The cost of living in Egypt in 2026 runs about EGP 19,000–26,000 (~$365–$495) a month for a single person living simply in Cairo, and about EGP 33,000–42,000 (~$630–$805) for a comfortable single life. A couple should plan on roughly EGP 40,000–53,000 (~$765–$1,015), and a family of four about EGP 57,000–79,000 (~$1,090–$1,510) before international school fees. These figures use an exchange rate of about EGP 52.3 per US dollar (October 6, 2026). Rent is the biggest swing factor. A one-bedroom outside the center averages about EGP 3,700 (~$71) in Alexandria but about EGP 10,000 (~$192) in Cairo. Prices in pounds keep rising, with fuel, electricity, transit, and internet all repriced this year, so older guides understate local costs. Below you’ll find city-by-city rents, utility tariffs, food prices, transport, healthcare, schools, taxes, visa fees, and sample budgets.
Quick Answer
- Single person: EGP 19,000–26,000 (~$365–$495) on a lean Cairo budget; EGP 33,000–42,000 (~$630–$805) for a comfortable one.
- Couple: EGP 40,000–53,000 (~$765–$1,015) a month in Cairo.
- Family of four: about EGP 57,000–79,000 (~$1,090–$1,510) before international school fees.
- Rent, one-bedroom: EGP 3,700–10,000 (~$71–$192) outside the center; EGP 7,200–11,400 (~$137–$217) in the center, depending on the city.
- Utilities: about EGP 750–1,420 (~$14–$27) a month for an 85 m² apartment; home internet adds about EGP 700–740 (~$13–$14).
- Transit: EGP 10–20 per Cairo Metro ride; monthly passes from EGP 390.
- Minimum wage: EGP 8,000 (~$153) a month for state employees since July 2026.
Exchange Rate, Inflation, and Wages in 2026
Three numbers shape what Egypt costs you this year.
The exchange rate. The pound traded at about EGP 52.3 per dollar on October 6, 2026. It has moved a lot this year. It started 2026 near EGP 47.7, strengthened to about EGP 46.6 in mid-February, and then fell to a low near EGP 54.8 on March 31, according to 2026 USD/EGP rate history. If you earn in dollars, the weaker pound helps, but local prices have risen faster than the currency has fallen.
Inflation. Egypt’s statistics agency, CAPMAS, reported national headline inflation of 12.7% in August 2026, down from 13% in July. The averages hide big jumps in some categories. Ahram Online’s summary of the August data shows rents up 28% year over year, electricity, gas, and other fuels up 22.4%, transport up 21.7%, and education up 20%. Food rose a milder 6.5%.
Wages. The government raised the minimum income for state employees to EGP 8,000 (~$153) a month from July 2026, an increase of EGP 1,000, as Egyptian Streets reported. The private-sector minimum, set by the National Wages Council, was EGP 7,000 (~$134) from March 2025. Crowd-sourced averages put typical net pay at about EGP 10,400 (~$199) a month in Cairo and about EGP 7,800 (~$149) nationally.
At EGP 52.3 per dollar, a typical Cairo net salary of EGP 10,400 equals about $199 a month. That gap is why a foreigner earning in dollars can live well, while many local families stretch one or two incomes.
Cost of Living by City
Rent varies more between cities than any other expense. The table uses crowd-sourced averages from Numbeo’s Egypt data, updated between June and October 2026. Cairo and Alexandria have the most price reports. Giza and Hurghada have far fewer, so treat them as rough guides.
| City | 1-Bed, City Center | 1-Bed, Outside Center | 3-Bed, Outside Center | Basic Utilities (85 m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo | EGP 11,357 (~$217) | EGP 10,042 (~$192) | EGP 17,167 (~$328) | EGP 1,422 (~$27) |
| Alexandria | EGP 7,167 (~$137) | EGP 3,700 (~$71) | EGP 7,600 (~$145) | EGP 749 (~$14) |
| Giza | EGP 7,375 (~$141) | EGP 4,700 (~$90) | EGP 8,000 (~$153) | EGP 869 (~$17) |
| Hurghada | EGP 11,277 (~$216) | EGP 6,223 (~$119) | —* | EGP 1,324 (~$25) |
| Egypt average | EGP 7,803 (~$149) | EGP 5,005 (~$96) | EGP 10,033 (~$192) | EGP 1,130 (~$22) |
*Hurghada’s family-size rent reports are too few and too inconsistent to quote.
