Cost of Living in Egypt: Detailed Breakdown (2026)
Understanding the true cost of living before you move is essential for financial planning. This detailed breakdown covers every major expense category in Egypt for 2026, using real data from official sources and cost surveys.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €280 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €420 | For families |
| Groceries | €85 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €15 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €45 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €4 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €457 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €143/month |
| Minimum Wage | €340/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €-137/month |
With an average salary of €143 and rent of €280, approximately 196% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 21.6 | Significantly cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 4.0 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 22.2 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 20.1 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 21.8 | Lower than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €4,000 | €8,000 | €15,000 |
| Retail | €1,500 | €2,500 | €3,500 |
| Finance | €4,500 | €6,000 | €8,500 |
| Education | €2,500 | €3,500 | €5,000 |
| Healthcare | €3,000 | €5,000 | €10,000 |
| Engineering | €4,000 | €6,000 | €8,000 |
| Hospitality | €2,000 | €3,000 | €4,000 |
| Construction | €2,000 | €3,000 | €4,500 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Additional Practical Information
The following information is compiled from expat community sources and recent reports to complement the official data above.
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Egypt:
- As regards rent prices around the country, you will need an average of 1,400 Egyptian pounds for a studio in the outskirts and around 2,400 Egyptian pounds for the same type of accommodation in the city center.
- Start by determining in which neighborhood you would prefer to live and which time of accommodation best suits your needs according to your situation (couple, married with children, etc.) and budget. Note that each neighborhood has its own features and hence, rent prices are likely to vary from one neighborhood to another.
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest city to live in Egypt?
Cost of living varies significantly within Egypt. Smaller cities and rural areas are generally 20-40% cheaper than the capital. The national average rent for a 1BR is €280, but you can find significantly lower prices outside major urban areas. Research specific cities before deciding.
Are there hidden costs of living in Egypt?
Beyond the basics, budget for: health insurance (if not employer-provided), visa fees and renewals, tax adviser fees, initial deposits (rent + utilities), furnishing costs if renting unfurnished, and language courses. These can add €500-2,000 to your first months.
How does inflation affect costs in Egypt?
Prices in Egypt are subject to inflation like anywhere else. The data shown reflects 2026 estimates. Food and energy costs can be particularly volatile. Budget a 5-10% buffer above estimated costs to account for price increases during your stay.
How much does dining out cost in Egypt?
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs approximately €4. The restaurant price index is 20.1/100 compared to New York City. Budget €120 per month if you eat out regularly.
How much should I save before moving to Egypt?
Based on a monthly budget of €457, we recommend saving at least 3-6 months of expenses (€1,371 to €2,742) plus visa/relocation costs. Add a buffer for unexpected expenses during your first months.
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