Cost of Living in Egypt in 2026: Rent, Food, Salaries and Monthly Expenses
The cost of living in Egypt in 2026 remains relatively affordable by international standards, but housing costs, inflation and differences between local salaries and household expenses create important affordability challenges. A single person renting independently may need approximately EGP 15,000 to EGP 35,000 per month, while a family of four may spend EGP 35,000 to EGP 85,000 or more, including rent. These are illustrative planning ranges, not official national averages.
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Egypt attracts students, workers, retirees and international residents to cities such as Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. However, living costs differ substantially across these locations. A basic apartment in an established residential neighbourhood may be much cheaper than a furnished property in New Cairo, Zamalek or a popular coastal resort.
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). This guide presents prices in EGP rather than relying on fixed US-dollar conversions because exchange rates and consumer prices can change significantly. The information was reviewed in October 2026, using official government sources and available market-price datasets.
Cost of Living in Egypt at a Glance
A moderate single-person household may budget EGP 20,000 to EGP 35,000 per month including rent. People sharing accommodation or living outside expensive urban districts may spend less, while higher-end expatriate lifestyles can cost substantially more.
| Expense | Estimated Cost in EGP | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single person, excluding rent | EGP 7,000–16,000/month | Food, utilities, transport, communication and routine spending |
| Single person, including rent | EGP 15,000–35,000/month | Modest to moderate long-term rental lifestyle |
| Couple, including rent | EGP 22,000–50,000/month | Shared housing and ordinary living expenses |
| Family of four, including rent | EGP 35,000–85,000+/month | Family housing, groceries, transport and basic expenses; private schooling can add substantially more |
| One-bedroom apartment, central Cairo | EGP 6,000–20,000/month | Observed market-price range, June 2026 |
| One-bedroom apartment, outside central Cairo | EGP 4,000–18,000/month | Property quality and location matter |
| Groceries, single person | EGP 3,000–6,500/month | Primarily home-prepared meals |
| Basic household utilities | EGP 800–2,500/month | Electricity, water, gas and related household charges |
| Cairo Metro single journey | EGP 10–20 | Fare depends on stations travelled |
| Private-sector minimum wage | EGP 7,000/month | Latest confirmed general private-sector rate |
| Lowest state-sector minimum wage grade | EGP 8,000/month | Effective July 1, 2026 |
The expense ranges are planning estimates, not a statistical average for every Egyptian household. The Numbeo Cairo dataset reported a central one-bedroom average of approximately EGP 11,405 in June 2026. Meanwhile, Expatistan's October 2026 estimates put a single person's total monthly expenditure around EGP 35,306 and a family of four at EGP 84,246, while warning about possible data inconsistencies.
These differences reflect varying accommodation assumptions, consumer baskets and data samples. They should not be interpreted as a contradiction that can be resolved with one national average.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Egypt Per Month?
A single renter in Egypt may budget around EGP 15,000 to EGP 35,000 monthly including rent, groceries, utilities, transport and personal expenses. Couples and families usually benefit from sharing accommodation costs, although larger properties, children's needs and private services can quickly increase spending.
Egypt can be inexpensive for residents using traditional markets, public transport and modest housing. However, imported products, international schooling, ride-hailing, frequent restaurant visits and properties in premium neighbourhoods can produce a much higher budget.
A monthly cost estimate should always specify whether rent is included. Comparisons are also more useful when they distinguish residents earning Egyptian pounds from households supported by foreign-currency income.
Housing and Rent Prices in Egypt
Rent is often the largest variable in an Egyptian household budget. In Cairo, a one-bedroom apartment can cost approximately EGP 4,000 to EGP 20,000 monthly across the observed market range, while larger apartments and premium properties may cost much more.
