Water resources Egypt’s main source of freshwater is the Nile River. The river supplies 56.8 billion m³ of freshwater every year, which represents 97% of all renewable water resources in Egypt. Average rainfall in Egypt is estimated at 18 mm or 1.8 billion m³ per year.

Nile River is the valued natural and exclusive source of fresh water in Egypt, where the drinking water supply is limited to the river. The water quality of 24 sites between Aswan and Cairo along the Nile was investigated.

More and more Egyptians abstain from drinking tap water or using it in cooking. According to environmental expert Khaled al-Qadi, from Helwan University, 40% of the water and more than half the fish in the Nile are not fit for human consumption. The lack of official deterrence is one reason the Nile is so polluted.

In 2014, around 91 percent of the Egyptian population received water directly into their residence. However, while access to water is almost universal and reliable in urban areas, a significant number of households are still not connected with the water system in rural areas and in urban slums.

In Egypt, drinking water from the tap is not recommended. Water treatment plants in and around Cairo heavily chlorinate the supply, so the water in the capital is relatively safe to drink. However, it is advisable everywhere else in Egypt to purchase bottled water or drink treated or purified water.

Egypt is facing an annual water deficit of around 7 billion cubic metres. Infact, United Nations is already warning that Egypt could run out of water by the year 2025.

The fertile arc-shaped basin is home to nearly half the country’s population, and the river that feeds it provides Egypt with 90% of its water needs. But climbing temperatures and drought are drying up the mighty Nile – a problem compounded by rising seas and soil salinization, experts and farmers say.

Cost of Living in Egypt

Egypt – Coca-Cola – price, March 2021

While a single Big Mac costs $US 5 in the United States, a Big Mac in Egypt costs just $US 1.46.

How difficult is the property purchase process in Egypt? Foreigners can buy property in Egypt, under Law No 230 of 1996. Foreigners cannot buy more than two pieces of real-estate, which cannot exceed 4,000 square meters (sq. m.), and their purpose must be for a family member to live in the property.

In Maadi, house prices range from EGP 2,721 (US$480) per sq. m to EGP 7,027 (US$1,239) per sq. m. In Zamalek, prices range from EGP7,500 (US$1,322) per sq.

Egypt’s most expensive duplex apartment is on the market at just over 10 times the price of your luxury Zamalek residence – EGP 700 million ($US 40 million). Located in the Four Seasons hotel, this inspiring abode stretches over 1600 m2 and boasts a view of both the Nile and the pyramids.

Living in a country like Egypt isn’t so expensive, as you will soon find out, and it is in fact relatively cheap as compared to many countries in the world. Daily expenses such as transportation cost, feeding, accommodation, security, miscellaneous and many others are quite affordable in Egypt.

A person working in Egypt typically earns around 9,200 EGP per month. Salaries range from 2,330 EGP (lowest average) to 41,100 EGP (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.

1. Housing: According to Expatistan, a website that compiles information provided by expatriates, rent for a furnished 900 square-foot apartment in Cairo costs E£ 5,700 ($319) in what is categorized as an expensive area. The same accommodations in a normal area go for about E£ 3,005 ($165) a month.