A few patterns stand out:
- Cairo is the most expensive big city, and the gap between central and outer rents is small. Popular areas such as Zamalek, Maadi, New Cairo, and the Sheikh Zayed compounds often list well above these averages.
- Alexandria is the clear value pick. Rents outside the center run less than half of Cairo’s, and utilities are lower thanks to the milder sea climate.
- Giza sits next to Cairo but averages lower rents, though the figures come from fewer reports.
- Hurghada and other Red Sea towns price central rentals close to Cairo because tourists and foreign buyers compete for seafront housing. Sharm El Sheikh has too few reports to give a reliable average.
Housing and Renting in Egypt
Rent is usually the largest line in an Egyptian budget. The price depends on the neighborhood, the building’s condition, furniture, security, air conditioning, and how close you are to work or schools. Cairo’s reported rents for a one-bedroom range from about EGP 6,000 to EGP 20,000. Compounds with gates, pools, and backup power cost the most.
Rents are also rising fast. CAPMAS data show actual rents up 28% in the year to August 2026, so a lease signed today may cost far more than one signed in 2025. Ask for a written cap on yearly increases before you sign.
Practical points for renters:
- Furnished vs. unfurnished: most newcomers start furnished. It costs more each month but avoids buying appliances and air conditioners.
- What’s included: confirm whether the rent covers building maintenance, security, parking, and air-conditioning units, and who pays for repairs.
- Agents: broker commissions are common. Agree on the fee in writing before viewing properties.
- Payment terms: landlords often ask for a refundable deposit and sometimes several months up front. Get every payment and refund term in the contract.
Utilities, Internet, and Phone
Basic utilities (electricity, cooling, water, and garbage) for an 85 m² apartment average about EGP 1,130 (~$22) a month nationwide and about EGP 1,420 (~$27) in Cairo. Summer bills climb when the air conditioning runs all day.
Electricity is priced in tiers, so the more you use, the more each kWh costs. The government raised most household tiers by an average of 12% in mid-2026 and left the first tier unchanged. The current household rates, as listed by Egypt Independent, are:
| Monthly Use (kWh) | Price per kWh | Approx. USD per kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 1–50 | EGP 0.68 | $0.013 |
| 51–100 | EGP 0.78 | $0.015 |
| 101–200 | EGP 0.95 | $0.018 |
| 201–350 | EGP 1.55 | $0.030 |
| 351–650 | EGP 1.95 | $0.037 |
| 651–1,000 | EGP 2.10 | $0.040 |
| Over 1,000 | EGP 2.58 | $0.049 |
The state still covers part of most bills. At 300 kWh a month, a household pays about 49% of the real cost; at 2,000 kWh, it pays the full price. Heavy air-conditioning use pushes you into the top tiers quickly.
Internet and mobile prices rose in May 2026. Fixed home internet packages went up by about 20%. A 140 GB package now costs about EGP 287 (~$5.50), 250 GB about EGP 492 (~$9.40), and 400 GB about EGP 780 (~$14.90), according to Zawia3’s report on the price changes. Prepaid recharge cards rose by about 15%.
Typical monthly connection costs:
- Home internet (60+ Mbps): about EGP 700–740 (~$13–$14) on average. Data caps matter more than speed in Egypt, so check the monthly allowance.
- Mobile plan with 10 GB+ data: about EGP 375–440 (~$7–$8.40).
- Bottled cooking gas: a 12.5 kg butane cylinder costs EGP 275 (~$5.30) at the official price, for homes without piped gas.
Food: Groceries and Dining Out
A single person who cooks most meals spends about EGP 6,000–8,000 (~$115–$155) a month on groceries. Couples should plan on about double that. Local bread, beans, vegetables, rice, and fruit stay cheap. Imported cheese, cereal, coffee, and wine are where bills climb.
Average Cairo prices in October 2026:
| Item | Typical Cost (EGP) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 49 | $0.94 |
| Bread (1 lb loaf) | 36 | $0.69 |
| Rice (1 kg) | 39 | $0.74 |
| Eggs (12) | 62 | $1.19 |
| Chicken fillets (1 kg) | 261 | $4.98 |
| Beef (1 kg) | 480 | $9.18 |
| Local cheese (1 lb) | 101 | $1.94 |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | 13 | $0.24 |
| Water (1.5 liters) | 12 | $0.23 |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | 400 | $7.65 |
Food inflation has slowed. Prices for food and drinks rose 6.5% in the year to August 2026, far less than rent or energy, and vegetables fell 7% in August alone.
