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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Alexandria 2024
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Cost of Living in Alexandria

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Alexandria, understanding the the cost of living in Alexandria helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Alexandria is around $400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $250 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Alexandria varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $50,000 to $100,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 to $200,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $30,000 to $60,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $60,000 to $120,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Alexandria is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs around $0.50. A monthly bus pass costs around $10. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. A taxi ride from the city center to the airport costs around $20.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Alexandria is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $0.50. A liter of milk costs around $1. A kilogram of rice costs around $1.50. A dozen eggs costs around $2. A kilogram of chicken costs around $4.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Alexandria varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $30.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Alexandria is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity is around $20. The average monthly cost for water is around $5. The average monthly cost for internet is around $20.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Alexandria varies depending on the school and grade level. The average annual tuition for preschool is around $2,000. The average annual tuition for elementary school is around $3,000. The average annual tuition for middle school is around $4,000. The average annual tuition for high school is around $5,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Alexandria

"The cost of living in Alexandria is generally considered to be quite affordable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in other major cities in the region. The cost of entertainment and leisure activities is also relatively low, making Alexandria an attractive destination for budget travelers," said one expat living in Alexandria.

Can I live in Alexandria on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Alexandria for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Smouha, Sidi Gaber, or Roushdy. These neighborhoods are relatively affordable and still offer a decent quality of life. You should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like San Stefano, Gleem, or Kafr Abdo, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you'll likely need to settle for a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to keep costs down. Utilities can also be a bit expensive, so be prepared to cut back on your usage of electricity, water, and gas. You might also need to rely on public transportation or walking instead of owning a car, as the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle can be quite high.Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local Egyptian cuisine, but if you're craving Western food, it can get pricey. So, you'll need to cook at home more often and learn to enjoy the local flavors. Shopping at local markets and bargaining for the best prices will also help you save money on groceries.Entertainment and leisure activities can be affordable if you take advantage of the many free or low-cost options available, such as visiting the beach, parks, or local museums. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the movies, attending concerts, or joining a gym.In terms of healthcare, public hospitals can be quite affordable, but the quality of care might not be up to the standards you're used to. You might want to consider purchasing private health insurance to have access to better healthcare facilities.Overall, living in Alexandria on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Alexandria.

Can I live in Alexandria on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Alexandria, for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there will be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas, like San Stefano and Gleem, might be out of your budget, but there are plenty of other options. I'd recommend looking into neighborhoods like Smouha, Kafr Abdo, or Roushdy. These areas are still quite nice and have a good mix of locals and expats, but the cost of living is more reasonable.When it comes to housing, you'll probably need to opt for a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to save on rent. Utilities can also be a bit pricey, so be prepared to cut back on your usage of electricity and water to keep costs down.Eating out can be quite affordable in Alexandria, especially if you stick to local Egyptian cuisine. However, if you're craving Western food or dining at more upscale restaurants, the costs can add up quickly. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and exploring the local markets for fresh produce and ingredients.Transportation is relatively cheap in Alexandria, with options like buses, trams, and taxis. However, if you're used to having your own car, you might need to adjust to using public transportation or consider purchasing a more affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Alexandria. You can visit historical sites, like the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and the Roman Amphitheater, or spend time at the beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast. However, you might need to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities, like frequent trips to high-end shopping malls or international travel.Overall, living in Alexandria on $3,000 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending on housing, food, and entertainment, and embracing the local culture and lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this fascinating city," said one expat living in Alexandria.

Can I live in Alexandria on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Alexandria for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might find that your money goes a lot further here than it would in many other places.One of the first things you'll want to consider is where you want to live. There are some neighborhoods that are more expensive than others, so you'll want to avoid those if you're trying to stick to a budget. For example, neighborhoods like San Stefano and Gleem are known for being more upscale and pricey, so you might want to look elsewhere if you're trying to save money.On the other hand, there are plenty of more affordable neighborhoods that still offer a good quality of life. I personally live in Smouha, which is a nice area with a mix of locals and expats. The cost of living here is quite reasonable, and there are plenty of modern amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes. Other neighborhoods you might want to consider include Kafr Abdo, Roushdy, and Sporting.As for sacrifices, you might find that some things are a bit different than what you're used to. For example, public transportation isn't as reliable or efficient as it might be in other countries, so you might need to rely on taxis or ridesharing apps more often. Additionally, while there are plenty of modern amenities available, you might find that some things are a bit more basic or not as high-quality as you're used to.That being said, I've found that the benefits of living in Alexandria far outweigh any sacrifices I've had to make. The cost of living is quite low, which means that I can afford to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Plus, the city has a rich history and culture, which makes it an interesting and exciting place to live.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Alexandria on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite enjoyable. Just be prepared to make a few adjustments and be open to experiencing a different way of life, and I'm sure you'll have a great time here," commented an expat living in Alexandria.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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