The cost of living in Libya is relatively cheap, especially if expats choose to prepare their own meals with local produce and avoid spending money eating out or purchasing Western food, gadgets and luxuries.
Expats should expect to pay unusually high prices for personal care items such as cosmetics and toiletries. As these are still relatively small expenses, it does not create a major dent in one's finances. Telephone rentals and internet connections are also on the expensive side for a country with a low cost of living. Again, these payments are not overwhelming when compared with larger expenses.
Transport, local groceries, furniture, appliances and clothing are all reasonably priced, and serve to keep day-to-day expenses for expats at a minimum.
Cost of public transport in Libya
Public transport in Libya is limited to taxis and buses, and is very cheap. Many expats prefer to hire a car and driver on a wet lease. This means that fuel, servicing and the driver’s wages are all included.
Cost of electricity in Libya
Libya's political, economic and social crises have been having an effect on its electricity supply. It is not uncommon for electricity to be cut off unexpectedly. Some businesses and private citizens rely on generators to supply electricity, but this can be a big expense.
Expats should try and negotiate an accommodation allowance that covers the cost of utilities such as electricity and water.
Cost of internet and television in Libya
For personal internet use, the connection speed is quite slow and video streaming is a painful process in Libya. If working from home and in need of a connection for one's business, vast and microwave-based VoIP systems are available. This includes the cost of the modem, switch, router and antenna.
Cost of living in Libya chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Tripoli in January 2023.
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
LYD 1,300 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
LYD 2,300 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
LYD 760 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
LYD 1,200 |
Groceries |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
LYD 4.50 |
Dozen eggs |
LYD 6.66 |
Rice (1kg) |
LYD 5.02 |
Loaf of white bread |
LYD 1.72 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
LYD 18.91 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
LYD 11.50 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
LYD 20 |
Coca-Cola (300ml) |
LYD 2.57 |
Cappuccino |
LYD 2.73 |
Non-Alcoholic local beer (500ml) |
LYD 4.77 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
LYD 168 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute) |
LYD 0.26 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
LYD 121 |
Basic utilities (average per month for standard household) |
LYD 240 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate per km |
LYD 3 |
City centre public transport |
LYD 1.10 |
Petrol (per litre) |
LYD 0.15 |
Further reading
►Banking, Money and Taxes in Libya provides all the essential information on expat money matters.
Expat Experiences
"I’d say Libya is cheaper as many things that we found expensive in the UK are very cheap here. Water, bread, gas, petrol and electricity are heavily subsidised by the government. Besides, salaries for expats are pretty high (in my field at least) and they are tax free so you’ve got more than enough to live on and save some."
Read more about French expat Jameela's experiences in Libya.
Are you an expat living in Libya?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Libya. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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