Eating out stays cheap if you eat like a local. Koshari, ful, and ta’ameya from a street stall cost a fraction of a sit-down meal. Common Cairo prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: about EGP 250 (~$4.80)
- Three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about EGP 1,500 (~$29)
- Fast-food combo meal: about EGP 310 (~$5.90)
- Cappuccino: about EGP 93 (~$1.80)
- Domestic beer (pint, at a bar): about EGP 78 (~$1.50)
Eating one inexpensive restaurant meal every weekday costs about EGP 5,500 (~$105) a month. Street food can cut that by more than half.
Transportation and Fuel
Public transit in Cairo is cheap, but it doesn’t reach every district. Many residents mix the Metro with ride-hailing apps. Fares rose on March 27, 2026, when the shortest Metro trips went up by EGP 2. Current prices on the Cairo Governorate Metro fare page are:
| Cairo Metro Ticket | Standard Fare (EGP) | Senior Fare, 60+ (EGP) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 9 stations | 10 (~$0.19) | 5 |
| Up to 16 stations | 12 (~$0.23) | 6 |
| Up to 23 stations | 15 (~$0.29) | 8 |
| Up to 39 stations | 20 (~$0.38) | 10 |
| Monthly pass, 1–6 zones | 390–600 (~$7.50–$11.50) | 270–470 (ages 60–70) |
Riders aged 70 and over travel free with a subscription. Long-distance train tickets rose 12.5% in March and short-distance trains 25%.
Fuel. Pump prices rose by EGP 3 a liter on March 10, 2026. According to Egyptian Streets, the official prices are:
- 95-octane gasoline: EGP 24 per liter (~$0.46, or about $1.74 per gallon)
- 92-octane gasoline: EGP 22.25 per liter (~$0.43)
- 80-octane gasoline: EGP 20.75 per liter (~$0.40)
- Diesel: EGP 20.50 per liter (~$0.39)
The government said in July that its fuel pricing committee would resume quarterly reviews in fiscal year 2026/27, so further changes are possible. Check current prices before budgeting for a car.
Other transport costs:
- Taxis: the meter starts around EGP 20 (~$0.38) and adds about EGP 10 (~$0.19) per kilometer. App fares vary with traffic and demand.
- Commuting: a Metro rider spends about EGP 400–600 (~$8–$11.50) a month. Someone who uses ride-hailing daily can spend EGP 2,000–4,000 (~$38–$76).
- Cars: imported cars and spare parts are expensive, and Cairo traffic is heavy. Most newcomers don’t buy one in their first year.
Healthcare and Insurance
Egypt has public hospitals, a large private sector, employer coverage, and a newer Universal Health Insurance system that is being rolled out governorate by governorate. The new system is built around Egyptian citizens, and it has not yet reached Greater Cairo. Foreign residents should not assume they are covered.
In practice, most expats and middle-class Egyptians use private clinics and hospitals in Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria. Consultation fees vary widely by doctor and hospital, and health prices rose a moderate 5.2% in the year to August 2026. Many foreigners carry private local insurance or an international plan. Before buying a policy, check:
- Which hospitals and clinics are in the network
- Emergency and inpatient limits
- Outpatient visits and prescriptions
- Pre-existing condition exclusions and waiting periods
- Deductibles, co-payments, and annual caps
- Evacuation or treatment outside Egypt
For a planned operation, pregnancy, or a chronic condition, ask the hospital for a written estimate and get insurer approval first.
Schools and Childcare
Education is one of the fastest-rising costs in Egypt. School and university fees rose about 20% in the year to August 2026, the largest increase of any CPI category.
- International primary school: about EGP 186,500 (~$3,565) a year per child on average in Cairo. Premium British and American schools charge much more, often in foreign currency, plus registration, bus, and book fees.
- Private full-day preschool: about EGP 6,450 (~$123) a month per child.
- Public schools: teach in Arabic and are mainly used by Egyptian families.
For a family with two kids in an average international school, tuition alone adds about EGP 31,000 (~$595) a month.
Taxes: VAT and Income Tax
- VAT: the standard rate is 14% and is included in shelf prices. Some basic goods are exempt, according to PwC’s Egypt tax summary.
