Your Full Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Maadi
The cost of living in Maadi depends on your lifestyle and the neighborhood you choose. Sarayat El Maadi and Degla are premium zones, while Zahraa El Maadi and the outer areas are more affordable. Overall, Maadi offers better value for money compared to upscale districts like Zamalek or New Cairo.
Let’s explore how much daily life in Maadi really costs — from rent and transport to groceries, dining, and utilities.
Housing and Rent Prices in Maadi
Housing is the largest monthly expense in Maadi. Prices vary depending on location, property type, and furnishing.
Average Monthly Rent (as of 2025)
- Two-bedroom apartment (Zahraa El Maadi): EGP 10,000–15,000+
- Two-bedroom apartment (Degla or Sarayat): EGP 20,000– 45,000+
- Three-bedroom family apartment (Degla or Sarayat El Maadi): EGP 35,000–75,000+
- Luxury villa (Old Maadi): EGP 90,000–150,000+
Fully furnished properties, often preferred by expats, cost around 20–30% more. If you choose an unfurnished unit, you’ll save but may need to buy furniture and appliances upfront.
Maintenance fees vary by building, but landlords typically cover major repairs. Tenants usually handle small issues like plumbing or maintaince for appliances.
Utilities and Maintenance Costs in Maadi
Utility bills in Maadi are moderate compared to Western cities, though prices have risen slightly in recent years.
Average Monthly Utility Costs (for a 2–3 bedroom apartment):
- Electricity: EGP 1,200–2,000+ (higher in summer with A/C use)
- Water: EGP 150–300+
- Gas: EGP 50 – 150+
- Internet (high-speed fiber): EGP 300–1600
- Mobile plan: EGP 300–600+
Maintenance for apartment buildings may add EGP 200–1500+ per month. In gated complexes, community fees can reach EGP 2,000–3,000 depending on amenities.
If you hire domestic help, expect EGP 3,000–6,000 per month for part-time housekeeping.
Groceries and Daily Shopping Costs
Grocery costs in Maadi depend on where you shop. Local markets and Egyptian brands are affordable, while imported products and specialty stores raise expenses.
Estimated Monthly Grocery Budget (per person):
- Basic local diet: EGP 3,000–5,000
- Mixed local + imported items: EGP 6,000–9,000
- Family of four: EGP 10,000–18,000
Supermarkets like Gourmet, Seoudi, and Metro cater to expats with high-end imported goods. On the other hand, local shops and markets like Maadi Market or Carrefour offer cheaper options.
Buying local produce, Egyptian brands, and bulk items can lower costs by 25–30%. Many residents mix both to balance comfort and savings.
Dining and Eating Out in Maadi
Eating out is a major part of the Maadi lifestyle, and the price range is wide.
- Casual meal (local restaurant): EGP 120–250
- Mid-range dinner for two: EGP 500–800
- High-end restaurant: EGP 1,200–2,000
- Coffee and dessert: EGP 200–500
Road 9 and Degla are filled with restaurants, cafés, and bakeries catering to every budget. While frequent dining out adds up, occasional meals are still quite affordable compared to Western cities.
Many locals also use delivery apps like Talabat and ElMenus, which often include discounts.
Transportation and Commute Expenses
Transportation in Maadi is flexible and affordable. The area connects easily to downtown Cairo, Nasr City, and New Cairo.
Average Commute Costs:
- Cairo Metro (one-way): EGP 7–15
- Ride-hailing (Uber/Careem) within Maadi: EGP 35–100
- Ride-hailing to Downtown Cairo: EGP 85–150
- Private driver (monthly): EGP 8,000–12,000
- Fuel cost (per liter): Around EGP 19.2 per liter
Most residents combine walking, metro rides, and ride-hailing apps. The metro remains the fastest and cheapest way to reach central Cairo. Parking is available but limited in older streets, especially during peak hours.
Cycling is becoming more common in Degla thanks to its quiet roads.
Leisure, Fitness, and Entertainment
Maadi offers plenty of ways to relax without spending too much. Sports clubs and outdoor activities are part of daily life here.
- Gym membership: EGP 7,000 –15,000 annual
- Wadi Degla or Maadi Club membership: From EGP 15,000 annually (installments available)
- Cinema ticket: EGP 200–300
- Weekend outing (coffee, lunch, walk): Around EGP 300–800
Because Maadi is full of green spaces, many residents enjoy free outdoor activities like jogging, walking dogs, or visiting local parks.
Education and Childcare Costs
Families in Maadi have a wide range of schooling options. Tuition depends heavily on the school and curriculum.
Estimated Annual School Fees (2025):
- Local private schools: EGP 50,000–90,000
- International schools (British/American): EGP 150,000–300,000+
- Nurseries and daycares: EGP 6,000–12,000 per month
Most international schools offer payment plans, and fees usually include some extracurricular activities. However, uniforms, transport, and books may cost extra.
Healthcare and Insurance
Maadi has many clinics and private hospitals, including Maadi Armed Forces Hospital and Nile Badrawi.
- Doctor visit: EGP 400–800
- Dentist appointment: EGP 600–1,200
- Health insurance (private expat plan): From EGP 10,000+ per year depending on organization
Generic medications are affordable, and pharmacies are easy to find. However, imported medicines can cost significantly more.
Overall Monthly Budget in Maadi (2025)
| Lifestyle Type | Single (EGP/month) | Family of 4 (EGP/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (Zahraa El Maadi) | 18,000 – 25,000 | 35,000 – 45,000 |
| Mid-range (Old Maadi) | 30,000 – 45,000 | 60,000 – 80,000 |
| Premium (Sarayat/Degla Maadi) | 60,000 – 90,000 | 100,000+ |
These figures cover rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and basic leisure. As you can see, Maadi can suit both modest and luxury lifestyles.
Is Living in Maadi Worth the Cost?
In short, yes. Maadi offers better air, safety, and community life than most Cairo districts. While it’s not the cheapest area, it delivers high value for what you pay.
If you plan your budget carefully — mixing local shopping with occasional splurges — you can live comfortably without overspending. For many residents, the calm streets and green scenery are worth every pound.