Ismailia, Egypt
A canal city on the Suez Canal, known for its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.
Overview
Ismailia is a city in Ismailia with a population of 366,000. A canal city on the Suez Canal, known for its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 320 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 25.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Egypt Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Ismailia vs Egypt Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 14.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: EGP 80,000
- Unemployment: 8.5%
- Population: 366,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 320/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 52°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: E£850,000
- 1BR Rent: E£2800/mo
Cost of Living
Ismailia's cost of living index is 82 (Egypt average = 100).
| Category | Ismailia | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 82 | 100 | -18.0% |
| Housing | 76 | 100 | -24.0% |
Data source: CAPMAS / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | E£850,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | E£2800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | E£3,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | E£566 |
Data source: Aqarmap / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Ismailia:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | E£200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | E£55 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | E£80 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | E£250 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | E£585 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: EEHC, Holding Company for Water, Telecom Egypt 2025
Remote Work Score
Ismailia scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Ismailia has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F | 52°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 67°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 70°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Ismailia faces the following natural hazards:
Arid country with extreme drought conditions.
Extreme summer heat.
Frequent sandstorms.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Mediterranean coast with tsunami risk.
Nile River flooding (now controlled).
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 14%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 8.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Ismailia per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Friday is the weekly holiday. Sham El Nessim is a spring festival.
Demographics
The population of Ismailia is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) (2021)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ismailia, Egypt?
The cost of living index in Ismailia is 82, which is Lower the Egypt national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Ismailia?
The median home price in Ismailia is E£850,000. The housing index is 76.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ismailia is approximately E£2800/mo.
Does Ismailia, Ismailia have income tax?
Ismailia is in Ismailia, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Ismailia?
Ismailia enjoys approximately 320 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 52°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: CAPMAS / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Aqarmap / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: CAPMAS Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities EEHC, Holding Company for Water, Telecom Egypt 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.