Pros and Cons of Living in Alexandria
Last updated on Apr 11, 2025
Summary: The pros of living in Alexandria, Egypt include its rich cultural heritage, its vibrant nightlife, its beautiful Mediterranean coastline, and its close proximity to Cairo. On the other hand, the cons of living in Alexandria include its high levels of air pollution, its lack of reliable public transportation, and its high cost of living.
What are the pros and cons of living in Alexandria?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Alexandria responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Alexandria, often like the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and numerous historical sites, such as the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Citadel of Qaitbay. They also appreciate the relatively low cost of living, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, is another attractive feature of living in Alexandria. Additionally, the city's coastal location offers beautiful beaches and a vibrant waterfront, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure activities. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the traffic congestion and pollution in Alexandria, which can make getting around the city challenging and frustrating. They might also find the public transportation system to be inadequate and unreliable. The language barrier can be another issue, as not everyone speaks English, making it difficult for expats to communicate and navigate daily life. Some may also feel that the city lacks a strong expat community, which can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty in making friends. Lastly, the internet speed and reliability may not be up to the standards that digital nomads require for their work, causing frustration and limiting their productivity," said one member in Alexandria.
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As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM) with a vast global network, MovEx handles relocations to and from any country with ease. We offer comprehensive door-to-door international moving services, ensuring a smooth transition as you start your new life abroad. We understand that we’re not just moving your furniture; we’re helping you change your life in a new country with different customs & possibly a different language & culture. Our highest priority is to ensure having a smooth transition to your new home – no matter where that might be. Our knowledgeable personnel ensure the most effective advice in choosing the appropriate mode of Air or sea freight.
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MOVEX As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM) with a vast global network, MovEx handles relocations to and from any country with ease. We offer comprehensive door-to-door international moving services, ensuring a smooth transition as you start your new life abroad.
We understand that we’re not just moving your furniture; we’re helping you change your life in a new country with different customs & possibly a different language & culture. Our highest priority is to ensure having a smooth transition to your new home – no matter where that might be. Our knowledgeable personnel ensure the most effective advice in choosing the appropriate mode of Air or sea freight.
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What do expats in Alexandria appreciate most about the local culture?
"The people are very friendly and try and help wherever they can. The sense of safety is also a surprise. The delight in finding things that I am looking for is wonderful," replied an expat in Alexandria.
"Expatriates in Alexandria appreciate the city's rich history and culture, which is evident in its many ancient monuments, museums, and archaeological sites. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, restaurants, and clubs. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out and share their culture with visitors. Finally, expats enjoy the city's Mediterranean climate, which offers warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year," remarked one in Alexandria.
As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM) with a vast global network, MovEx handles relocations to and from any country with ease. We offer comprehensive door-to-door international moving services, ensuring a smooth transition as you start your new life abroad. We understand that we’re not just moving your furniture; we’re helping you change your life in a new country with different customs & possibly a different language & culture. Our highest priority is to ensure having a smooth transition to your new home – no matter where that might be. Our knowledgeable personnel ensure the most effective advice in choosing the appropriate mode of Air or sea freight.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
As a member of the International Association of Movers (IAM) with a vast global network, MovEx handles relocations to and from any country with ease. We offer comprehensive door-to-door international moving services, ensuring a smooth transition as you start your new life abroad. We understand that we’re not just moving your furniture; we’re helping you change your life in a new country with different customs & possibly a different language & culture. Our highest priority is to ensure having a smooth transition to your new home – no matter where that might be. Our knowledgeable personnel ensure the most effective advice in choosing the appropriate mode of Air or sea freight.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Alexandria often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. Additionally, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from cooler climates. Finally, the lack of reliable public transportation can make it difficult to get around the city," said one expat in Alexandria.
"Very dirty, smelly, busy, noisy place. Nothing is the way you would expect it to be, and it's difficult to get many things done," said a person living in Alexandria.
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.