Apartment Rental Prices in Cairo
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent | Observed Range |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom, city centre | EGP 11,405 | EGP 6,000–20,000 |
| One-bedroom, outside centre | EGP 8,711 | EGP 4,000–18,000 |
| Three-bedroom, city centre | EGP 24,652 | EGP 14,000–50,000 |
| Three-bedroom, outside centre | EGP 15,769 | EGP 10,000–33,000 |
These are June 2026 crowdsourced figures from Numbeo, not verified October rental listings. Prospective tenants should request current quotations before signing a contract.
Which Areas Are More Expensive?
Zamalek, New Cairo, parts of Maadi, Sheikh Zayed and desirable residential compounds commonly attract residents looking for modern accommodation, security, international schools or proximity to professional workplaces. Such properties may cost more than ordinary local housing.
Some neighbourhoods in Giza, older Cairo residential districts and parts of Alexandria offer more economical options. However, a cheaper apartment may involve longer commutes, less modern facilities or additional maintenance.
Buying Property in Egypt
According to Numbeo's June 2026 Cairo observations, average advertised purchase-price estimates were approximately EGP 44,688 per square metre in central areas and EGP 24,688 outside the centre. Actual transaction prices vary widely by development, building age and legal status.
Foreign buyers should investigate property ownership rules, registration, developer agreements, title documents, taxes and applicable residency provisions. Property ownership does not automatically guarantee permanent residence or citizenship.
Food and Grocery Prices in Egypt
A single person may spend approximately EGP 3,000 to EGP 6,500 per month on groceries, while a family of four could budget EGP 8,000 to EGP 16,000 or more. Household spending depends on diet, market selection and use of imported products.
Locally grown vegetables, rice, bread, legumes and seasonal fruit can provide economical meals. Imported cheese, premium meat, packaged international brands and specialty food may cost considerably more.
Common Grocery Prices in Cairo
| Product | Approximate Price in EGP |
|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | 37–55 |
| Fresh white bread, 500 g | 15–100 |
| White rice, 1 kg | 27–47 |
| Eggs, 12 | 50–96 |
| Chicken fillets, 1 kg | 120–380 |
| Beef, 1 kg | 400–550 |
| Tomatoes, 1 kg | 8–40 |
| Potatoes, 1 kg | 10–30 |
| Bananas, 1 kg | 30–58 |
| Apples, 1 kg | 50–130 |
| Bottled water, 1.5 litres | 10–20 |
These June 2026 observations come from Numbeo's Cairo consumer-price dataset. Actual supermarket and market prices fluctuate.
Egypt also has subsidized food programmes serving eligible residents. Prices and access to ration-card products should not be assumed to apply universally to expatriates or tourists.
Restaurant and Eating-Out Costs in Egypt
An inexpensive restaurant meal in Cairo may cost around EGP 100 to EGP 500, with an observed average close to EGP 250. Street food and simple local eateries may offer cheaper meals than tourist-oriented restaurants or international chains.
| Restaurant Expense | Estimated Price in EGP |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | 100–500 |
| Mid-range meal for two | 800–3,000 |
| Fast-food combination meal | 250–350 |
| Cappuccino | 40–150 |
| Soft drink, restaurant serving | 15–30 |
| Bottled water, small restaurant serving | 6–15 |
These estimates reflect June 2026 consumer observations. Traditional Egyptian dishes such as koshari, ful medames and taameya can be economical choices, particularly from local vendors.
A resident who prepares most meals at home may allocate around EGP 500 to EGP 1,500 per month to occasional dining, whereas frequent restaurant use can push discretionary spending well above EGP 3,000 monthly.
Electricity, Water and Utility Costs in Egypt
A modest apartment household may budget approximately EGP 800 to EGP 2,500 per month for electricity, water, gas and related utilities. Actual costs can exceed this range during hot weather or with extensive air-conditioning.
Egypt's electricity regulator published updated residential tariffs effective April 2026. The structure uses consumption bands, so electricity is not charged at one universal household rate.
