Cost of Living in Cairo 2026
Cairo is one of the most affordable major capitals in the world for day-to-day living, though the Egyptian pound has depreciated significantly since 2022, creating a dual reality: imported goods and foreign-currency housing have become relatively expensive for locals on EGP salaries, while expats earning in USD, EUR, or AUD find Cairo extremely affordable. Egypt's subsidised local food, cheap public transport, and low utility costs make the basic cost of living very low, while premium expat-oriented housing in Zamalek, Maadi, and New Cairo carries significant premiums. This guide covers the realistic cost of living in Cairo in 2026.
Rent and Housing
- 1-bedroom apartment, Zamalek (expat island enclave): EGP 18,000-35,000/month (AUD 558-1,085); 1-bedroom apartment, Maadi (southern expat district): EGP 15,000-28,000/month (AUD 465-868); 1-bedroom apartment, downtown or Dokki (mid-range): EGP 8,000-18,000/month (AUD 248-558); New Cairo/5th Settlement (modern suburb): EGP 15,000-30,000/month (AUD 465-930); shared room in expat areas: EGP 5,000-10,000/month (AUD 155-310); note: EGP/AUD exchange rate is highly variable — rates above reflect approximate mid-2026 rates
Food and Eating Out
- Koshary (the Egyptian national street food — lentils, pasta, rice, tomato sauce): EGP 20-50 (AUD 0.62-1.55); ful medames and ta'ameya (beans and falafel breakfast): EGP 20-60 (AUD 0.62-1.86); local Egyptian restaurant meal: EGP 80-200 (AUD 2.48-6.20); mid-range restaurant for two: EGP 400-900 (AUD 12.40-27.90); coffee at a café (ahwa baladi, traditional): EGP 20-40 (AUD 0.62-1.24); specialty café (Starbucks-equivalent): EGP 100-180 (AUD 3.10-5.58); weekly local market grocery shop: EGP 300-600 (AUD 9.30-18.60)
Transport
- Cairo Metro single journey: EGP 8-10 (AUD 0.25-0.31); Uber from Zamalek to Maadi: approximately EGP 100-200 (AUD 3.10-6.20); Careem (Uber-owned local app): similar; microbus (for locals, cash): EGP 5-15 (AUD 0.16-0.47)
Utilities
- Monthly electricity, water, gas for 80m² apartment: EGP 500-2,000 (AUD 15.50-62.00) — heavily subsidised; internet (50-100Mbps): EGP 400-800 (AUD 12.40-24.80); mobile plan: EGP 100-300 (AUD 3.10-9.30)
Monthly Budget Summary
- Frugal local lifestyle (Egyptian food, metro): EGP 8,000-15,000/month (AUD 248-465); comfortable expat (own apartment, mix of dining): EGP 20,000-45,000/month (AUD 620-1,395); generous expat lifestyle (Zamalek apartment, regular restaurants): EGP 50,000-90,000/month (AUD 1,550-2,790); Cairo is extraordinary value for expats earning in hard currency, though the pound's volatility means costs in AUD/USD terms can shift significantly
This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.
