🇪🇬 Cairo vs 🇹🇷 Istanbul
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇪🇬
Cairo
Egypt
$862–$1,364/mo
E£43,100 – E£68,200 / month (local)
🇹🇷
Istanbul
Turkey
$1,415–$2,241/mo
₺48,793 – ₺77,276 / month (local)
Istanbul is 64% more expensive
Cairo wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Cairo (USD) | Istanbul (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $646–$1,005 | $1,062–$1,651 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $341–$538 | $560–$885 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Utilities | $27–$52 | $44–$86 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Groceries | $136–$205 | $224–$336 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $18–$32 | $29–$53 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Public transport (monthly) | $34–$41 | $56–$68 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Internet & Mobile | $11–$18 | $18–$29 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Gym membership | $13–$23 | $21–$38 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Cinema ticket | $5–$6 | $8–$11 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Monthly total (single) | $862–$1,364 | $1,415–$2,241 | 🟢 Cairo |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.3 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Cairo▲ better
Istanbul
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Cairo▲ better
Istanbul
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Cairo
Istanbul▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Cairo
Istanbul▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Cairo
Istanbul▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Cairo
Istanbul▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Cairo
Istanbul▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Cairo
Istanbul▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Cairo if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Istanbul
- ✓History
- ✓Value
- ✓Strategic location
- ✓Tourism
Choose Istanbul if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Istanbul offers vs Cairo
- ✓History
- ✓Bosphorus
- ✓Value for expats
- ✓Logistics
You might also like…
📊
Full Cairo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Cairo →📊
Full Istanbul guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Istanbul →