Is living in Alexandria Egypt cheap?

When you consider the prices, Alexandria, Egypt is affordable, especially more than many places in the West. Still, being cheap with travel largely depends on your personal needs, expectations and expenditure. Here is a clear and accurate estimation of the costs in Alexandria.

Cost of living in Alexandria

Housing

Housing in Alexandria is relatively low-cost, but varies depending on location and quality.

• The price of a 1-bedroom apartment in downtown Alexandria is usually between $200 and $400 each month, depending on the location and condition.
• Apartments in less central areas can cost under $200, though quality and availability vary significantly.
• An apartment with two bedrooms in a good neighborhood might cost you around $300 to $350 each month.

While Alexandria is generally affordable, its cost of living can be similar to or even higher than mid-tier neighborhoods in Cairo—especially in premium coastal districts like Roushdy or San Stefano. Meanwhile, some suburban areas of Cairo, such as 6th of October or Nasr City, may offer lower housing costs for comparable units.

To put things in perspective, the average monthly income for many Egyptians working in service or clerical jobs ranges from $150 to $300. This makes affordability a relative term—while certain prices seem low to foreigners, they may still be significant for local residents.

Food & Groceries

Alexandria offers affordable food options, especially if you shop at local markets or eat at local restaurants:

• A meal at a local eatery: $2 to $5
• Fast food (e.g., Big Mac meal): $5 to $6
• A bottle of water: $0.25
• Weekly groceries from local markets: $15 to $30, depending on diet

Imported or Western goods are more expensive, so your grocery bill could rise if you prefer international brands.

Transportation

Public transportation in Alexandria is very cheap but may be difficult to navigate for newcomers:

• Public transport (bus or tram): ~$0.25 per ride
• Taxi base fare: ~$0.70 to $1, then around $0.50 per km
• Ride-sharing services (like Uber/Careem) are available and affordable.

Utilities

Residents pay for utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and garbage collection monthly. Costs typically range from $50 to $100, though electricity bills can exceed this during the hot summer months due to air conditioning use.

Many Alexandrians say they pay more for electricity than do residents in Cairo as summer months bring extra expenses for AC.

Healthcare

Medical care for the public is both available and affordable.

Paying for private healthcare costs more and gives you a higher-quality service. A simple appointment is usually between $10 and $30, while additional treatments might cost more.

Lifestyle & Extras

Entertainment

Entertainment is reasonably priced:

• Cinema ticket: around $5
• Dining out at mid-range restaurants: ~$10–15 per person

Western Lifestyle Costs

If you rely heavily on imported goods or luxury services, the cost of living will rise. Western food products, alcohol (where available), and electronics are often marked up significantly.

Estimated monthly budget for a single person in Alexandria (USD)

Conclusion: Is it cheap?

If you live modestly, use local services, and shop locally, Alexandria can be very affordable. However, it is not necessarily cheaper than Cairo — and in some aspects (like rent in good areas or electricity bills), it may even cost more.

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