🇪🇬 Cairo vs 🇮🇱 Tel Aviv
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇪🇬
Cairo
Egypt
$862–$1,364/mo
E£43,100 – E£68,200 / month (local)
🇮🇱
Tel Aviv
Israel
$2,646–$4,190/mo
₪9,800 – ₪15,519 / month (local)
Tel Aviv is 207% more expensive
Cairo wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Cairo (USD) | Tel Aviv (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $646–$1,005 | $1,985–$3,087 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $341–$538 | $1,047–$1,654 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Utilities | $27–$52 | $83–$160 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Groceries | $136–$205 | $419–$628 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $18–$32 | $55–$99 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Public transport (monthly) | $34–$41 | $105–$127 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Internet & Mobile | $11–$18 | $33–$55 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Gym membership | $13–$23 | $39–$72 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Cinema ticket | $5–$6 | $15–$20 | 🟢 Cairo |
| Monthly total (single) | $862–$1,364 | $2,646–$4,190 | 🟢 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 · 3.7 / 10
Cairo▲ better
Tel Aviv
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Cairo▲ better
Tel Aviv
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Cairo
Tel Aviv▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Cairo
Tel Aviv▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Cairo
Tel Aviv▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Cairo
Tel Aviv▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Cairo
Tel Aviv▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Cairo
Tel Aviv▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Cairo if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Tel Aviv
- ✓History
- ✓Value
- ✓Strategic location
- ✓Tourism
Choose Tel Aviv if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Tel Aviv offers vs Cairo
- ✓Startup nation
- ✓Beach
- ✓Nightlife
- ✓Cyber
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Full Cairo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Cairo →📊
Full Tel Aviv guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Tel Aviv →