When you think of Cairo, what's the first thing that comes to mind?
For some, it’s the image of the pyramids glowing under the desert sun. For others, it’s the Nile. For me, it’s the lore and the history. I always associate it with posh royalty. You walk through the streets of Cairo, and it all looks so elegant. If you’re looking for a city to visit, I would totally recommend it.
Every nomad who wants to visit eventually asks the question, “What’s the cost of living in Cairo, Egypt, really like?”
Knowing what to expect will help you plan more effectively, live comfortably, and spend less time worrying about money.
This article breaks down the cost of living in Cairo and details everything you need to know about one of the world’s most popular cities. We’ll cover housing, food, transport, and even the little indulgences that make life in Cairo unforgettable.
Read also: Planning a summer trip to Egypt? Avoid currency exchange traps
Cairo’s housing market has something for everyone. Rent varies depending on proximity to the centre, access to amenities, and whether you prefer a lively neighbourhood or a quieter one. Some expatriates often find great value just outside the city centre, where rents drop but comfort doesn’t.
If you’re moving to Cairo as a digital nomad or remote worker, rent will likely be one of your biggest expenses. Still, compared to other global capitals, it remains relatively affordable.
Zamalek: This is one of Cairo’s most desirable neighbourhoods, located on an island in the Nile. It’s known for its leafy streets, cafés, embassies, and art galleries. Rents here can soar to as high as E£18,000 - E£25,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and usually exceed E£40,000 for larger homes. Zamalek is for the wealthy.
Maadi: Many diplomats and expat families love staying here. It’s quieter and more residential than central Cairo. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from E£12,000 - E£16,000, while three-bedrooms go for E£25,000 - E£35,000. Maadi has a strong sense of community that I know you’ll love.
New Cairo (including 5th Settlement): This is a modern district located approximately 30 - 45 minutes from the suburbs. It’s a popular choice for professionals working remotely. Rent ranges from E£10,000 - E£15,000 for a one-bedroom and E£22,000 - E£30,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Heliopolis: It is one of Cairo’s older, established neighbourhoods and is very popular for its architecture. One-bed apartments average E£9,000 - E£12,000, while three-bed apartments go for E£18,000 - E£25,000. There’s a nice balance between city life and suburban calm.
Nasr City: This is a more affordable but busy area ideal for budget-conscious freelancers and students. You’ll find one-bed apartments for as low as E£6,000 - E£8,000, and larger options are about E£15,000 - E£18,000.
Buying property in Cairo is a long-term play. The closer you are to downtown, the steeper the price, but in the city’s newer districts, like 6th of October City (interesting name, I know) and New Cairo, you can get more space and modern infrastructure for far less.
Prices vary widely by neighbourhood, quality of build, and whether a unit is brand new or resale. Below, I’ve compiled realistic ranges, including what you can expect to pay in transaction costs, likely rental yields, and practical steps you’ll actually need to follow.
Average price per square metre:
These ranges are directional, and the final prices depend on the building's age, finishing, floor level, view, and access to transportation and amenities.
Eating out often is easy on the wallet if you stick to local spots, but international restaurants are priced closer to what you’d find in Europe.
Street food remains a local favourite. For just E£30 - E£80, you can enjoy dishes like falafel (ta’meya), shawarma, or ful medames, washed down with fresh sugarcane juice or hibiscus tea. These foods are affordable, delicious, and deeply ingrained in daily life. It’s precisely the kind of food that brings people together.
If you prefer a sit-down meal, you’ll get plenty of options at mid-range restaurants in Zamalek, Maadi, and Heliopolis. A three-course dinner for two costs around E£800 - E£1,200. Many spots blend Egyptian and international cuisines, so you might see kofta alongside pizza or sushi. Dining in Cairo is laid-back and social, so don’t expect to rush through a meal.
On the higher end, Cairo’s upscale restaurants rival those in other major cities. These places cater to both locals and expats looking for international flavours, fine service, and stunning views.
Tipping, or “baksheesh”, is customary, so try to leave an extra 5-10% for good service.
Buying groceries in Cairo can be as local or as international as you prefer. The city’s markets, supermarkets, and corner shops cater to every kind of shopper, and the average monthly grocery bill for a single person usually ranges between E£3,000 and E£6,000, depending on how often you cook and what you buy.
Local produce is both affordable and high quality. You can find tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and lettuce for less than E£20 per kilo. Fresh fruit, such as bananas and oranges, costs around E£35 ($0.75) per kilogram, while apples are closer to E£80.
If you love cooking with imported ingredients, such as olive oil from Italy or cereals from the UK, then you will have to spend more. Imported goods often cost more than their local equivalents due to tariffs and logistics.
In street markets, you can negotiate prices, a skill that, once mastered, can cut your spending by up to 20%. Generally, Cairo’s grocery costs are manageable, and cooking at home remains far cheaper than eating out.
Between taxis, ride-hailing apps like Uber, and the city’s metro, you’ll never run out of options. Traffic can be intense, so the location often determines your comfort more than the cost of your commute. Still, compared to other major cities, transport here remains relatively affordable.
The Cairo Metro, Africa’s oldest underground system, is the quickest way to beat the city’s traffic. A one-way ticket costs as little as E£15 for short trips and around E£25 for longer ones. Monthly passes are available for E£310. I think it’s a steal compared to what commuters in cities like London or Paris pay.
If you prefer more comfort, Uber and Careem are everywhere. A short trip typically costs around E£40 - E£70. Traditional taxis are slightly cheaper, starting around E£13.50, but you’ll need to negotiate or insist the meter runs, a rite of passage for anyone new to Cairo.
