City guide

🇪🇬 Living in Cairo

Among the lowest costs of the world's major capitals, with residence-by-investment routes

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At a glance

Population
~22.6M (Greater Cairo); city proper ~10M
Currency
EGP
Avg. salary
€2,000–€4,000+/year local (expat packages higher)
Effective tax
0–27.5%
Climate
Hot desert
Tax regime
0–27.5% progressive PIT
Nomad visa
–

Net salary calculator

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Cost of living

Rent (1-bed, center)€185/mo
Rent (1-bed, suburb)€150/mo
Groceries (single)€130/mo
Groceries (family)€380/mo
Transport pass€8/mo
Restaurant (2 people, mid-range)€16
Coffee€1.40
Gym membership€18/mo
HealthcarePublic system is basic; expats use private hospitals (As-Salam, Cleopatra, Dar Al Fouad) with international insurance
Frugal
€420
/month
Moderate
€650
/month
Comfortable
€1,350
/month

Budget calculator

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Why choose Cairo?

Among the lowest costs of any major capital: Numbeo cost index ~21 (New York = 100), July 2026

Progressive income tax from 0% to a top rate of 27.5%; the first EGP 20,000/year is exempt

Hot desert climate with near year-round sunshine; very hot summers and mild winters

Established expat districts (Maadi, Zamalek, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed)

Residence by investment: from USD 50,000 (1-year) up to USD 200,000 (5-year renewable) via real estate or deposit

Foreign nationals may own residential property under Law 230/1996 (up to two units, 4,000 m² each)

Quality of life

Overall
5
Safety
5
Healthcare
4.6
Education
4.5
Air Quality
1.5
Culture
8
Expat Community
5.5
English Proficiency
4

Moving to Cairo : checklist

  1. 1Choose your route before arrival (work permit, residence by investment, or study/family); the tourist e-visa allows ~30 days
  2. 2Obtain your residence permit at the Passports and Immigration authority within the required period
  3. 3Budget in EUR with caution: the Egyptian pound has been devalued repeatedly, so costs are approximate and date-sensitive
  4. 4Arrange private international health insurance and identify a private hospital
  5. 5Open an Egyptian account (passport, residence permit, proof of address); EGP and foreign-currency accounts exist
  6. 6If buying, comply with Law 230/1996 (max two units, 4,000 m² each, five-year resale restriction) and register the contract; consult a licensed lawyer
  7. 7Connect with expat networks (InterNations Cairo, Maadi groups) and register with your embassy's traveller service

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Cairo?+
Cairo is among the cheapest major capitals: Numbeo cost index ~21 (New York = 100), July 2026. A single person's budget is roughly €420–€650/month, rising above €1,300 for expat-district living. Figures are date-sensitive given currency volatility.
How much tax will I pay in Cairo?+
Residents are taxed on Egyptian-source income (and worldwide income where their centre of activity is in Egypt) at progressive rates of 0%–27.5%; the first EGP 20,000 is exempt (PwC, 2025/2026).
Is Cairo good for expats?+
Cairo has established expat districts and a very low cost base, with moderate Numbeo safety and healthcare indices. Air pollution is very high (Numbeo pollution index ~91), a health consideration for sensitive individuals.
Can foreigners buy property in Cairo?+
Yes, under Law 230/1996: up to two residential units, each a maximum of 4,000 m², with a five-year restriction on resale and certain excluded zones. Verify current rules with a licensed Egyptian lawyer.
Does Egypt have a digital-nomad visa?+
Not a dedicated one. Foreigners typically use residence by investment (real estate or bank deposit) or a standard tourist visa (~30 days, extendable). A longer tourist visa has been announced but is not broadly implemented.

Compare Cairo with

🇪🇬vs🇦🇪
Cairo vs Dubai
+281% cost
🇪🇬vs🇹🇭
Cairo vs Bangkok
+81% cost
🇪🇬vs🇮🇩
Cairo vs Bali (Canggu)
+52% cost

These figures are indicative and based on public datasets. They are not tax advice. Consult a licensed tax advisor or financial professional before making relocation or employment decisions.

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