According to the Egyptian Electric Utility and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency, the residential schedule includes EGP 0.68 per kWh in its initial 0–50 kWh band and EGP 0.78 per kWh in the 51–100 kWh band. Further brackets, fees and applicable rules affect the final bill.
Residents should ask whether electricity is metered separately and whether buildings charge maintenance, elevator, security or shared-service fees. These can materially affect actual housing costs.
Internet and Mobile Phone Costs
A typical planning allowance for household internet and mobile communication is approximately EGP 500 to EGP 1,500 monthly. Heavy-data households or residents purchasing premium services may spend more.
Egypt has multiple fixed-broadband and mobile providers, including Telecom Egypt's WE brand, Vodafone, Orange and e&. Prices depend on package allowance, taxes, speed, coverage and promotional terms.
Remote workers should check whether fixed broadband is installed at the property, whether the package has a data allowance, and how reliable mobile coverage is indoors. Advertised broadband speeds do not guarantee equivalent performance at every address.
Transportation Costs in Egypt
Public transport remains one of Egypt's more affordable everyday expenses. As of October 2026, standard Cairo Metro single-journey tickets cost EGP 10 to EGP 20, depending on the number of stations travelled.
Official Cairo Metro Fares
| Journey Distance | Standard Fare |
|---|---|
| Up to 9 stations | EGP 10 |
| Up to 16 stations | EGP 12 |
| Up to 23 stations | EGP 15 |
| Up to 39 stations | EGP 20 |
These fares took effect on March 27, 2026, according to Egypt's State Information Service. The Cairo Governorate transport portal also lists monthly subscriptions for the general public ranging from EGP 390 to EGP 600, depending on zones.
For example, commuting 22 days per month with two EGP 12 metro journeys each workday would cost EGP 528 before additional connections. An appropriate subscription could lower the cost.
Students and eligible older passengers may qualify for specific fare concessions. Local buses, shared minibuses and ride-hailing services offer alternatives, but prices and service quality vary by route and city.
Private car ownership involves fuel, parking, insurance, maintenance and potentially significant time lost in urban congestion. Transport costs also rise for residents commuting from new residential developments to central business districts.
Healthcare Costs in Egypt: Is Healthcare Free?
Egypt has public, university and private healthcare providers. Eligible citizens can access public services and insurance arrangements, but healthcare is not automatically free for every procedure or every foreign resident.
Egypt's Universal Health Insurance system is being introduced progressively across governorates. The Universal Health Insurance Authority explains that eligibility depends on registration, contributions and the system's implementation in the relevant governorate.
The authority states that access may be provided to foreign residents under specific conditions and reciprocity arrangements. Foreign residents should therefore not assume that their residence permit automatically provides the same coverage as an enrolled Egyptian citizen.
Private clinics and hospitals may be more convenient for residents seeking particular specialists, language services or shorter appointments. However, consultations, diagnostic tests, surgery and private medical insurance can significantly increase costs.
A practical budget should include ongoing prescriptions, routine appointments, dental care, insurance and emergency reserves. The appropriate amount depends heavily on health needs and coverage.
Education and Childcare in Egypt
Public education in Egypt is generally accessible to eligible Egyptian children at low direct cost, but school-related expenses remain. Private and international education can be considerably more expensive.
Public schools primarily use Arabic instruction and follow Egyptian education requirements, while language schools, private schools and international schools offer different curricula and fee structures.
Numbeo's June 2026 Cairo observations estimated private full-day preschool at an average of approximately EGP 5,212 monthly per child. Reported international primary-school tuition averaged about EGP 140,926 annually per child, with an observed range from EGP 75,000 to EGP 250,000.
Annual school fees should be converted into a monthly budgeting allowance, with separate provisions for transportation, registration, meals, uniforms, activities and supplies. Foreign families should confirm admissions eligibility and fees directly with their chosen institution.
Salaries and Minimum Wage in Egypt in 2026
The latest confirmed general private-sector minimum wage is EGP 7,000 per month, effective March 1, 2025. The minimum for the lowest state-sector salary grade increased to EGP 8,000 per month from July 1, 2026.