Driving your own car is an option, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Gasoline remains relatively cheap at E£18 per litre, but traffic congestion may test your patience. Most expats and digital nomads rely on a mix of metro, rideshares, and occasional taxis. Still, if you live outside central areas or have children, having a car might be a good idea.
Utilities in Cairo are manageable for most households. Electricity costs rise during the hot months when air-conditioning is essential, but mobile and internet plans are surprisingly affordable.
Electricity, water, heating, cooling, and waste services for an average apartment typically cost around E£1,200 to E£1,500 per month.
Electricity is the biggest variable. Cairo summers are extremely hot, and using AC units daily can easily double your bill. Some residents switch to energy-efficient models or rely more on fans to save costs. Water bills, on the other hand, remain consistently low due to government subsidies, while gas is widely available.
Internet and mobile data are bright spots in Cairo’s utility landscape. High-speed broadband is accessible in most neighbourhoods, with prices averaging around E£600 - E£700 per month for speeds of 60 Mbps or higher. Providers like Orange Egypt, Vodafone, and WE have competitive packages, and installation is pretty straightforward.
Cairo’s infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years, but occasional power cuts or service delays still occur, particularly in older buildings or during peak summer loads. However, most modern apartments come equipped with generators or backup systems, so digital nomads and remote workers rarely have to worry about disruptions.
Overall, utilities in Cairo are cost-effective and convenient.
If you want to unwind after work, there are many options. Leisure costs are modest, so you can enjoy the city’s rich culture without spending much. Weekend cinema trips, fitness memberships, or desert getaways all fit comfortably into most budgets.
Gym memberships, for example, average around E£800 - E£1,000 per month, depending on the area and facilities. Upscale options like Gold’s Gym or UFC Gym cost more, but you can still get decent workouts at local community gyms.
If you prefer the outdoors, I’ve got you. Early morning jogs, desert quad biking, or hiking trips nearby provide a change of pace from the city’s buzz. Tennis enthusiasts can rent courts for approximately E£300-E£350 per hour, while golfers and swimmers often head to private sports clubs, such as Gezira Sporting Club or Cairo Sporting Club, which also serve as social hubs. Membership fees at these clubs can be pricey, but they’re a central part of Cairo’s upper middle class lifestyle.
For those who’d rather unwind passively and prefer movies, tickets for international releases are usually around E£180 - E£200, and you’ll find both local cinemas screening Egyptian hits and international chains like VOX and Cineplex. Cafés and rooftop lounges, especially in Zamalek and New Cairo, also serve as gathering spots for young professionals and expats.
Cultural experiences are another highlight. Cairo is home to world-class museums, historic mosques, art galleries, and music venues. Visiting the Egyptian Museum costs around E£240. I can bet you’ll also like the Cairo Opera House, which regularly hosts ballets, orchestras, and plays.
The best part about staying in Cairo is that you’ll never run out of new things to do, only new excuses not to do them.
Families in Cairo often find good value in childcare. There are excellent preschools and international schools that cater to expat communities, though fees vary widely. Many families opt for local early education options before transitioning to international systems later.
On average, a full-day private preschool costs about E£4,000 - E£5,000 per month, while international schools can charge significantly higher fees depending on the curriculum and facilities.
Local nurseries, often family-run, provide nurturing environments with smaller class sizes and more personal attention. Many expat families, however, prefer international schools that follow British, American, or French systems. Schools such as Cairo American College, The British International School Cairo, and Lycée Français du Caire are among the most sought-after options, with annual fees ranging from E£90,000 to E£180,000.
If you’re looking for early childhood care, many daycare centres cater to infants and toddlers. Prices vary depending on the area. Neighbourhoods like Zamalek, Heliopolis, and New Cairo tend to be pricier but have better infrastructure and trained staff. Most facilities include meals, nap time, and enrichment activities such as music or arts and crafts.
One of Cairo’s most significant advantages is the availability of in-home childcare. Many families in Egypt hire live-in or part-time nannies, a common practice in the country. Salaries for nannies depend on experience, language skills, and whether they live with the family. For working parents or expats without extended family nearby, this can be an affordable way to balance childcare and busy schedules.
The cost largely depends on where you shop and what you’re looking for. In upscale malls like Citystars, Mall of Egypt, or Cairo Festival City, you’ll find global brands such as Zara, H&M, and Nike, where prices are comparable to or slightly higher than those in Europe due to import costs. For instance, a pair of branded jeans or running shoes can cost anywhere from E£3,500 - E£6,000.
If you prefer more affordable options, Cairo’s street markets and local boutiques are a treasure trove. Markets like Khan el-Khalili, Wekalet el-Balah, and El Attaba are renowned for their extensive selection of fabrics, shoes, and accessories, available at a fraction of retail prices. Bargaining is part of the fun and is often expected by the sellers themselves. A locally made summer dress might cost around E£800, while a pair of stylish leather sandals could go for E£600 ($12).
For fashion-conscious shoppers, Cairo also boasts a growing community of independent Egyptian designers who blend traditional aesthetics with modern flair. Boutiques in Zamalek and Downtown Cairo often feature locally made clothing and jewellery, offering both quality and cultural authenticity. These pieces tend to be mid-range in price but are uniquely Egyptian. You won’t find them anywhere else.
Seasonal shopping can also impact your budget. Cairo’s weather is warm most of the year, so light clothing and breathable fabrics dominate most wardrobes. That said, cooler months between December and February bring sales on winter wear, making it a good time to buy coats and boots.
Cairo is one of those cities that never really sleeps. It’s an exciting city for freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers who want a base that’s both affordable and culturally rich.
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So if you’re ready to take the stress out of getting paid, sign up for a free Grey account or download the app today. Because in a city as lively as Cairo, you deserve a financial experience that moves just as fast and as efficiently as you do.
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