Qena, Egypt
A Nile city in Upper Egypt, known for its proximity to the Dendera Temple and traditional sugar cane industry.
Overview
Qena is a city in Qena with a population of 201,000. A Nile city in Upper Egypt, known for its proximity to the Dendera Temple and traditional sugar cane industry. 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 340 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
Qena vs Egypt Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 14.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: EGP 58,000
- Unemployment: 11.5%
- Population: 201,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 340/year
- Summer High: 96°F
- Winter Low: 48°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: E£450,000
- 1BR Rent: E£1600/mo
Cost of Living
Qena's cost of living index is 70 (Egypt average = 100).
| Category | Qena | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 70 | 100 | -30.0% |
| Housing | 62 | 100 | -38.0% |
Data source: CAPMAS / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | E£450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | E£1600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | E£2,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | E£300 |
Data source: Aqarmap / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Qena:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | E£200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | E£1 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | E£300 | 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£831 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: EEHC, Holding Company for Water, Telecom Egypt 2025
Remote Work Score
Qena scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Qena has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F | 48°F | 2.5" |
| April | 81°F | 63°F | 2.8" |
| July | 96°F | 71°F | 1.5" |
| October | 76°F | 66°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Qena 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 11.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Qena 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 Qena 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 Qena, Egypt?
The cost of living index in Qena is 70, which is Lower the Egypt national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Qena?
The median home price in Qena is E£450,000. The housing index is 62.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Qena is approximately E£1600/mo.
Does Qena, Qena have income tax?
Qena is in Qena, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Qena?
Qena enjoys approximately 340 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 96°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°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.