The 6 Best Places to Live or Retire in Egypt

Egypt is known for its magnificent history dating back centuries ago and an unbelievably low cost of living. In this article we will share some of the best cities for you to retire in and start a new life in Egypt.

The Best 6 Cities To Retire In Egypt are:

Cairo
New Cairo
Luxor
Alexandria
Hurghada
Aswan

Now that you know some of the recommended cities to retire in Egypt let’s look at them a little more to know why.

Is Egypt a good place to retire?

Population: 102 million
Climate: 10°C to 32°C / 50°F to 89°F
Capital City: Cairo
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Language: Egyptian Arabic

Egypt is a terrific place to reside if you’re searching for a retirement destination that is rich in culture and history and offers plenty to do and see. It has a very rich heritage including the ancient pyramids, the Nile river and Egyptian monuments that are well-known across the world.

While there are plenty of breathtaking things to see, the low living costs are another common reason for retiring to Egypt. Expats can enjoy a high standard of lifestyle for far less and pensions can easily go further and retirement savings last longer in Egypt. This is in part thanks to a favorable exchange rate for people from the USA or Europe.

Cairo is Egypt’s largest city with the highest percentage of expats in the country where a three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs only $350 USD a month. The largest cities’ such as Cairo and Alexandria are where healthcare is up to American standards with several European and American-trained doctors working there.

Dentists are also known to follow Western standards of care as well and use the same equipment. With healthcare top on the list of requirements for most retired expats it is good to know the level of care if you move there won’t change. It will just be cheaper than where you come from in most cases.

What are the best cities to live in Egypt?

There are plenty of places you can live in Egypt and it depends on whether you like the city or the more rural areas as well as your level of health care you may require. As mentioned above the better health care services and specialists can be found in the bigger cities where the smaller towns may not have everything you need.

It is important that you check this out by visiting the town and checking these things prior to committing to buying in the place. Think of not only now but what you may need in 5 to 10 years.

Is Cairo a good place to retire?

Temperature: 11°C to 34°C / 52°C to 93°F
Population: 9.5 million

Cairo is Egypt’s capital city located beside the lovely Nile River. It is also Africa’s largest city and the world’s sixth largest city which offers a plethora of sights and activities. This city is filled with history, exciting activities, exquisite coffee and world-class restaurants.

The pyramids are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cairo where millions of people visit them each year. There are countless pyramids that you can visit on your day off in the Egyptian desert. The Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Khufu and the Queens’ Pyramids of Giza are all must-sees.

You should also see the Sphinx of Giza which is located near the pyramids. Make your arrangements to see the pyramids and the sphinx early in the morning to escape the crowds and scorching sun. Sakkara, Memphis, Giza Necropolis, and Museum of Islamic Art Cairo are among the other sights to see in Cairo.

The health care is equal or better than that provided in the USA and equal to that in Europe. Going to see a doctor in Cairo will also cost you a lot less. There is every specialist you can think of in the city as well as all the basic medical care with medication at much lower prices.

It is the safest city in Egypt due to it being the most developed and the police focus especially on making sure expats and tourists are looked after. This is because tourism is a large part of their GDP at 12%.

What To Do in Cairo:

Popular Restaurants in Cairo

Is New Cairo City a good place to retire?

Temperature: 9°C to 31°C / 48°F to 88°F
Population: 298k

New Cairo is a 30,000-hectare Egyptian city located on the southeastern boundary of the Cairo, 25 kilometers from Maadi. New Cairo is one of the new cities created in and around Cairo to relieve traffic congestion in the city center and provide a 100% modern take on egyptian life.

New Cairo is the new purpose built modern take on the Egyptian lifestyle and if you like the ancient culture of old town Cairo but want to live in a newly built apartment with plenty of green space then it is definitely what you want.

What To Do in New Cairo:

Popular Restaurants in New Cairo

Is Luxor a good place to retire?

Temperature: 7°C to 37°C / 45°F to 99°F
Population: 1.3 million

Luxor is a city in southern Egypt on the east side of the Nile. Luxor is a city marked by the astounding Pharaonic Age ruins. It’s now known as the world’s best open-air museum with some of the most spectacular views and sightseeing.

You can see the Karnak and Luxor Temple structures as well as the temples of the famous Pharaohs Ramesses II and III and the Valley of the Kings on the other side of the Nile. Many Islamic attractions like the Abu Haggag Mosque atop the Luxor Temple, the scenic corniche, and the souk and street marketplaces, are also available.

It has 3 major hospitals with a general hospital for the locals and an international hospital with English speaking staff for expats and tourists. The final hospital is a specialist hospital that looks after the more complicated operations. There are multiple medical clinics in town with English speaking doctors.

The crime in Luxor is mainly petty crime with pickpocketing and burglary being some of the most common. It is extremely safe to wander around during the day and a little less so at night. Part of my personal security rules is to not go into bad parts of town late at night flashing your wealth in any city and the same goes for Luxor.

It is also only a 2.5 hour drive to the red sea where there are plenty of beach side resorts and little towns you can stay in and explore. You can also take boats up and down the Nile as well and explore the other cities there as well. This adds to the amount of things you can do in Luxor.