- Income tax: rates on earned income are progressive, from 0% to 27.5%. Each employee also gets a EGP 20,000 annual salary exemption.
| Annual Taxable Income (EGP) | Approx. USD | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 40,000 | up to $765 | 0% |
| 40,000–55,000 | $765–$1,050 | 10% |
| 55,000–70,000 | $1,050–$1,340 | 15% |
| 70,000–200,000 | $1,340–$3,825 | 20% |
| 200,000–400,000 | $3,825–$7,650 | 22.5% |
| 400,000–1,200,000 | $7,650–$22,945 | 25% |
| Over 1,200,000 | over $22,945 | 27.5% |
The brackets come from PwC’s personal income tax summary for Egypt, last reviewed in August 2026. Higher earners lose the benefit of the lower bands, so the effective rate climbs faster than the table suggests. If you work locally or have Egyptian-source income, speak with a local accountant.
Visas and Residence
Citizens of the US, UK, EU, and many other countries can get a tourist visa online. Egypt’s official e-Visa portal charges $30 for a single-entry tourist visa and $65 for multiple entries.
A tourist visa does not allow you to work. To live in Egypt long term, foreigners apply for a residence permit through the Passports, Emigration and Nationality Administration. The main routes are employment (with a work permit from the employer), marriage to an Egyptian, property ownership, study, and tourist residence for retirees and long-stay visitors. Fees and documents change often and differ by category, so confirm them in person at the passport office before you plan around a specific permit.
One-Time Setup Costs
Budget for these before your first month:
- Entry visa: $30–$65 (~EGP 1,570–3,400).
- Rental deposit and broker fee: often one month’s rent each. For a Cairo one-bedroom outside the center, that is about EGP 20,000 (~$385).
- Advance rent: some landlords ask for several months up front, especially for furnished units.
- Furnishing an unfurnished apartment: air conditioners, a fridge, a washing machine, and a water heater are the big costs. Many newcomers skip this by renting furnished.
- SIM card and home internet setup: a local SIM is cheap; fixed-line installation can take several weeks.
- Health coverage: international or travel insurance for the first months, until a local plan starts.
Sample Monthly Budgets
These budgets use the Cairo averages above. Rent assumes unfurnished or simply furnished apartments outside premium compounds. Zamalek, New Cairo compounds, or seafront rentals will cost more.
| Expense (EGP) | Single, Lean | Single, Comfortable | Couple | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 7,000–10,000 | 11,000–15,000 | 11,000–17,000 | 17,000–27,000 |
| Utilities | 1,000–1,400 | 1,400–2,000 | 1,500–2,200 | 2,000–3,000 |
| Internet + mobile | 750–1,200 | 1,200 | 1,650 | 2,100 |
| Groceries | 6,000–7,500 | 8,000 | 12,000–14,000 | 20,000–24,000 |
| Eating out + leisure | 2,000–3,000 | 5,000–7,000 | 6,000–8,000 | 6,000–9,000 |
| Transport | 450–1,000 | 2,000–3,000 | 2,500–4,000 | 3,000–5,000 |
| Health + personal | 1,500–2,000 | 3,000–4,000 | 5,000–6,000 | 7,000–9,000 |
| Gym | — | 1,500 | — | — |
| Total (EGP) | 19,000–26,000 | 33,000–42,000 | 40,000–53,000 | 57,000–79,000 |
| Total (USD) | $365–$495 | $630–$805 | $765–$1,015 | $1,090–$1,510 |
Comparison with crowd-sourced estimates: Numbeo puts a single person’s Cairo costs at about EGP 20,300 (~$390) a month before rent and a family of four’s at about EGP 75,300 (~$1,440) before rent. Those baskets assume more restaurant meals and imported goods than the budgets above, so treat them as the upper end of a comfortable lifestyle.
Families with international school: two children at an average international school add about EGP 31,000 a month, pushing the family total to roughly EGP 88,000–110,000 (~$1,685–$2,105).
Salary vs. costs: the lean single budget is two to three times the typical Cairo net salary of EGP 10,400. Most local workers live with family, share housing, or rent older units far below these averages.
Money-Saving Tips
- Consider Alexandria. Rents outside the center average less than half of Cairo’s, and utility bills are lower.
- Live near a Metro line. A monthly pass costs EGP 390–600, far less than daily ride-hailing.
- Eat local. Koshari, ful, and fresh produce from neighborhood markets cost far less than imported supermarket goods.
