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Egypt – Cost of Living

Egypt is a North African country known for its ancient history and diverse culture. It is a popular destination for tourists and expats due to its affordable cost of living and natural beauty. This article will explore the local currency in Egypt, the cost of living in comparison to the UK and the USA, breakdown costs for singles, couples and families of four in various categories, and the most common forms of payment in Egypt.

The Local Currency in Egypt

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). One Egyptian pound is divided into 100 piastres. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, and credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Cost of Living in Egypt vs. UK and USA

The cost of living in Egypt is considerably lower than the UK and the USA. According to Numbeo, a website that provides crowd-sourced data on the cost of living in various cities and countries, the cost of living index in Egypt is 30.12, while in the UK it is 71.05, and in the USA it is 73.14 (as of February 2023).

Housing, food, and transportation are the most significant expenses in Egypt, while utilities and leisure activities are relatively cheaper. Clothing and household goods are also considerably cheaper in Egypt than in the UK and the USA.

Breakdown Costs in Egypt

Singles

  • Housing: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around EGP 2,000 to EGP 4,000 per month. A similar apartment outside the city center costs around EGP 1,000 to EGP 2,500 per month.
  • Food: The cost of food for one person per month is around EGP 1,500 to EGP 2,500. Eating out in a restaurant is relatively inexpensive, with a meal costing around EGP 50 to EGP 100.
  • Utilities: Utilities for a one-bedroom apartment cost around EGP 500 to EGP 800 per month, depending on usage.
  • Leisure: The cost of leisure activities for one person per month is around EGP 500 to EGP 1,000.
  • Transport: The cost of public transportation for one person per month is around EGP 200 to EGP 300.
  • Clothing: The cost of clothing for one person per month is around EGP 500 to EGP 1,000.
  • Household Goods: The cost of household goods for one person per month is around EGP 500 to EGP 1,000.

Couples


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  • Housing: A two-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around EGP 4,000 to EGP 8,000 per month. A similar apartment outside the city center costs around EGP 2,500 to EGP 5,000 per month.
  • Food: The cost of food for two people per month is around EGP 3,000 to EGP 5,000. Eating out in a restaurant is relatively inexpensive, with a meal costing around EGP 100 to EGP 200.
  • Utilities: Utilities for a two-bedroom apartment cost around EGP 800 to EGP 1,200 per month, depending on usage.
  • Leisure: The cost of leisure activities for two people per month is around EGP 1,000 to EGP 2,000.
  • Transport: The cost of public transportation for two people per month is around EGP 400 to EGP 600.
  • Clothing: The cost of clothing for two people per month is around EGP 1,000.

    • Families of Four

    • Housing: A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around EGP 6,000 to EGP 12,000 per month. A similar apartment outside the city center costs around EGP 3,000 to EGP 7,000 per month.
    • Food: The cost of food for four people per month is around EGP 6,000 to EGP 10,000. Eating out in a restaurant is relatively inexpensive, with a meal costing around EGP 200 to EGP 400 for the whole family.
    • Utilities: Utilities for a three-bedroom apartment cost around EGP 1,000 to EGP 2,000 per month, depending on usage.
    • Leisure: The cost of leisure activities for a family of four per month is around EGP 2,000 to EGP 4,000.
    • Transport: The cost of public transportation for a family of four per month is around EGP 800 to EGP 1,200.
    • Clothing: The cost of clothing for a family of four per month is around EGP 2,000 to EGP 4,000.
    • Household Goods: The cost of household goods for a family of four per month is around EGP 2,000 to EGP 4,000.

    It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and can vary depending on location, lifestyle, and spending habits. Some areas in Egypt are more expensive than others, and some families may spend more or less in certain categories depending on their needs.

    Common Forms of Payment in Egypt

    Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Egypt, particularly for small purchases like food and transportation. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash in case a vendor does not accept cards.

    It’s also common for vendors to accept payments through a mobile payment app called “Fawry.” This app allows users to transfer funds to vendors using their mobile phones, making it a convenient and secure way to make payments.

    The cost of living in Egypt is considerably lower than the UK and the USA, particularly in categories like housing, food, and transportation. The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound, which is widely accepted, and ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Egypt, particularly for small purchases, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. It’s always a good idea to carry cash in case a vendor does not accept cards.