When moving to a new country, expats and digital nomads often look for places where living costs are low. Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and India are all popular choices. They offer rich cultures, improving digital infrastructure, and affordable living compared to many Western countries, along with unique experiences.
This article breaks down the cost of living across the four countries for digital nomads and expats.
Morocco
Morocco has something for everyone, from the lively cities of Casablanca and Rabat to the relaxed vibe of Taghazout and Essaouira. Its markets, beaches, deserts, and historic neighbourhoods make it a standout destination. But how much does it really cost to live there? With a budget of 13,000-15,000 MAD (about $1,300-$1,500), you can enjoy a modest lifestyle. Here’s a closer look at the costs.
Housing: In cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Casablanca, a one-bedroom apartment goes for around $350 to $500 per month. Outside these cities, prices can drop significantly ($200-350), especially in places like Chefchaouen and some coastal cities.
Food: Eating out should cost around $3 to $5 per meal. A reasonable monthly grocery budget for one person is $150–$250.
Transport: Taxis and buses are widely available. A monthly transport pass costs around $25–$35. It is more expensive to consider car rentals, typically costing around $300–$500 per month.
Utilities: Co-working spaces in major cities charge $80–$150 per month. You can get high-speed internet in most cities for less than $40 for 60Mbps broadband and around $45 for fibre-optic internet. 20GB of mobile data is around $15, depending on the network.
Egypt boasts budding expat and digital nomad communities in Cairo and Dahab, characterized by a low cost of living, rich history, and an affordable lifestyle. The country offers a unique blend of ancient history, cultural immersion, and vibrant city life. With less than $1,000 monthly, you can live comfortably in Egypt.
Housing: Housing is quite affordable in Egypt, with studio rents in Hurghada costing less than $140 per month. In Cairo, one-bedroom apartments in the city centre cost an average of $170, while those outside the city centre cost around $100. Long-term rents are usually cheaper.
Food: Groceries are bargain-priced at the local markets. With $150-$200, you can get a month’s worth of groceries. Budget about $3-$4 on local meals. You can budget around $70 for fine dining and $20 for a mid-range three-course meal for two.
Transportation: Egypt has a great transportation system with various options to choose from. Cairo metro price varies based on distance – Single area ($0.15), two zones ($0.20), three zones ($0.28), and four zones ($0.37). You can also opt for monthly passes at around $9. Taxis start at $0.52 for 1km. In Hurghada, bikes or microbuses are available and affordable, costing around $30 per month.
Utilities: Utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment average $22.25. In Hurghada, small apartments cost $10–$17 for electricity, totalling $21–$31, including internet. Internet (60 Mbps) is $12.74; mobile plans $7.32.
Algeria is Africa’s largest country and a lesser-known option for expats and digital nomads looking for affordable living. The Sahara dunes in Djanet, the beautiful coast in Bejaia, and the ancient Roman city of Timgad attract many visitors. Monthly living costs, excluding rent, typically fall under $500. Here’s what you can expect to spend in Algeria:
Housing: Budget around $450 monthly for an 85m² furnished apartment in the highbrow areas of the country. In other places, you can get something decent for less than $240. Studio apartments are relatively more expensive, at $250 to $330 per month, but can be quite cosy.
Food: Meals at affordable restaurants cost around $4, while mid-range dining ranges from $8 to $12 per person. Imported goods can be expensive, so sticking to local markets helps reduce costs. Algeria offers excellent value for groceries, with an average monthly cost of $80–$130.
Transport: Public buses are very cheap, often under $0.20 per ride. Taxis typically cost $1–$3 locally, while intercity buses and trains are affordable, ranging from $10 to $20 per trip.
Utilities: Internet packages cost around $20–$30 per month, though speeds outside major cities can be unreliable. Gyms cost $15–$25 per month.
Housing: In cities like Bangalore, Delhi, or Mumbai, one-bedroom flats typically range from $200 to $500 per month, depending on the location. Smaller towns or second-tier cities, such as Jaipur or Kochi, can be significantly cheaper, ranging from $100 to $200.
Food: India has a wide range of cuisine with street food readily available, and often under $2. Dining at mid-range restaurants costs around $5–$10 per person. Monthly groceries average $80–$120, depending on diet and preferences.
Transport: It is easy to get around with rickshaws and the metro systems. You are likely to spend less $1, or $2. You can take train rides to other cities, usually $10-$25, depending on the class and distance.
Utilities: Internet access is among the most affordable in the world, costing around $5–$10 per month for unlimited data. Co-working spaces in cities like Bangalore or Pune cost around $50–$150 per month.
An overview of the living costs in Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and India
So, if you had to choose one of these countries strictly on the grounds of living cost, which would you go for? Here is what we think:
Cheapest overall: India has extremely low costs for food, internet, and transport.
Balanced affordability with cultural vibrancy: Morocco offers a blend of traditional and modern amenities.
Best for structured expat and digital nomad communities: Egypt, especially Cairo, has well-established expat neighbourhoods and an accessible lifestyle.
Affordable hidden gem: Algeria’s living costs are surprisingly low for the quality of life you get.
Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and India all offer digital nomads and expats a mix of affordable living, culture, and lifestyle options. No matter where you go, it’s important to have a solid plan for managing your money. Grey gives you foreign accounts that make international transactions easier and help you save on transfer fees and exchange rates.
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