Minimum Wage Rates
| Category | Rate | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| General private-sector minimum monthly wage | EGP 7,000 | March 1, 2025 |
| Private-sector part-time minimum hourly rate | EGP 28 | March 1, 2025 |
| Lowest state-sector minimum monthly wage grade | EGP 8,000 | July 1, 2026 |
The private-sector figures were announced by Egypt's National Council of Wages. The July 2026 state-sector increase was confirmed by the official gazette, Prime Minister's Decree No. 2170 of 2026. The government also confirmed the EGP 8,000 minimum in its 2026/27 budget announcement.
The two minimum-wage figures should not be confused because they apply to different employment sectors. The private-sector rate must not automatically be replaced with the government salary figure.
Average Salaries and Affordability
Numbeo's June 2026 Cairo dataset reported an average monthly net salary of approximately EGP 9,991. This is a crowdsourced estimate, not an official national earnings statistic, and it does not establish what every worker receives.
Even this reported average falls below many independently rented single-person budgets. A worker receiving EGP 7,000 monthly may find it difficult to rent and maintain an apartment alone in Cairo without additional household income, shared accommodation or another source of support.
What Salary Is Needed to Live Comfortably in Egypt?
A single renter may target approximately EGP 25,000 to EGP 40,000 in monthly take-home income for a moderate urban lifestyle and some room for savings. A family of four may need EGP 45,000 to EGP 90,000 or more, particularly when private schooling or premium housing is involved.
These are household planning targets, not government salary requirements or official average wages. Comfortable living has different meanings depending on location, family circumstances and expectations.
Taxes and Take-Home Pay in Egypt
Egypt generally applies a standard value-added tax rate of 14% to taxable goods and services, subject to exemptions, special rates and other provisions.
Personal income tax is progressive. According to PwC's Egyptian tax summary, reviewed August 17, 2026, the published annual income brackets are:
| Annual Taxable Income Band | Marginal Rate |
|---|---|
| EGP 0–40,000 | 0% |
| EGP 40,000–55,000 | 10% |
| EGP 55,000–70,000 | 15% |
| EGP 70,000–200,000 | 20% |
| EGP 200,000–400,000 | 22.5% |
| EGP 400,000–1,200,000 | 25% |
| Above EGP 1,200,000 | 27.5% |
These are headline marginal brackets. Actual salary-tax calculations are affected by the separate annual salary exemption, income-specific rules and relevant legislation. Social-insurance deductions also matter. Residents earning overseas income should seek advice about their particular tax residence and income source rather than assuming all foreign earnings are exempt.
Realistic Monthly Budgets for Living in Egypt
The following examples are constructed monthly budgets including rent. They are intended to help prospective residents plan actual spending, rather than represent official averages. They exclude major emergencies, large savings targets and one-time relocation costs.
Budget-Conscious Single Person
Assumption: basic rental accommodation, mostly home cooking, public transport and limited leisure spending.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | EGP 6,000 |
| Utilities | EGP 900 |
| Groceries | EGP 3,500 |
| Transportation | EGP 700 |
| Internet and mobile | EGP 600 |
| Healthcare and personal care | EGP 800 |
| Dining and leisure | EGP 800 |
| Miscellaneous | EGP 700 |
| Total Including Rent | EGP 14,000 |
This scenario is possible only where suitable low-cost housing is available. It is not a guarantee that an independent renter can find accommodation at this price in every district.
