Cost of Living in Algeria

Expats can look forward to a low cost of living in Algeria. In Mercer's Cost of Living Survey for 2023, Algiers ranked 206th out of 227 cities. This places Algeria as one of the cheapest countries to live in the world, well below Western and Asian cities like New York City or Hong Kong.

The low cost of living and high expat salaries make living comfortably a reality for those settling in Algeria.

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Cost of groceries in Algeria

Groceries in Algeria are generally more affordable than Western European or US prices, although this depends on whether products are imported. Local markets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and spices at reasonable rates.

Expats on a budget will find that shopping at local markets and opting for locally produced alternatives to imported goods will present significant savings and a more authentic Algerian experience. Imported items, brand-name products and Western luxuries like alcohol can be pricier and difficult to find.

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Cost of accommodation in Algeria

The cost of accommodation in Algeria varies depending on the location, size and type of property, but it will often be expats' greatest expense. In major cities such as Algiers or Oran, expats can expect to pay higher rents than in smaller towns and rural areas. Accommodation in sought-after neighbourhoods or gated communities with additional amenities might come at a premium, but this investment often guarantees better security and comfort.

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Cost of education in Algeria

The cost of education in Algeria depends on the type of school one's child attends. Public schools are free but may not be suitable for expats due to language barriers and differences in curricula. International schools, while steeper, provide a familiar learning environment and typically follow international curricula.

These schools cater to the needs of expat children but often come with a higher price tag. Those relocating as part of an international or inter-company transfer should factor education costs into their contract negotiation.

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Cost of transport in Algeria

Public transport in Algeria is relatively cheap, with buses and trams being the most popular options. Although prices can vary depending on the route and time of day, taxis are also widely available and fairly inexpensive. Expats planning to drive should know that traffic congestion can be a significant issue in major cities. While petrol prices are lower than in many Western countries, purchasing and maintaining a vehicle might still be a considerable expense.

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Cost of entertainment and eating out in Algeria

Entertainment and eating out in Algeria can be affordable for expats who frequent local establishments. Traditional Algerian restaurants and street food vendors offer tasty and budget-friendly options. On the other hand, upscale restaurants, particularly those offering international cuisine, can be quite pricey. Similarly, entertainment options like cinemas, theatres or clubs range from low-cost local venues to upscale Western-style establishments.

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Cost of healthcare in Algeria

Public healthcare in Algeria is free, but the quality of service may not always meet the expectations of expats accustomed to Western standards. As a result, many expats opt for private healthcare services, which can be more expensive but provide a higher quality of care. It's essential to consider obtaining comprehensive health insurance to cover any medical expenses incurred while living in Algeria.

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Cost of living chart for Algeria

Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Algiers, Algeria for April 2023.

Accommodation (monthly rent)
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre	DZD 60,000
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre	DZD 36,000
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre	DZD 33,000
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre	DZD 18,500
Food and drink
Dozen eggs	DZD 230
Milk (1 litre)	DZD 111
Rice (1kg)	DZD 186
Loaf of white bread	DZD 22
Chicken breasts (1kg)	DZD 700
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro)	DZD 340
Eating out
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	DZD 3,000
Big Mac meal	DZD 650
Coca-Cola (330ml)	DZD 72
Cappuccino	DZD 121
Bottle of beer (local)	DZD 240
Utilities/household
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile)	DZD 11
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month)	DZD 2,200
Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household)	DZD 5,800
Transportation
Taxi rate/km	DZD 50
City-centre public transport fare	DZD 40
Gasoline (per litre)	DZD 41