Cost of living in Alexandria

They don’t call Alexandria the Pearl of the Mediterranean for nothing. With its sea breeze, Greco-Roman charm, and lively Corniche cafés, the city feels like a love letter to coastal living. It’s relaxed, cultured, and full of stories.

You might find yourself working remotely from a sea-view apartment in Gleem or renting a cosy flat in Smouha. Either way, Alexandria offers the perfect blend of history, comfort, and value.

Rent in Alexandria

Finding a home here depends on what you value most: ocean views, peace and quiet, or proximity to the city centre. Alexandria offers everything from modern flats along the Corniche to older buildings with high ceilings and vintage charm. Furnished apartments are common, but prices vary depending on condition, location, and sea view.

Neighbourhoods like Roushdy, Gleem, and San Stefano are popular with expats and professionals, while Smouha and Sidi Gaber offer good mid-range options.

Gleem and San Stefano (Seaside luxury)

The city’s most exclusive and expat-friendly areas. Think sea-view balconies, beach cafés, and access to Alexandria’s best malls and international schools. San Stefano, home to the Four Seasons Hotel and Mall, is the city’s most prestigious address.

Roushdy and Kafr Abdu (Upscale central areas)

Roushdy and Kafr Abdu are leafy, central, and elegant — close to schools, supermarkets, and restaurants. They’re quieter than the Corniche but still well connected. Ideal for professionals or families wanting comfort and convenience.

Smouha and Sidi Gaber (Mid-range and connected)

These neighbourhoods are popular with locals and long-term expats who want good value and access to transport. Smouha offers newer apartment complexes and shopping malls, while Sidi Gaber is more traditional but centrally located near the train station.

Montazah and Miami (Affordable seaside areas)

Montazah is famous for its royal gardens and relaxed seaside atmosphere, while Miami offers more budget-friendly apartments near the beach. These areas are great if you want coastal living without the price tag of San Stefano.

Mandara and Victoria (Budget residential areas)

Further east along the coast, these neighbourhoods offer affordable housing and a more local feel. They’re perfect for students or long-stay expats who prioritise savings over luxury.

Transport in Alexandria

Getting around Alexandria means balancing charm with chaos. Between the city’s seaside Corniche, bustling downtown streets, and quieter residential zones, transport is diverse — from yellow-and-black taxis to trams that rattle through old neighbourhoods. Expats usually mix taxis, ride-hailing apps, and occasional train or bus rides for intercity travel.

Taxis

Taxis are everywhere in Alexandria — usually older models painted black and yellow. They don’t use meters, so fares are negotiated before the ride. Prices are low compared to Western standards, but it helps to know the local rate to avoid overpaying.

• Cost: Short rides start around EGP 20–30 ($0.40–$0.60), while longer trips across the city (e.g. from Montazah to Smouha) can reach EGP 60–100 ($1.20–$2).
• Tip: Always agree on a fare before getting in. Keep small bills and change handy.

Ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber, InDrive)

Ride-hailing apps are by far the easiest and most reliable way to move around Alexandria. They’re affordable and safer than street taxis, especially if you’re new to the city or don’t speak Arabic.

• Cost: Around EGP 25–60 ($0.50–$1.20) for short rides and EGP 80–120 ($1.60–$2.40) for longer cross-city routes.
• Tip: Uber and Careem offer “Go” (basic) and “Comfort” (newer cars) options. Prices surge during rush hour or summer weekends.

Buses and microbuses

Alexandria has both public buses and informal microbuses that run fixed routes across the city. They’re extremely cheap but often crowded and without air conditioning. Expats tend to use them occasionally rather than daily.

• Cost: EGP 5–10 ($0.10–$0.20) per ride.
• Tip: Great for local experience or short commutes but not ideal in summer heat.

Tram

Alexandria’s historic tramway is one of the oldest in the world and still runs through parts of the city. The blue trams serve the coastal line (from Victoria to Raml Station), while yellow ones cover the city’s interior. It’s not fast, but it’s scenic and nostalgic.

• Cost: EGP 3–5 ($0.06–$0.10) per ride.
• Tip: Best enjoyed for the experience, not for speed.

Driving and car rentals

Driving in Alexandria can be chaotic due to narrow streets and limited parking, but it’s doable for confident drivers. Expats who live outside the centre or travel often between Cairo and Alexandria may find having a car convenient.

• Cost: Car rental from EGP 700–1,200/day ($14–$24) for a compact car. Fuel costs around EGP 13/litre ($0.26).
• Tip: Avoid driving along the Corniche during rush hours. Traffic there can crawl for miles.

Walking and cycling

The Corniche is perfect for seaside walks, but most other areas aren’t pedestrian-friendly due to traffic and uneven pavements. Cycling is still rare, though some locals use bikes in quieter neighbourhoods like Smouha or near Montazah Gardens.

• Cost: Free for walking; bike rentals (rare) around EGP 50–100/day ($1–$2).
• Tip: Early mornings are best for walks along the Corniche before the traffic builds.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Food prices in Alexandria

Alexandria’s food scene is deeply rooted in Egyptian tradition, with Mediterranean influences and seafood dominating the city’s culinary identity. From street-side koshari stalls to sea-view restaurants along the Corniche, you’ll find flavour and affordability go hand in hand here.

Restaurants

Eating out in Alexandria is generally cheaper than in Cairo, and there’s something for every budget, from casual local eateries to upscale spots overlooking the sea.

