Cost of Living in Egypt: 2026 Breakdown
Detailed monthly budget for living in Egypt — rent, food, transport, internet, and more.
Overview
Egypt is one of the most affordable countries for expats. Your monthly budget can range from $500 (very basic) to $2,000+ (comfortable, Western-style living) depending on your city and lifestyle.
All prices below are approximate and based on April 2026 exchange rates (~50 EGP = $1 USD). The Egyptian pound fluctuates, so always check the current rate.
Rent
Rent is by far the biggest expense and varies hugely by location:
- Budget (basic studio in Hurghada/El Dahar): $150-250/month
- Mid-range (1BR in good area of Hurghada/Cairo): $300-500/month
- Comfortable (2BR modern apartment): $500-800/month
- Premium (new compound in Cairo or seafront): $800-1,500/month
Long-term contracts (6-12 months) are significantly cheaper than monthly rentals. Always negotiate.
Food
Groceries
- Basic groceries for one person: $80-150/month
- Local fruits and vegetables are extremely cheap (tomatoes ~$0.30/kg, mangoes ~$0.60/kg in season)
- Imported goods (cheese, European brands) are 2-3x more expensive
Eating Out
- Local Egyptian meal (koshary, foul, taameya): $1-2
- Restaurant meal (mid-range): $5-10
- Western restaurant / upscale dining: $15-30
- Coffee in a cafe: $1-3
- Delivery (via Talabat/Elmenus): $3-8 per order
Utilities and Internet
- Electricity: $10-30/month (higher in summer with AC)
- Water: $2-5/month
- Gas: $2-5/month
- Internet (home Wi-Fi): $10-20/month for 50-100 Mbps
- Mobile data: $5-15/month (see our SIM card guide)
AC is essential May-October. Expect electricity bills to double or triple in summer months.
Transport
- Uber/Careem ride across town: $1-3
- Cairo Metro single trip: $0.20
- Tuk-tuk short ride: $0.50-1
- Monthly taxi budget (moderate use): $30-60
- Renting a car: not recommended unless you enjoy chaos
Monthly Budget Examples
Budget lifestyle ($500-700/month)
- Rent: $200 (basic apartment)
- Food: $150 (mostly cooking + local restaurants)
- Utilities + internet: $30
- Transport: $30
- Phone: $10
- Entertainment: $80-180
Comfortable lifestyle ($1,000-1,500/month)
- Rent: $500 (nice 1BR in good area)
- Food: $250 (mix of cooking and restaurants)
- Utilities + internet: $50
- Transport: $60
- Phone: $15
- Entertainment + gym + co-working: $125-325
Premium lifestyle ($2,000+/month)
- Rent: $1,000+ (modern compound or seafront)
- Food: $400 (restaurants, delivery, imported goods)
- Utilities + internet: $80
- Transport: $100
- Everything else: $420+
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