- Watch your kWh. Electricity tiers jump sharply above 350 and 650 kWh. Efficient AC units and sensible thermostat settings keep you in cheaper tiers.
- Pick the right internet package. Data allowance, not speed, drives the price. Track your usage for a month before upgrading.
- Negotiate the whole lease. Settle deposits, broker fees, maintenance, appliances, and yearly increases in writing.
- Keep a buffer. With rents up 28% and energy up 22% in a year, add at least 10% to any tight budget.
How Egypt Compares With Nearby Countries
Egypt is one of the cheapest places to live in the Middle East and North Africa for anyone earning in dollars. A comfortable single budget in Cairo, about $630–$805, is below a lean budget in Amman. See our guide to the cost of living in Jordan, where a simple single life runs about $750–$960 a month. In North Africa, compare the cost of living in Morocco, which offers similar Mediterranean and Atlantic city choices at somewhat higher rents, and the cost of living in Tunisia. Many people weighing Egypt also look at the cost of living in Turkey, where high inflation is also reshaping budgets. If you’re considering a Gulf job, our UAE cost of living guide shows how much more rent and schooling cost there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live in Egypt per month?
A single person needs about EGP 19,000–26,000 (~$365–$495) a month for a simple life in Cairo, and about EGP 33,000–42,000 (~$630–$805) for a comfortable one. A couple should budget about EGP 40,000–53,000 (~$765–$1,015), and a family of four about EGP 57,000–79,000 (~$1,090–$1,510) before international school fees.
How much is rent in Cairo in 2026?
A one-bedroom apartment averages about EGP 11,360 (~$217) a month in the center and about EGP 10,040 (~$192) outside it. A three-bedroom averages about EGP 26,940 (~$515) in the center and EGP 17,170 (~$328) outside. Premium compounds and Zamalek cost more.
Is Alexandria cheaper than Cairo?
Yes. A one-bedroom outside the center averages about EGP 3,700 (~$71) in Alexandria versus about EGP 10,040 (~$192) in Cairo. Basic utilities also run lower, at about EGP 750 (~$14) a month compared with about EGP 1,420 (~$27) in Cairo.
Is $1,000 a month enough to live in Egypt?
Yes. At about EGP 52.3 per dollar, $1,000 is roughly EGP 52,300. That covers a comfortable single life in Cairo, or a couple’s budget outside premium compounds. It does not cover a family with children in international school.
What is the minimum wage in Egypt in 2026?
The minimum income for state employees rose to EGP 8,000 (~$153) a month in July 2026. The private-sector minimum set by the National Wages Council was EGP 7,000 (~$134) from March 2025.
How much does an Egypt tourist visa cost?
Egypt’s official e-Visa portal charges $30 for a single-entry tourist visa and $65 for a multiple-entry visa. A tourist visa does not allow you to work, and long stays require a residence permit.
What is the VAT rate in Egypt?
The standard VAT rate is 14%, and it is included in shelf prices. Income tax on earned income ranges from 0% to 27.5%, with a EGP 20,000 annual salary exemption.
Conclusion
Egypt remains one of the most affordable countries in the region for anyone paid in dollars, but 2026 brought steep local price increases. Rents rose 28% in a year, and fuel, electricity, transit, and internet were all repriced. A single person can still live comfortably in Cairo for about $630–$805 a month, or for under $500 by choosing Alexandria, a modest apartment, and local habits. Pick your city and neighborhood first, since rent drives most of the difference, and check the exchange rate and current fuel and power tariffs before you commit to a budget.
Sources
- Pound Sterling Live – USD/EGP history, 2026
- Ahram Online – CAPMAS inflation, August 2026
- Egyptian Streets – minimum wage rises to EGP 8,000 from July 2026
- Numbeo – Egypt, Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh
- Ahram Online – 2026 household electricity tariff increase
- Egypt Independent – 2026 electricity prices by tier
- Zawia3 – 2026 internet and mobile price increases
- Egypt Independent – March 2026 Metro and train fares
- Cairo Governorate – Metro tickets and subscriptions
- Egyptian Streets – March 2026 fuel prices
- Egypt Today – quarterly fuel pricing resumes in FY2026/27
- PwC – Egypt personal income tax
- PwC – Egypt VAT and other taxes
- Egypt e-Visa portal – fees
- U.S. Department of State – Egypt travel advisory
