Living in Algeria

Algeria is the largest country in Africa and a regional power in North Africa and the Mediterranean. While not a common expat destination, Algeria offers opportunities, natural beauty, and cultural richness that make it worth considering. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Algeria – from reasons to move there, pros and cons, cost of living, quality of life, culture and best places to live.

Why Move to Algeria?

Here are some of the main appeals drawing newcomers to live in Algeria:

• Abundant job opportunities, especially for skilled professionals in fields like medicine, IT, engineering, education and more. High demand exists.
• Gateway to Africa and Mediterranean lifestyle. Diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains to the Sahara.
• Rich cultural heritage spanning Roman ruins, Islamic architecture and influences from ancient civilizations. Museums and historic sites abound.
• Low cost of living, especially housing, food, utilities and domestic help due to government subsidies that make Algeria affordable.
• Young, educated population eager for growth and change. Half the population under 30 years old.
• Impressive infrastructure rivaling developed nations – modern airports, highways, healthcare facilities and utilities.
• Stunning natural beauty with miles of coastline, national parks in the Atlas Mountains and portions of the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert.
• Warm, welcoming people looking to engage with foreigners and eager to improve their English.

Living in Algeria: Pros and Cons

While Algeria has allure, potential downsides need consideration:

Pros :

1. Abundant job opportunities in many fields
2. Gateway to Mediterranean and Africa
3. Affordable cost of living
4. Young, educated population
5. Impressive infrastructure
6. Stunning natural scenery
7. Rich cultural heritage sites
8. Hospitable people

Cons :

1. Bureaucracy and “red tape” for residency or business
2. Difficulty accessing money and international transfers
3. Language barrier – low English proficiency
4. Lack of diversity and insular society
5. Struggles with terrorism and regional security
6. Laws not always enforced evenly
7. Pollution in urban areas
8. Gender inequality issues persist
9. Internet censorship and restrictions

Algeria offers much to like at an affordable rate. But bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and regional security concerns present tradeoffs.

The Cost of Living in Algeria

Thanks to heavy government subsidies, especially on housing, food and fuel, Algeria has a low cost of living:

Housing

• Rents start around 60,000 DZD ($500 USD) for modern 1-2 bedroom apartments in cities.
• Buying is affordable too from 8 million DZD ($67,000 USD).

Food

• Groceries like fruit, vegetables, meat and staples cost around 40,000 DZD ($330 USD) monthly for two.
• Dining out runs 1,000 – 4,000 DZD ($8-$33) per meal.

Transportation

• Algeria has low fuel prices, around 65 DZD ($0.55 USD) per liter.
• Taxis are inexpensive at 250-600 DZD ($2-$5 USD) for short trips.
• Used cars can be found affordably.

Utilities

• Average monthly costs: electricity 3,500 DZD ($30), water 2,000 DZD ($17), gas 600 DZD ($5), and basic internet 3,500 DZD ($30).

Entertainment

• Activities like movies or theater average 300-800 DZD ($2.50-$7 USD).
• Amusement parks, concerts 200-1000 DZD ($1.70-$8.50).

Healthcare

• Public healthcare is free for residents.
• But private clinics just 1,000 – 4,000 DZD ($8-$33 USD) per visit offer better quality care.

Education

• Public school is free.
• Private schools popular with expats range 2 – 5 million DZD ($17,000-$42,000 USD) annually.

Taxes

• Progressive income tax from 0% – 35%.
• Average middle class rate around 15%.
• VAT at 19% and social security contributions.

Quality of Life in Algeria

Algeria offers sound quality of life for residents across these categories:

1. Cost of Living – Government subsidies help incomes stretch further for basics like housing, fuel and food. Disposable income is higher.
2. Healthcare – Good healthcare facilities and practitioners in urban centers, though overstretched. Expats need private care. Preventative care is uncommon.
3. Infrastructure – Impressive infrastructure for roads, utilities, airports and ports rivaling Western nations makes life easier.
4. Stability & Security – While terrorism remains a regional threat, Algerians enjoy low violent crime rates and relative domestic stability. Police response is good.
5. Leisure & Culture – Vibrant cafe culture encourages leisure time chatting over coffee. Museums and historic sites provide cultural enrichment.
6. Outdoor Living – Glorious coastline, mountains, and desert allow outdoor activities year-round from sailing to skiing, hiking, off-roading and more.
7. Education – Literacy rate is 80%. Public education is free including university. Private options exist for those who can afford it.
8. Environment – Pollution issues plague cities. But great efforts preserve natural areas and protect wildlife. Parks offer urban green space.

Expats with desired skills enjoy solid quality of life. Locals have access to subsidized necessities. But pollution issues persist.

A Beginner’s Guide to Algerian Culture

Algerian culture mixes Berber, Arab, African, and French influences:

• Main language is Arabic, but French is widely used in business, education and government. Berber dialects are still spoken too.
• Mostly Sunni Muslim. Islam shapes cultural and social norms. But religious freedom exists.
• Food features couscous, tagines, spices, seafood, meat and French baguettes along with Arabic tea and coffee.
• Families are close, often with multiple generations living together. Gender roles are traditional.
• Hospitality is integral to culture. Generosity and courtesy are prized when hosting. Gifts are common.
• Cultural life includes museums, concert halls, festivals like Mawlid, historic sites and coffee house socializing.
• Soccer is massively popular. Raucous fans fill stadiums. Many play locally too.
• Traditional clothing like hijab for women is common. Men dress casually.
• Some cultural activities like concerts or alcohol are restricted. Social freedoms are uneven.
• Blending old world customs and progressive ambitions, Algeria offers expats a fascinating cultural experience.

Best Places to Live in Algeria

Top spots to settle in Algeria include:

1. Algiers – The capital offers bustling city life on the Mediterranean with historic streets and dynamic culture.
2. Oran – Lively coastal city with a rich history as the former center of trade and learning in the Maghreb region.
3. Constantine – Called the “City of Bridges”, this scenic inland city is surrounded by rivers and gorges.
4. Annaba – A relaxing eastern seaside town dubbed the “Pearl of the Mediterranean” with lovely beaches.
5. Tamanrasset – An oasis city deep in the Sahara with small town community vibes. Access to the desert.
6. Tlemcen – Packed with Islamic architectural wonders, this is a sleepy cultural city near the Moroccan border.

Algeria has something for everyone – coast, desert, mountains, cities and villages. Each region provides authentic cultural immersion.

While off the beaten path, Algeria rewards expats willing to embrace its singular mix of old and new. The under-the-radar nature adds to the allure for adventurous newcomers seeking authenticity.