Living in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is one of the Egypt destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Cairo city center rents for around EGP 29,000/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages EGP 20,000/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about EGP 5,800 for groceries (single person) and EGP 1,100 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Cairo scores 28, which makes it one of the more affordable destinations.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Cairo starts at roughly EGP 35,900/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost EGP 450 for a mid-range meal and EGP 37 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around EGP 72. Owning a car adds approximately EGP 7,800/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Cairo skip this in favour of public transport or the EGP 1,100/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Egypt offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Cairo costs around EGP 1,200/month, with a family plan at EGP 3,700. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about EGP 1,000, while specialists charge around EGP 1,900. Families should budget EGP 25,000/month for international schooling, or EGP 13,000/month for a local private school.
Who does Cairo suit best?
Cairo works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.