Berlin vs Alexandria: Cost of Living Comparison
Choosing between Berlin and Alexandria involves weighing a high-standard European capital against a historic, affordable Mediterranean hub. Berlin offers a robust economy and world-class infrastructure, but Alexandria provides a drastically lower cost of living, with prices for basics and luxuries often costing a fraction of those in Germany.
Is Berlin more expensive than Alexandria?
In terms of pure purchasing power and daily expenses, Berlin is significantly more expensive than Alexandria. On average, the cost of living in Berlin is roughly 75% to 85% higher than in Alexandria. While Berliners benefit from higher average salaries and superior public services, an individual earning a Western salary remotely would find that their USD or EUR stretches much further in Alexandria, allowing for a luxury lifestyle that would be prohibitively expensive in the German capital.
Housing and Rent: Berlin vs Alexandria
The housing market is the most significant differentiator. In Berlin, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between $1,400 and $1,900 per month, and the market is extremely competitive. In Alexandria, a similar central apartment costs between $200 and $450 per month. Real estate purchase prices follow this trend, with Berlin's price per square meter often being 10 to 12 times higher than in Alexandria's prime coastal neighborhoods.
Food and Dining Prices
Grocery shopping and dining out are far more affordable in Egypt. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Berlin averages $16, while a similar meal in Alexandria costs approximately $4 to $6. Basic staples like local produce, bread, and eggs are heavily influenced by local production in Egypt, making a monthly grocery bill in Alexandria about 60% cheaper than in Berlin. However, imported Western goods in Alexandria may carry a premium price tag.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Berlin features an integrated public transit network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and buses) where a monthly pass costs roughly $100. Alexandria's transportation relies on a historic tram system, microbuses, and taxis. While less structured, transport in Alexandria is incredibly cheap; a 5-mile taxi ride costs less than $3 USD, compared to roughly $25 USD in Berlin. Fuel prices are also significantly lower in Egypt due to government subsidies.
Leisure, Utilities, and Entertainment
Utilities in Berlin, including heating and electricity, have seen significant increases, often averaging $300+ for a standard apartment. In Alexandria, the Mediterranean climate and lower energy costs keep these bills closer to $50–$80. Lifestyle costs such as gym memberships ($45 in Berlin vs $20 in Alexandria) and cinema tickets ($14 vs $5) also reflect Alexandria's status as a budget-friendly destination.
How to get from Berlin to Alexandria
There are currently no direct flight routes between Berlin (BER) and Alexandria (HBE). Travelers typically opt for a connecting flight through hubs such as Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Cairo (EgyptAir/Lufthansa), or Athens (Aegean). The total travel time, including layovers, usually ranges from 7 to 11 hours. Alternatively, one can fly directly from Berlin to Cairo and take a 2.5-hour high-speed train or private car to Alexandria.
The Verdict: Berlin or Alexandria?
Berlin is the ideal choice for professionals and families seeking a high-functioning social safety net, stable governance, and a booming tech scene, provided they can navigate the high housing costs. Alexandria is a premier choice for digital nomads or retirees who want a coastal Mediterranean lifestyle at an ultra-low cost, though they must adapt to a different pace of life and infrastructure standards.
Borderly AI