Moderate Single Person
Assumption: conveniently located apartment, regular groceries, reliable communications, some ride-hailing and modest leisure spending.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | EGP 12,000 |
| Utilities | EGP 1,500 |
| Groceries | EGP 5,000 |
| Transportation | EGP 1,500 |
| Internet and mobile | EGP 900 |
| Healthcare and personal care | EGP 1,200 |
| Dining and leisure | EGP 2,500 |
| Miscellaneous | EGP 1,400 |
| Total Including Rent | EGP 26,000 |
Couple Living Together
Assumption: one shared apartment, home-prepared meals, regular commuting and moderate leisure spending.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | EGP 14,000 |
| Utilities | EGP 1,800 |
| Groceries | EGP 8,000 |
| Transportation | EGP 2,500 |
| Internet and mobile | EGP 1,200 |
| Healthcare and personal care | EGP 2,000 |
| Dining and leisure | EGP 3,000 |
| Miscellaneous | EGP 2,000 |
| Total Including Rent | EGP 34,500 |
Family of Four
Assumption: two adults and two school-age children, modest three-bedroom accommodation and local schooling rather than premium international tuition.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | EGP 18,000 |
| Utilities | EGP 2,500 |
| Groceries | EGP 13,000 |
| Transportation | EGP 4,000 |
| Internet and mobile | EGP 1,600 |
| Healthcare and personal care | EGP 3,000 |
| School-related expenses | EGP 3,000 |
| Dining and leisure | EGP 4,000 |
| Miscellaneous | EGP 3,000 |
| Total Including Rent | EGP 52,100 |
This family example does not cover international school tuition, full-time domestic help, a private vehicle loan or extensive private medical insurance. Families requiring these services should prepare significantly larger budgets.
Cost of Living Differences by City and Region
Cairo and New Cairo
Cairo provides access to major employers, universities, hospitals, restaurants and transport services. Central and premium residential areas can be expensive, and long commutes may add both transport expenses and time costs.
New Cairo includes modern residential compounds and popular expatriate districts. Although the area can provide attractive amenities, rents and private-service costs may be high.
Alexandria
Alexandria offers a coastal urban alternative to Cairo. Numbeo's June 2026 dataset showed Alexandria with lower overall living-cost and rent indices than Cairo. However, seaside properties and desirable districts can command premiums.
Giza
Giza includes both densely populated established neighbourhoods and newer residential developments. Its reported cost and rent indices were generally lower than Cairo's in the June 2026 crowdsourced comparison, but differences between neighbourhoods remain substantial.
Luxor and Aswan
Luxor and Aswan may offer economical local lifestyles compared with premium Cairo districts, particularly when residents use ordinary long-term accommodation and local food markets. However, tourist-oriented rentals can be priced differently from local housing.
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh
These Red Sea destinations attract tourists and foreign residents. Resort compounds, furnished accommodation, leisure activities and imported products can raise monthly spending. Residents should distinguish tourist-season prices from year-round residential contracts.
How Does Egypt Compare With Morocco, Turkey and the UAE?
Egypt generally offers inexpensive locally produced food and public transport compared with many international urban markets. However, meaningful comparisons with Morocco, Turkey or the UAE require a consistent currency, comparable city, similar housing standards and a matching household spending basket.
Egypt's lower nominal wages also mean that relatively low prices do not automatically create high purchasing power for residents earning local incomes.
Instead of treating one country as universally cheaper, compare Cairo with a specified city such as Casablanca, Istanbul or Dubai using the same accommodation and household assumptions.
Hidden Expenses New Residents Often Overlook
- Rental setup: Security deposits, agency fees, advance rent, furniture and appliances can increase relocation costs.
- Air-conditioning: Summer electricity bills can exceed typical monthly utility allowances.
- Building charges: Elevators, security, maintenance and shared facilities may require additional payments.
- Private education: Tuition, transport and annual registration fees can transform a family budget.
- Healthcare: Private insurance, specialist treatment, diagnostics and prescription medicines may create additional costs.
- Transport: Long commutes, congestion, ride-hailing and private vehicle maintenance may reduce the savings achieved through cheaper housing.
- Imported products: Foreign-brand groceries, electronics and household items can be expensive relative to local salaries.
- Exchange rates: Foreign residents should account for currency conversion, banking fees and potential changes in the value of overseas income.
