Living in Egypt
Last updated on Mar 17, 2023
Summary: The approximate population of Egypt is 100 million people. The largest cities in Egypt are Cairo (the capital), Alexandria, Giza, Port Said, Suez, and Luxor. Expats love living in Egypt for its rich culture, history, and friendly people. Life in Egypt is often described as vibrant, exciting, and full of opportunity. Popular foods in Egypt include koshari (a dish of rice, lentils, and macaroni), ful medames (a dish of mashed fava beans), and kabab (grilled meats). The cons of living in Egypt include the lack of infrastructure, the high levels of pollution, and the occasional political unrest. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment.
What do I need to know about living in Egypt?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Egypt, they said:
"Before retiring in Egypt, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in. They should also familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. It is important to understand the healthcare system and to make sure that they have access to quality medical care. Additionally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for living in Egypt. Finally, it is important to understand the local laws and regulations, and to make sure that they are compliant with them," wrote a member in Egypt.
"Be very prepared not let the backward ways and slowness and unorganized ways get to you. Relax and take it for what this country is great for which is cultural, beauty, great food and fun in the sun," commented one expat who made the move to Alexandria.

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Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Egypt?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Egypt?
- Will I be able to find a job in Egypt?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Egypt appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Egypt?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Egypt accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Egypt like?
- How are healthcare services Egypt?
- What are medical services in Egypt like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Egypt?
- What are emergency services like in Egypt?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Egypt?
- How are local medical facilities in Egypt?
- As a foreigner living in Egypt, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?