricted, lifestyle with occasional dining out and weekend travel.
What is the cheapest city to live in Egypt?
Alexandria is Egypt’s cheapest major city for expats—rent is 30–40% lower than Cairo, and dining and transport are proportionally cheaper. Assiut, Mansoura, and Zagazig in Upper Egypt are even cheaper but have smaller expat communities. For a balance of low cost and expat infrastructure, Alexandria is the top choice, with a comfortable lifestyle sustainable on $500–$700/month.
How does Egypt compare to Tunisia for cost of living?
Egypt is significantly cheaper than Tunisia. Egypt’s cost of living index is 22.4 versus Tunisia’s ~30–35. Rent in Cairo is nearly half that of Tunis; groceries and dining are lower. Tunisia edges ahead in infrastructure and tourism amenities, making it popular for short-term visitors; Egypt wins decisively on affordability and scale of amenities for long-term expats. For pure value, Egypt is the better choice.
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Data: Numbeo Cost of Living Index 2025 (NYC = 100); World Bank GNI per capita PPP 2024. All budgets in USD. Last updated April 2026.