- Immigration administration: Residency applications, renewals, document translations and other official procedures may have costs beyond normal living expenses.
Cost of Living Versus Egyptian Residency Requirements
The income required for everyday living in Egypt is different from the conditions for obtaining or renewing immigration permission.
Foreign nationals need an appropriate legal basis for their stay, which may relate to employment, family, study, investment or another qualifying category. The Egyptian Ministry of Interior's residence guidance explains administrative procedures for residence applications and renewals.
Foreign residents applying for or renewing residence permits may need evidence that the equivalent of prescribed immigration fees was exchanged into Egyptian pounds through an authorized bank or exchange company. This is a payment and documentation requirement, not a universal minimum monthly living-income threshold.
Immigration rules, application fees and eligibility criteria depend on the residence category. The EGP 25,000 or EGP 40,000 monthly household budgets discussed in this guide should not be treated as official visa-income requirements.
Property investment and citizenship programmes have separate conditions. For example, Egypt's official citizenship-by-investment programme publishes a property route involving at least US$300,000, which is unrelated to an ordinary rental budget or automatic residency eligibility.
Is Egypt Affordable for Expats and New Residents?
Egypt can be affordable for expatriates with steady foreign-currency income, particularly those choosing local housing and food. Residents relying entirely on lower local wages may face greater financial pressure, especially in Cairo's rental market.
International residents should evaluate total household expenses rather than compare only groceries and public transport. Private medical care, international education, suitable housing, language support and commuting can make an expatriate lifestyle substantially more expensive than a basic local budget.
Students and retirees may reduce expenses through shared accommodation and lower-cost neighbourhoods, but they still need suitable healthcare, stable income and appropriate residence permission.
Conclusion: Planning Your Cost of Living in Egypt
Egypt remains a potentially economical place to live, but prices vary sharply by city, neighbourhood and lifestyle. A single renter may initially plan around EGP 15,000 to EGP 35,000 per month, while a family of four may require EGP 35,000 to EGP 85,000 or more, including rent.
For people earning local wages, affordability is a central concern. The confirmed private-sector minimum of EGP 7,000 monthly and the July 2026 state-sector minimum of EGP 8,000 are substantially below many independently rented urban household budgets.
Before moving, obtain current rental quotations, compare a realistic grocery basket, verify healthcare and school arrangements, and calculate expected take-home income after taxes. These practical checks provide a more accurate budget than relying on one national living-cost estimate.
Sources and Methodology
This guide was reviewed on October 21, 2026. It compares the existing VisaBoards article with government announcements, official transport and electricity tariffs, tax information and consumer-price observations. Egyptian pounds are used as the primary currency.
The original article used broad dollar-denominated estimates without completed EGP conversions. This revision replaces those with Egyptian-pound figures and separates market observations from illustrative household budgets.
Most detailed grocery and rental observations cited here were collected in June 2026, while Expatistan's Cairo estimates were updated in October 2026. Wage, metro and electricity information reflects identifiable government decisions. Crowdsourced prices are not official statistics and may suffer from sampling bias. Where complete current quotations or national data were unavailable, the article uses approximate ranges and explicitly identifies them as planning assumptions.
References
- VisaBoards: Original Cost of Living in Egypt Article
- Numbeo: Cairo Consumer Prices and Rental Estimates
- Numbeo: Egypt Cost-of-Living Data and City Comparisons
- Expatistan: Cairo Cost of Living, October 2026
- Egypt State Information Service: Private-Sector Minimum Wage
- Egyptian Official Gazette: Prime Minister's Decree No. 2170 of 2026
- Egypt State Information Service: July 2026 State-Sector Wage Increase
- Egypt State Information Service: March 2026 Metro Fare Changes
- Cairo Governorate: Official Metro Fares and Subscriptions
- Egyptian Electricity Regulator: April 2026 Tariffs
- Egypt Universal Health Insurance Authority: Frequently Asked Questions
- PwC: Egypt Individual Income Tax
- PwC: Egypt VAT and Other Taxes
- Egypt Ministry of Interior: Residence Permit Procedures
- Egyptian Government: Citizenship-by-Investment Programme
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Egypt per month in 2026?