• Street food / local cafés: You can find koshari, falafel (ta’ameya), or ful medames meals for 25–50 EGP ($0.50–$1). A fresh juice or mint tea adds 10–20 EGP ($0.20–$0.40).
• Mid-range restaurants: A good seafood meal in areas like Gleem or Stanley costs around 150–300 EGP ($3–$6) per person. Expect grilled fish, rice, salads, and fresh bread.
• Fine dining / Corniche view restaurants: Dinner for two in premium restaurants or hotel venues, especially around Montaza or San Stefano, ranges between 800–1,500 EGP ($15–$30), not including drinks.

Alexandria also has plenty of cafés and dessert spots where locals linger for hours. Coffee or pastries cost around 40–70 EGP ($0.80–$1.40).

Supermarkets and markets

Groceries in Alexandria are very affordable, especially if you shop at local markets (souq) instead of imported-brand supermarkets. Many expats mix both for the best value and variety.

Seafood is plentiful and cheap compared to Western prices — you can buy fresh fish at local markets for 100–200 EGP per kilo ($2–$4), depending on type and season.

For one person

• Groceries (mix of local markets and supermarkets): $35–60 per week (~$140–240 per month)
• Eating out (casual meals, cafés, and occasional dinners): $20–40 per week (~$80–160 per month)

Total monthly food budget: $220–400

Perfect for cooking most meals at home and still enjoying a few seafood dinners or café visits each week.

For a couple or small family

• Groceries: $80–120 per week (~$320–480 per month)
• Eating out: $40–70 per week (~$160–280 per month)

Total monthly food budget: $480–760

This covers a comfortable lifestyle with fresh, home-cooked meals, weekly dinners out, and occasional splurges at seafront restaurants.

Utilities costs in Alexandria

Alexandria offers a lower cost of living compared to Cairo, but utilities can still vary depending on your neighbourhood, building type, and usage habits. Being a coastal city, the mild winters help balance out higher electricity use during the hot, humid summers.

Electricity

Electricity consumption peaks in summer when air conditioning becomes essential. Older buildings may have less energy-efficient wiring or cooling systems, which can drive costs up.

• Average monthly cost for a 1–2 bedroom apartment: $25–50
• Tips: Choose an apartment with good ventilation and sea breeze access. Turn off the AC when you’re not home and use energy-efficient light bulbs to keep bills manageable.

Water

Tap water in Alexandria is generally affordable, though some residents prefer filtered or bottled water for drinking. Water usage tends to rise slightly in summer.

• Average monthly cost: $5–15
• Tip: Ask your landlord if water is billed separately or included in rent, as this varies by building.

Gas

Most homes use piped natural gas (gaz madani) for cooking and water heating, which is cheaper and more convenient than bottled gas.

• Average monthly cost: $3–10
• Tip: Gas bills are usually paid every two months, but you can also top up via your provider’s app or local kiosks.

Internet

Internet coverage in Alexandria is reliable, especially in urban districts like Smouha, Gleem, and Roushdy. Fibre and ADSL options are both available.

• Average monthly cost: $15–30 for high-speed fibre (up to 200 Mbps)
• Tip: Popular providers include WE (Telecom Egypt), Vodafone, and Orange. Installation may take up to a week.

Mobile / Cell phone

Mobile data is inexpensive and widely available. Most people use prepaid SIM cards for flexibility and easy top-ups.

• Average monthly cost: $5–15 for 10–20 GB data
• Tip: Vodafone and Orange offer strong coverage in Alexandria. SIMs are available at airports, malls, and official stores.

Healthcare in Alexandria

Alexandria offers a mix of public and private healthcare options, with private facilities generally preferred by expats and middle- to upper-income locals. While public hospitals are affordable and widely available, private clinics offer shorter wait times, more modern equipment, and English-speaking staff.

Public healthcare

Egypt’s public healthcare system provides basic medical services at low cost, but the quality and availability can vary between hospitals. Facilities may be crowded and have limited English-speaking staff, which can make communication challenging for foreigners.

• Cost: Low or free for residents; small fees for certain treatments
• Pros: Inexpensive and widely accessible
• Cons: Long waiting times, limited facilities, and language barriers

Public hospitals can be useful for emergencies or minor ailments, especially if you speak Arabic. However, most expats prefer private options for better comfort and reliability.

Private healthcare and insurance

Private healthcare in Alexandria is modern, efficient, and relatively affordable compared to Western countries.

• Basic consultation (without insurance): $20–40
• Specialist visit: $40–70
• Hospital stay (per night, private room): $100–200

Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats and long-term residents. Many international and local providers offer plans suitable for Egypt, including Allianz, AXA, and MetLife.

Tip: Many expats choose to pay out of pocket for simple consultations and prescriptions since costs are low. Pharmacies in Alexandria are well stocked, and common medications can often be bought without a prescription.

Average living costs in Alexandria

Alexandria is generally more affordable than Cairo and offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a Mediterranean charm. From seaside cafés to bustling markets and corniche strolls, you can enjoy a comfortable life at a fraction of what you’d spend in major Western or Gulf cities.

You can live comfortably in Alexandria for around $1,100–1,500 per month, depending on your area and lifestyle. Costs rise if you prefer upscale housing or imported goods, but overall, the city offers excellent value for money.

Managing global income in Alexandria, the smart way

Alexandria blends coastal calm with city energy, being a place where you can sip coffee by the Mediterranean and still stay connected to the world.

With Grey, you can receive international payments in USD, GBP, or EUR, convert at the best rates, and withdraw EGP directly to an Egyptian bank account. Fast, secure, and built for a global lifestyle.

Open your Grey account today and enjoy Alexandria’s sea breeze without worrying about exchange fees or slow transfers.

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