North Africa
Retire in Egypt
Egypt offers retirees a dramatically low cost of living—roughly one-seventh that of the United States—combined with a warm, stable climate year-round and a rich cultural landscape. Life expectancy sits at nearly 72 years, and healthcare coverage is moderate; many expats supplement with private care. The ancient sites, Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines, and vibrant Cairo make it appealing for curious, adaptable retirees.
- Currency
- EGP
- Main language
- Arabic
- Population
- 118M
At a glance
Cost of living
~85% cheaper than the US
national price level vs the US · World Bank (PPP ÷ FX rate), 2025
The five-factor profile
Each axis is a 0–100 score derived from the sourced indicators above and the climate normals below — nothing is hand-set. See the methodology for the exact formulas.
- Affordability98
- Healthcare71
- Climate comfort97
- Longevity57
- Prosperity53
Climate
Long-term climate normals for 3 representative cities. Annual mean 21.8°C · warmest month 29.9°C · coolest 12.1°C.
| City | Annual mean | January | July | Rain / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 21.8°C | 12.1°C | 29.9°C | 60 mm |
| Alexandria | 21.4°C | 13.9°C | 27.8°C | 105 mm |
| Hurghada | 25.1°C | 18.1°C | 30.8°C | 9 mm |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 climatology), long-term climatology.
Retirement-visa path
Egypt does not offer a dedicated retirement or long-stay residence visa. Most retirees enter on a standard tourist visa (typically 30 days on arrival, renewable) or apply for a residence permit (tarezeem) through the local governorate once in-country, usually requiring proof of income or funds and sponsorship or local contacts. The process is bureaucratic and can vary significantly by location and individual circumstances. Verify current requirements and procedures with the Egyptian Ministry of Interior or your nearest Egyptian consulate, as regulations change.
Official source: www.moi.gov.eg
AI-drafted from official sources · pending human review · drafted 2026-07-06
Taxes, briefly
Egypt taxes residents on worldwide income; consult a tax professional or accountant familiar with Egyptian law and your home country's treaties to understand your obligations.
Safety & advisories
Review your government's current travel advisory for Egypt before deciding, as security conditions vary by region and change over time.
Who it tends to suit
Adventurous retirees comfortable navigating a developing-world context, fluent or willing to learn Arabic or reliant on English in expat enclaves, and seeking maximum purchasing power on a modest fixed income.