A single person renting independently may need approximately EGP 15,000 to EGP 35,000 monthly, including rent, groceries, utilities, internet and regular transport. People sharing housing or living in lower-cost areas may spend less. A moderate Cairo budget is often higher than a basic provincial budget. These figures are financial planning estimates rather than official nationwide household averages.
How much is rent in Cairo in 2026?
In June 2026, crowdsourced Cairo observations showed one-bedroom apartments averaging approximately EGP 11,405 monthly in central areas and EGP 8,711 outside the centre. Reported ranges were EGP 6,000 to EGP 20,000 centrally and EGP 4,000 to EGP 18,000 outside central areas. Actual prices depend on furnishings, neighbourhood, building condition and contract terms.
What salary is enough to live comfortably in Egypt?
A single renter may aim for approximately EGP 25,000 to EGP 40,000 monthly in take-home income for a moderate urban lifestyle and some savings. A family of four may require EGP 45,000 to EGP 90,000 or more. These are planning targets, not official salary benchmarks. Housing, childcare, schooling, private healthcare and transport strongly affect what counts as comfortable.
What is Egypt's minimum wage in 2026?
The latest confirmed general private-sector minimum wage is EGP 7,000 per month, effective March 1, 2025. The minimum for the lowest state-sector salary grade increased to EGP 8,000 monthly from July 1, 2026 under Prime Minister's Decree No. 2170 of 2026. These apply to different sectors and should not be confused. Specific employment arrangements and legal rules may also affect individual cases.
Is healthcare free in Egypt for foreigners?
Foreigners should not assume that healthcare in Egypt is universally free. Egypt operates public and private medical services, while its Universal Health Insurance system is being implemented progressively. The responsible authority explains that foreign residents may qualify under specific conditions and reciprocity rules. Eligibility, covered services and contributions must be confirmed individually, and private medical insurance may be advisable.
How much does public transportation cost in Egypt?
Cairo Metro tickets cost EGP 10 to EGP 20 per standard journey, depending on the number of stations travelled, following the March 27, 2026 fare changes. Monthly subscriptions listed by Cairo Governorate range from EGP 390 to EGP 600 for the general public, depending on zones. Buses, shared minibuses and other transport options have different fares and availability.
How much does a family of four need to live in Egypt?
A family of four may need around EGP 35,000 to EGP 85,000 or more monthly, including rent, food, utilities and everyday expenses. One illustrative family budget totals EGP 52,100, assuming modest family accommodation and local schooling. Premium housing, international school tuition, regular private transport and private healthcare can substantially increase the required amount.
Which city is cheaper to live in, Cairo or Alexandria?
Alexandria generally showed lower overall living-cost and rent indices than Cairo in Numbeo's June 2026 comparisons. However, this does not guarantee that every apartment or product is cheaper. Central seaside neighbourhoods in Alexandria may cost more than ordinary residential districts elsewhere. Comparing actual rental listings, commute times and household expenses produces a more reliable result.
Are groceries expensive in Egypt?
Locally produced groceries can be relatively economical, but imported food and certain meats may be expensive compared with local incomes. In a basic planning scenario, a single person may spend EGP 3,000 to EGP 6,500 monthly on groceries. Households can control expenses through seasonal produce and traditional markets, while diets relying on imported brands will usually cost more.
Does Egypt have an income requirement for residency?
Egypt does not apply one universal monthly income threshold to every residence category. Requirements depend on whether an applicant is staying for employment, education, family, investment or another eligible purpose. The Ministry of Interior also requires prescribed immigration-fee payment documentation, including an authorized foreign-currency exchange receipt in relevant cases. Monthly living budgets are not official visa financial requirements.
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