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Ismailia, Egypt
Capital City

Follows Egypt Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$540
Retiree Score
57.0
Safety Index
66.4
Healthcare
2 facilities

Living in Ismailia means dealing with a hot desert climate and a population of over 429,000. The city's location along the Suez Canal makes it an important shipping and trade hub, but also comes with drawbacks - the 1973 Battle of Ismailia shows the city has seen its share of conflict. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the Suez Canal Authority occupying many of the city's historic buildings. For those undeterred by the challenges, Ismailia offers opportunities in industries like textiles, high-tech, and agriculture - but it's no tourist paradise.

Can I afford Ismailia?

$

Ismailia

You could save

2,460/mo

Savings Rate82%

Monthly Costs

Rent $220
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$320

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
82/100
Retiree Score
(i)
57/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
47/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Egypt Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
66
Safety
2
Healthcare
90
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $1
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $126
Cappuccino $1
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $13
Mobile Plan (mo) $6
Gym (mo) *$10
Cinema Ticket $2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $176
1BR Outside (mo) *$76
3BR Center (mo) $360
3BR Outside (mo) *$139

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Ismailia Center
Best For
maritime workers

Expat Life Notes

Ismailia is a quiet city on the Suez Canal; it is much greener and calmer than Cairo but has few expats.

Pros

  • ✓ Quiet and clean
  • ✓ Affordable
  • ✓ Strategic location

Cons

  • ✗ Limited English
  • ✗ Fewer job opportunities
  • ✗ Conservative social environment

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
34 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Ismailia

Click any question to expand the answer.

Ismailia has a population of approximately 429,465 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $550 per month in Ismailia, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $220/month.

The nearest airport to Ismailia is PSD, approximately 77km away.

Ismailia is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 66.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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