Cost of Living in Cairo, Egypt
Egypt · Africa
$800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
28
Cost Index
NYC=100
22
Rent Index
NYC=100
50
Quality of Life
Moderate
42
Safety Index
Below Average
21.3M
Population
EGP
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.7 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.15 |
| Monthly Pass | $8 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $40 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $15 |
| Fitness Club/month | $15 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $300/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $180/mo |
| 3BR Center | $700/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $400/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $600/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $350 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 22% |
Cost of Living in Cairo — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Cairo, Egypt is approximately $800 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Cairo has a cost index of 28, making it around 72% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Cairo costs around $180/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $300/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $700/month. The rent index is 22 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Cairo scores 50/100 on the quality of life index and 42/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 55/100. The climate index is 60/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Cairo is approximately $350/month. With a purchasing power index of 38/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EGP, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Cairo
The average monthly salary in Cairo is approximately $350. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $800, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 38/100.
Healthcare Costs in Cairo
Healthcare quality in Cairo is rated 55/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Cairo
Cairo has a quality of life score of 50/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Cairo
Students living in Cairo should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Cairo
Expats moving to Cairo often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Cairo, Egypt is approximately $800 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 28 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Cairo
Living in Cairo offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 28 and a quality of life score of 50/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $350 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Cairo provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Egypt and around the world.
Key Facts About Cairo
- Average Monthly Cost: $800
- Cost Index: 28
- Rent Index: 22
- Average Salary: $350
- Quality of Life: 50/100
- Safety Score: 42/100
- Country: Egypt
- Currency: EGP
Is Cairo Expensive?
Cairo has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Cairo compare to other cities?
Cairo is located in Africa with a population of approximately 21.3M. At a cost index of 28 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Cairo stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cairo?
The average cost of living in Cairo, Egypt is approximately $800 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 28 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Cairo?
Rent in Cairo varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 22 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Cairo alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Cairo expensive to live in?
Cairo has a cost index of 28 compared to New York City (100). At 28, Cairo is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $800.
What is the quality of life in Cairo?
Cairo has a quality of life index of 50/100 and a safety index of 42/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Cairo compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Cairo with any city worldwide. Cairo's cost index is 28 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Cairo?
Many residents live comfortably in Cairo with a monthly budget of around $800 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Cairo good for expats?
Cairo is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Cairo?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $800 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Cairo.
Is Cairo cheaper than New York?
Yes, Cairo has a cost index of 28 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Cairo?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Cairo.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Cairo
Cheapest Ways to Live in Cairo
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Cairo typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $180/month compared to $300/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Cairo, Egypt.
Is Cairo Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 38/100 and a quality of life score of 50/100, Cairo is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 28 relative to New York City, Cairo remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Egypt has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Cairo Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Cairo", "Cairo monthly expenses 2026", and "is Cairo affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $800, a safety score of 42/100, and healthcare rated 55/100, Cairo offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Egypt.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026