Cost of Living in Hurghada vs UK Why Expats Are Moving to Egypt

If you’ve ever looked at a UK supermarket receipt and wondered whether you accidentally bought shares in the store, you’re not alone. Between rising food prices, energy bills, rent, and transport costs, many people across the UK are asking the same question:

Is there a better way to live?

For a growing number of expats, retirees, remote workers, and property investors, the answer is becoming increasingly clear: Egypt — especially Hurghada.

Just a five-hour flight from the UK, Hurghada offers sunshine, Red Sea views, affordable living, and a relaxed lifestyle at a fraction of UK costs. And the difference is no longer small — it’s dramatic.

Food & Dining: The Biggest Shock for New Expats

One of the first things British expats notice in Egypt is how affordable everyday food becomes.

In Hurghada, you can still enjoy a local breakfast for under 40–60 EGP (£0.60–£0.90), while a fresh falafel or taameya sandwich often costs around 15–25 EGP (£0.22–£0.37).

A full local Egyptian meal typically ranges between:

• 120–250 EGP (£1.80–£3.80)
• Seafood meals in local restaurants often cost less than a UK takeaway coffee run
• Fresh juice can cost as little as 30–60 EGP (£0.45–£0.90)
• Local bread still starts from around 5 EGP (£0.07)

And yes — coffee prices are still enough to surprise most Europeans.

• Local Arabic coffee: 25–40 EGP (£0.37–£0.60)
• Cappuccino in a café: 50–60 EGP (£0.75–£0.90)
• Costa Coffee or international chains: around 70–120 EGP (£1–£1.80)

Meanwhile in the UK, many people now spend £4–£6 on coffee without thinking twice.

Grocery Shopping: Local Living Makes a Huge Difference

If you shop like a local in Egypt, the savings become even more noticeable.

Average 2026 Hurghada grocery prices:

• Chicken: 120–180 EGP/kg (£1.80–£2.70)
• Beef: 350–500 EGP/kg (£5–£7.50)
• Bananas: 15–25 EGP/kg (£0.22–£0.37)
• Eggs (30 pack): 120–180 EGP (£1.80–£2.70)
• Rice: 25–45 EGP/kg

Fresh fruit and vegetables are widely available, often locally grown, and usually sold by the kilo rather than in tiny supermarket packs.

Many expats say the food tastes fresher and more natural than what they were used to in Europe.

Transport & Fuel: Cheap and Stress-Free

Transport is another area where Hurghada feels refreshingly affordable.

Current fuel prices in Egypt are approximately:

• 20–21 EGP per litre (£0.30–£0.40)

That means filling a standard 40-litre tank costs roughly:

• 800–840 EGP (£12–£13)

And because Hurghada is compact, most journeys take:

• 5–15 minutes
• Parking is often free
• Taxi rides can cost as little as 20–80 EGP depending on distance

Compared to UK fuel, parking charges, congestion, and insurance costs, daily transport in Egypt feels almost effortless.

Property & Housing: The Reason Many Expats Stay

For many British buyers, this is where the real lifestyle transformation begins.

In the UK, rent or mortgage payments can consume a huge percentage of monthly income. In Hurghada, many expats discover they can actually own property near the Red Sea for less than a few years of UK rent.

Modern apartments with pools, sea views, security, gyms, and beach access are still available at prices that would barely buy a parking space in parts of London.

Additional advantages include:

• No council tax
• Low maintenance costs
• Affordable utilities
• Growing rental demand
• Strong investment potential in tourism areas

This is one of the reasons increasing numbers of buyers are now exploring:

• Hurghada
• El Gouna
• Sahl Hasheesh

Lifestyle: What People Don’t Want to Give Up

The financial savings are important — but most expats say the biggest difference is actually the lifestyle.

In Hurghada, life feels slower, warmer, and less pressured.

Instead of grey skies, traffic, and expensive weekends, many residents spend their time:

• Walking by the marina
• Diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea
• Working remotely from cafés
• Eating outdoors year-round
• Enjoying beach clubs and sunshine in winter

And perhaps most importantly: many people say they simply feel less stressed.

Typical Monthly Living Costs in Hurghada (2026)

Depending on lifestyle, many expats comfortably live in Hurghada for:

Budget Lifestyle

• £250–£450 per month

Comfortable Lifestyle

• £500–£900 per month

Luxury Lifestyle

• £1,200+ per month

This is often significantly lower than equivalent living costs in the UK.

🇬🇧 UK vs 🇪🇬 Egypt: The Reality

The difference between living in the UK and living in Egypt is no longer just about holidays.

For many people, it has become about:

• Financial freedom
• Better weather
• Lower stress
• Property ownership
• Flexible remote working
• Retirement planning
• A better quality of life

Egypt may not be for everyone — but for many expats, Hurghada offers something increasingly difficult to find in Europe:

A lifestyle that still feels affordable.

And if you ever miss the British winter… just look at your Egyptian electricity bill and sit in the sunshine for five minutes.