What's it like living in Alexandria

Living in Alexandria, Egypt, is a completely different experience compared to Cairo or Giza. It’s Egypt’s second-largest city but has a coastal, Mediterranean vibe that sets it apart. Here’s a detailed look at what it’s like to live in Alexandria:

🌊 City Vibe & Atmosphere

• More relaxed than Cairo: Life moves at a slower, more laid-back pace.

• Mediterranean coastal charm: Sea breezes, palm-lined Corniche, and beautiful sunsets over the water.

• Despite being a large city, Alexandria often feels more intimate and historical.

🏠 Living Areas

• Roushdy, Smouha, Sidi Gaber: Middle to upper-class, with access to amenities, schools, and public transport.

• Stanley & Gleem: Popular coastal neighborhoods, more upscale, lots of cafés and nice sea views.

• Bolkly, Sporting, and San Stefano: Vibrant, mixed-income areas with local character and shopping.

• Mandara & Agami: More affordable but farther from the city center. Agami is popular in summer for beach rentals.

🌤️ Weather

• Mild Mediterranean climate:

  • Summers are warm and humid, but cooler than Cairo thanks to the sea breeze.

  • Winters are rainy and can feel chilly, especially by Egyptian standards.

• Rain is more common here than in most of Egypt—Alexandrians even joke that it’s “the city of umbrellas.”

🕌 Culture & History

• Rich in history—home of the ancient Library of Alexandria and a mix of Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, and Islamic influences.

• More cosmopolitan and liberal than other Egyptian cities. There’s a mix of old traditions and modern life.

• Big literary, academic, and artistic culture—Alexandria is proud of its intellectual heritage.

🍛 Food & Dining

• Seafood is king: You’ll find fresh fish, calamari, and shrimp sold daily at ports and restaurants.

• Popular spots include Balbaa, Fish Market, and Kadoura.

• Also known for traditional Egyptian street food (like taameya, ful, and koshary), plus cafés with seafront views.

• Coastal corniche is lined with ice cream shops and shisha cafés.

💰 Cost of Living

• More affordable than Cairo, especially for rent and daily expenses.

• Housing is cheaper the farther you go from the sea.

• Food and transportation are reasonably priced, with a lot of local options.

🚗 Transportation

• Public transport is a mix of old and new: trams (some historic, some modernized), minibuses, taxis, and ride apps (Uber, Careem).

• Traffic can be heavy along the Corniche, but the city is smaller and more manageable than Cairo.

• Many people get around on foot in coastal neighborhoods.

🧑‍🎓 Education & Work

• Home to Alexandria University and several private/international schools.

• Job opportunities are more limited than Cairo but exist in education, healthcare, tourism, shipping, and local business.

• It’s also a port city, so there's maritime and trade-related work.

✅ Pros

• Sea views and fresh air.

• Milder climate than most of Egypt.

• Slower pace of life and less chaos than Cairo.

• Deep culture and history with strong community roots.

❌ Cons

• Fewer job opportunities compared to Cairo.

• Infrastructure can be inconsistent, especially during the rainy season (flooding in some neighborhoods).

• Less nightlife and fewer international options, though that’s improving.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Living in Alexandria feels like a blend of Mediterranean serenity and Egyptian vibrancy. It’s a city of history, poetry, seafront cafés, and salty air. If you value quality of life, calm, and connection to the sea, Alexandria is one of the best places to live in Egypt. It’s ideal for families, retirees, students, or anyone wanting a more grounded and scenic lifestyle than Cairo offers.