What To Do in Luxor:

Popular Restaurants in Luxor:

Is Alexandria a good place to retire?

Temperature: 9°C to 30°C / 48°F to 86°F
Population: 5.2 million

Alexandria is Egypt’s second largest city that is located on the Mediterranean Coastline. Alexandria the Great founded the city in 331 BC as a center of Greek human civilization and the site of the Pharos Lighthouse which is one of the ancient world’s wonders.

There’s been a substantial Greek presence in the city for generations. Modern structures coexist with traditional Islamic structures. The majestic Qaitbay Citadel and the immaculate Maamoura Beach both on the Mediterranean coast are really worth visiting. The Shallalat Gardens, the Montazah Palace and Ras el-Tin palaces, the Palais de Antoniadis, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina are among the other attractions.

Alexandria is not only great all year around for temperature and sunny days but it also has a rich and enticing city to explore with everything you will need in your retirement. Alexandria is abundant in amenities and services and it has the headquarters of consulates, multinational businesses, and is the major port city as well. This is all as well as the spectacular view of the Mediterranean sea and the charm of the city.

Living in Alexandria is easier and more enjoyable due to only being a 2.5 hour drive to Cairo and the relatively lower cost of living compared to the capital. The old streets of this cosmopolitan city and the high rises of the business district blend that old and new together. This is only added to by the multiple beaches and the clear waters of the mediterranean ocean.

There are multiple hospitals and specialists in the city and with the short trip to Cairo anything else you may need is at your fingertips as well. The health care here is comparable to that of the USA and Europe so you won’t have any issues with getting the help you need.

Safety wise the crime rate is low to medium with petty crime and burglary being the biggest problem. If you are living in a secure complex you will have a security guard or the other trick is to live in a highrise apartment where they have to get through a manned reception. This is my choice when I travel as I know my things will be there when I return.

In the streets during the day you will be found everywhere and the people are kind and welcoming. At night just avoid unpopulated areas and follow basic personal security rules you follow everywhere in the world and you should be fine. There is a problem with bribery in both the government and private businesses but that should not affect you much during your retirement there.

What To Do in Alexandria:

Popular Restaurants in Alexandria:

Is Hurghada a good place to retire?

Temperature: 11°C to 35°C / 50°F to 95°F
Population: 270k

Hurghada is a beach tourist hotspot on Egypt’s Red Sea coast that stretches about 40 kilometers. It is well-known for snorkeling and scuba which means it has many dive shops and schools. There are numerous restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs downtown and classic Egyptian coffee houses and souks may be found in the ancient town of El Dahar.

There are a few hospitals in town and the majority of specialists will be in Cairo a 5 hour drive away or Luxor a 4 hour drive away. Being a smaller town crime rates are low and it is a safe city to walk around at day or night. The local people are very friendly and you will find more that speak English due to the town’s main income being tourism.

This really is a beautiful little town that has a unique beach and resort style feel and is extremely busy during the school holidays and nice and quiet at off peak times. This has the ability to bring bigger attractions and things to do during peak season that you can enjoy with the quiet and calm that is off peak to relax.

What To Do in Hurghada:

Popular Restaurants in Hurghada:

Is Aswan a good place to retire?

Temperature: 1°C to 20°C / 59°C to 86°F
Population: 1.6 million

Aswan is recognized for its stunning views of the Nile Valley as well as famous archeological sites and tranquil atmosphere. Its weather is pleasant all year which makes it an ideal place to retire for those who can’t stand long and cold winters. It is the last city on the Nile and a trading port for anything coming back up to Cairo. It also has its own international airport for easy access.

The city offers spectacular vistas and attractions for felucca sailing on the Nile (Egyptian sailboat). The river runs softly from Lake Nasser and passes through several islands flanked by black granite and lush vegetation. Sailing to historical places including Philea, the Elephantine Island, Nubian Museum, Agha Khan Tomb, Monastery of St. Simeon, and the Botanical Island allows you to learn about Aswan’s rich history and culture. The Temple of Abu Simbel, the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Aswan High Dam are all fantastic historical sites.

Apart from Aswan’s historical attractions, the Nubian Village which also known as “Gharb Seheyl” provides a distinct cultural experience. Discover the final relics of the Nubian culture that coexisted with the Ancient Egyptians by exploring the colorful village.

There is only one hospital in town but it is also a teaching hospital so has the latest equipment for teaching new doctors. For further specialist treatment it would mean a trip up the Nile to Luxor or a flight to Cairo or Alexander. There are plenty of medical clinics around town and a healthy tourist population all year round to meet new people from all over the world.

The level of crime is very low with petty crime and house break-ins the only minor concern. As I mentioned above, unit living is a great way to reduce that minor risk where the reception is always monitored. Bribery as with most of Egypt is a thing but it should not affect you much when retiring there. Sometimes it can help if you need something done fast.

What To Do in Aswan:

Popular Restaurants in Aswan:

NOTE: If you want to know more about prices check this article to find out Cost of Living And Retiring In Egypt: The Surprising Truth.