🇪🇬 Egypt vs 🇬🇧 UK: The Real Cost of Living — And Why Expats Are Making the Move

By Yasmin Bux

If you’ve ever opened your UK grocery receipt and needed a deep breath before looking at the total, you’re not alone. Living costs in the UK have climbed faster than a London rent bill — and that’s saying something. But just a five-hour flight away lies a very different story: Egypt — a place where you can enjoy sunshine, sea views, and delicious food for a fraction of the cost.

Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Egypt vs the UK, and why so many expats (including myself!) are discovering that life in Hurghada feels not just affordable — but liberating.

🍽️ Everyday Eating: A Feast for Pennies

Food in Egypt isn’t just cheap — it’s shockingly cheap. For breakfast, you can grab two sandwiches from GAD Restaurant for just 37 EGP, that’s about £0.60. Yes, sixty pence for breakfast!

Dinner? A hearty local meal will set you back 100 EGP (£1.60). If you’re feeling fancy, you can feast on a full seafood platter — fish, shrimp, calamari, brown rice, tahini, salads, and pickles — all for 230 EGP (£3.70). You might spend more on a coffee and croissant in the UK.

Speaking of coffee, here’s where it gets fun. A freshly brewed local cup costs 8 EGP (£0.13) — that’s right, thirteen pence. If you pop into Costa Coffee, you’ll pay 70 EGP (£1.13), which suddenly feels “luxury” in local terms.

Meat lovers, rejoice! One kilo of fresh beef costs around 450 EGP (£7), while a kilo of chicken is roughly 200 EGP (£3.20). And that legendary Egyptian flatbread — large, soft, and perfect for breakfast — costs 1 EGP, or about £0.02. Yes, two pence. It’s practically free, and dangerously moreish.

⛽ Getting Around: Cheap, Easy, and Sunny

The cost of transport in Hurghada is one of the city’s biggest advantages. Fuel costs around 20 EGP per litre (£0.32) — so filling your 40-litre tank costs only 800 EGP (£12.80) and can last up to two weeks. Try doing that in the UK!

Because the city is compact, you’ll rarely drive far. Most destinations are between 5 and 15 minutes away, and parking is both free and easy. Basically, driving in Hurghada feels like being on holiday — except you actually live there.

🏠 Housing & Property: Owning the Dream

While rent and mortgage costs in the UK can consume half a salary, in Egypt the story is very different. You can own a modern one-bedroom apartment near the Red Sea for less than what many people pay for a few months’ rent in London.

Maintenance costs are minimal, and there’s no council tax, which makes property ownership even more attractive for expats and investors. This is one of the main reasons British and European buyers are increasingly looking toward Hurghada, El Gouna, and Sahl Hasheesh.

🍎 Fruits, Flavours, and Culinary Adventures

Egyptian cuisine deserves its own fan club. You can enjoy a different dish every day for three months before repeating one — it’s that varied. From hearty stews and grilled meats to delicious vegetarian dishes, it’s paradise for both carnivores and vegetarians.

One of the most iconic Egyptian breakfasts is foul (fava beans), which comes in dozens of varieties. Add taameya (falafel) — made from beans rather than chickpeas — and you’ve got what I call the Egyptian burger, a delicious sandwich that costs only 12 EGP (£0.19).

And don’t even get me started on the fruit. Sweet, juicy, and naturally organic — fruit in Egypt tastes completely different. You can buy a kilo of bananas for 15 EGP (£0.24). Egyptians buy everything by the kilo, not by the gram — because why stop at one banana when you can have ten?

🌞 Lifestyle & Quality of Life

Beyond prices, Egypt offers what money can’t easily buy in the UK — year-round sunshine and a relaxed pace of life. Whether you’re strolling by the marina, diving in the Red Sea, or enjoying fresh juice by the beach, every day feels like a holiday.

Expats here quickly adapt to the slower rhythm and friendly culture. People genuinely help each other, and there’s a warmth that goes far beyond the climate.

💰 The Bottom Line

In the UK, the cost of living feels like a treadmill that never stops. In Egypt, you can step off — and still live beautifully. Whether you’re an investor, retiree, or digital nomad, Egypt offers an affordable, comfortable, and fulfilling lifestyle without sacrificing quality.

And if you ever miss the UK winter, don’t worry — one glance at your Egyptian energy bill will warm you right back up.

🌸 About the Author

Yasmin BUX is a UK-based property consultant and co-founder of PadsAbroad Ltd, an international real estate company helping investors and homebuyers find affordable coastal properties across Egypt and beyond. Passionate about travel, culture, and good food (especially Egyptian seafood!), Yasmin combines professional insight with a warm, humorous touch — sharing real-life experiences to help others discover the beauty of living abroad.

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