Cost of living in Libya compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 74% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Libya is 74% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Libya | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 18 Dinar ($3.37) | $22 | - 84% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 19 Dinar ($3.46) | $12 | - 71% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 12 Dinar ($2.15) | $5.93 | - 64% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 7 Dinar ($1.25) | $1.09 | + 15% | |
12 eggs, large | 10 Dinar ($1.80) | $5.62 | - 68% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 3.362 Dinar ($0.62) | $4.83 | - 87% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 24 Dinar ($4.39) | $8 | - 44% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 13 Dinar ($2.30) | $4.23 | - 46% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 2.913 Dinar ($0.53) | $2.30 | - 77% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 3.679 Dinar ($0.67) | $3.70 | - 82% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | - | $18 | - | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 4.856 Dinar ($0.89) | $2.94 | - 70% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 2.000 Dinar ($0.37) | $3.01 | - 88% | |
Housing | - 76% | |||
Housing in Libya is 76% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Libya | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 1,956 Dinar ($358) | $3,070 | - 88% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 1,500 Dinar ($274) | $2,361 | - 88% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | - | $237 | - | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 2,300 Dinar ($421) | $2,222 | - 81% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 2,358 Dinar ($431) | $1,628 | - 74% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | - | $168 | - | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 95 Dinar ($17) | $62 | - 72% | |
40” flat screen tv | 850 Dinar ($156) | $251 | - 38% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 800 Dinar ($146) | $150 | - 3% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 18 Dinar ($3.29) | $15 | - 78% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 11 Dinar ($2.05) | $34 | - 94% | |
Clothes | - 45% | |||
Clothes in Libya is 45% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Libya | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 55 Dinar ($10) | $58 | - 83% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 216 Dinar ($40) | $49 | - 20% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 318 Dinar ($58) | $106 | - 45% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 334 Dinar ($61) | $141 | - 57% | |
Transportation | - 68% | |||
Transportation in Libya is 68% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Libya | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 67,372 Dinar ($12,326) | $30,916 | - 60% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | - | $0.93 | - | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 50 Dinar ($9) | $85 | - 89% | |
Personal Care | - 72% | |||
Personal Care in Libya is 72% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Libya | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 19 Dinar ($3.41) | $10 | - 64% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 46 Dinar ($8) | $24 | - 66% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 50 Dinar ($9) | $167 | - 95% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 15 Dinar ($2.78) | $10 | - 71% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 18 Dinar ($3.38) | $5.29 | - 36% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 13 Dinar ($2.44) | $7 | - 66% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 10 Dinar ($1.83) | $5.05 | - 64% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 12 Dinar ($2.20) | $2.37 | - 7% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 15 Dinar ($2.74) | $31 | - 91% | |
Entertainment | - 68% | |||
Entertainment in Libya is 68% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Libya | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 70 Dinar ($13) | $61 | - 79% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 20 Dinar ($3.66) | $31 | - 88% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | $234 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 70 Dinar ($13) | $104 | - 88% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 20 Dinar ($3.66) | $15 | - 76% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 5.556 Dinar ($1.02) | $6 | - 83% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 6.000 Dinar ($1.10) | $8 | - 86% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 3,982 Dinar ($728) | $464 | + 57% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 0.060 Dinar ($0.01) | $0.52 | - 98% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 500 Dinar ($91) | $70 | + 30% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 10 Dinar ($1.90) | $11 | - 83% | |
TOTAL | - 72% |

These prices were last updated on June 13, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.18295
USD
/
LYD
*
Cost of living in Libya is 72% cheaper than in United States
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