🇪🇬 Cairo vs 🇰🇪 Nairobi
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇪🇬
Cairo
Egypt
$862–$1,364/mo
E£43,100 – E£68,200 / month (local)
🇰🇪
Nairobi
Kenya
$1,046–$1,656/mo
KSh135,844 – KSh215,065 / month (local)
Nairobi is 21% more expensive
Cairo wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Cairo (USD) | Nairobi (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $646–$1,005 | $785–$1,221 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $341–$538 | $414–$654 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Utilities | $27–$52 | $33–$63 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Groceries | $136–$205 | $166–$248 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $18–$32 | $22–$39 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Public transport (monthly) | $34–$41 | $41–$50 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Internet & Mobile | $11–$18 | $13–$22 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Gym membership | $13–$23 | $15–$28 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Cinema ticket | $5–$6 | $6–$8 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Monthly total (single) | $862–$1,364 | $1,046–$1,656 | 🟢 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
Nairobi▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Cairo▲ better
Nairobi
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Cairo
Nairobi▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Cairo
Nairobi▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Cairo
Nairobi▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Cairo
Nairobi▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Cairo
Nairobi▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Cairo
Nairobi▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Cairo if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Nairobi
- ✓History
- ✓Value
- ✓Strategic location
- ✓Tourism
Choose Nairobi if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Nairobi offers vs Cairo
- ✓Safari gateway
- ✓Fintech
- ✓English
- ✓NGOs
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Full Cairo guide
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Explore Cairo →📊
Full Nairobi guide
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Explore Nairobi →