🇪🇬 Cairo vs 🇳🇬 Lagos
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇪🇬
Cairo
Egypt
$862–$1,364/mo
E£43,100 – E£68,200 / month (local)
🇳🇬
Lagos
Nigeria
$1,108–$1,754/mo
₦1,787,097 – ₦2,829,032 / month (local)
Lagos is 29% more expensive
Cairo wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Cairo (USD) | Lagos (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $646–$1,005 | $831–$1,292 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $341–$538 | $438–$692 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Utilities | $27–$52 | $35–$67 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Groceries | $136–$205 | $175–$263 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $18–$32 | $23–$42 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Public transport (monthly) | $34–$41 | $44–$53 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Internet & Mobile | $11–$18 | $14–$23 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Gym membership | $13–$23 | $16–$30 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Cinema ticket | $5–$6 | $6–$8 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Monthly total (single) | $862–$1,364 | $1,108–$1,754 | 🟢 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 · 7.8 / 10
Cairo
Lagos▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Cairo▲ better
Lagos
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Cairo
Lagos▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Cairo
Lagos▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Cairo
Lagos▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Cairo
Lagos▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Cairo
Lagos▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Cairo
Lagos▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Cairo if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Lagos
- ✓History
- ✓Value
- ✓Strategic location
- ✓Tourism
Choose Lagos if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Lagos offers vs Cairo
- ✓Consumer market
- ✓Afrobeats
- ✓Entrepreneurship
- ✓FMCG
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📊
Full Cairo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Cairo →📊
Full Lagos guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lagos →