The short answer
In 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Hurghada on $600–$900 (EGP 29,000–43,000) per month, and a couple on about $900–$1,400. If you own your apartment, monthly costs drop to roughly $350–$550. That is why so many expats and retirees choose to buy property in Hurghada instead of renting long term.
Why is the cost of living in Hurghada so low?
Hurghada combines a weak Egyptian pound against the dollar and euro with low local labour and property costs. For anyone earning or saving in a foreign currency — remote workers, pensioners, or investors — this means a high quality of life for a relatively small monthly outlay. You get 330+ days of sunshine, warm Red Sea swimming most of the year, and a growing expat community, without the price tag of southern Europe.
The biggest single factor in your budget is housing. Renting is cheap, but buying is often the smarter long-term move. Many of the exclusive projects we list come with installment payment plans, so you can stop paying rent and start owning.
Cost of living in Hurghada: 2026 price breakdown
Prices below are real 2026 ranges. They vary by neighbourhood — areas like El Gouna and Sahl Hasheesh sit at the higher end, while Mubarak and El Ahyaa are more budget-friendly. See our guide to the best areas in Hurghada for a full comparison.
| Expense | Monthly cost (USD / EGP) |
|---|---|
| Rent — furnished 1-bed apartment (good area) | $200 – $450 / EGP 9,500 – 21,500 |
| Rent — 2-bed apartment near the sea | $350 – $650 / EGP 16,500 – 31,000 |
| Electricity, water & gas | $30 – $70 / EGP 1,400 – 3,300 |
| Home internet (fibre) | $15 – $30 / EGP 700 – 1,400 |
| Mobile plan with data | $8 – $15 / EGP 380 – 720 |
| Groceries for one person | $120 – $220 / EGP 5,700 – 10,500 |
| Meal at a mid-range restaurant | $5 – $12 / EGP 240 – 575 |
| Coffee at a café | $1.5 – $3 / EGP 70 – 145 |
| Monthly gym membership | $25 – $45 / EGP 1,200 – 2,150 |
| Domestic help (part-time) | $60 – $120 / EGP 2,900 – 5,700 |
Figures are indicative 2026 ranges and depend on lifestyle, area, and air-conditioning use.
Renting vs buying in Hurghada
Renting a furnished one-bedroom in a good area costs roughly $200–$450 per month. Over a year that is $2,400–$5,400 — money you never get back. Because entry-level apartments in quality developments start around $30,000–$50,000, many buyers reach break-even versus renting within 4–6 years, and then live almost rent-free.
If you are weighing this up, read our complete guide to buying property in Hurghada and check whether foreigners can buy property in Egypt (yes — and the process is straightforward).
Sample monthly budgets
Single expat / digital nomad
$600 – $900 / month
Renting a furnished 1-bed, eating out a few times a week, gym, internet, and transport.
Couple
$900 – $1,400 / month
A larger apartment near the sea, regular dining out, leisure, and private healthcare.
Retiree who owns their home
$350 – $550 / month
No rent — only utilities, food, healthcare, and lifestyle. The cheapest way to live in Hurghada.
Healthcare, transport & everyday life
Private healthcare is one of Hurghada's pleasant surprises. A private GP visit costs around $10–$25, and several modern clinics and hospitals serve the expat community. Comprehensive private health insurance costs a fraction of European premiums.
Getting around is cheap too — short taxi rides cost a few dollars, and many residents in compounds like El Gouna use bikes or tuk-tuks. Most expensive imported goods aside, daily life in Hurghada is comfortable, social, and easy on the wallet.
Ready to make Hurghada home?
Owning your apartment is the single biggest way to cut your monthly costs. Let our team help you find the right property within your budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Hurghada?
A single person can live comfortably in Hurghada on roughly $600–$900 (EGP 29,000–43,000) per month including rent, food, utilities, and leisure. A couple typically spends $900–$1,400 per month. If you own your apartment outright, monthly costs drop to around $350–$550 because rent is the largest expense.
Is Hurghada cheaper than Cairo or European cities?
Yes. Hurghada is significantly cheaper than most European and North American cities, and slightly cheaper than Cairo for rent and dining. Many expats report living well on 40–60% of what they spent back home, while enjoying year-round sun and the Red Sea.
How much is rent in Hurghada per month?
In 2026, a furnished one-bedroom apartment in a good area like Hurghada Marina, Mubarak, or El Gouna ranges from about $200–$450 (EGP 9,500–21,500) per month. Long-term annual contracts are cheaper than short seasonal lets. Buying instead of renting often makes sense within 4–6 years.
What are the utility costs in Hurghada?
Electricity, water, and gas for a typical apartment run about $30–$70 per month depending on air-conditioning use in summer. High-speed home internet (WE or Orange) costs roughly $15–$30 per month, and a generous mobile data plan is around $8–$15.
Is healthcare affordable in Hurghada?
Private healthcare in Hurghada is very affordable by Western standards. A private GP visit costs around $10–$25, and many expats use private clinics and international hospitals. Comprehensive private health insurance is available and far cheaper than in Europe or the US.
Keep reading
- Buying Property in Hurghada: 2026 GuidePrices, areas, and the full legal process.
- Best Areas to Buy in HurghadaEl Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Marina & more compared.
- Can Foreigners Buy Property in Egypt?Laws, ownership rights, and registration explained.
- Exclusive ProjectsBrowse live apartments and villas for sale.
