Cost of Living in Cairo in 2025 and What to Expect in 2026
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Hassan Rahim
- . November 7, 2025
- . Update: November 8, 2025 5:16 am
Cairo is the capital of the capital of Egypt, which is still one of the cheapest major cities in the Middle East, despite the cost of living steadily rising in 2025. The lower value of the Egyptian pound, increased utility cost, and the increased costs of imported goods have affected the daily expenditure. Nevertheless, Cairo is a city that can be inhabited by both locals and expatriates because of convenient housing, food, and means of transportation. With the city still undergoing modernization, analysts estimate the introduction of a moderate rise in cost of living in 2026 particularly on rent, grocery and fuel. The knowledge of the Cairo cost structure of 2025 will assist the residents and new people in planning their 2025 year well.
Current Cost of Living in 2025
The cost of living in Cairo has been estimated by 2025, with no rent, being between $550 and $850 monthly per individual. A one-bedroom apartment in central Cairo will cost between $350-600 and outside the city center, it will be approximately $250-400. The cost of transport is still affordable and the average fare of the metro is between $0.30 and $0.50. Groceries like bread, vegetables and local meat are still cheap but those imported have been costly. The average cost of one meal in one of the mid-range restaurants is approximately $10-$20.
2026 Cost Outlook and Economic Trends
Economic-forecasts in 2026 propose a growth in the cost of living by 5 to 8%. The continuous reforms and fuel price changes in the government might drive the utilities and transport rates high. Rental increases may also be as a result of housing demand especially in the developing suburban regions. Nevertheless, the effects of inflation may be neutralized through the attraction of digital work opportunities and local production, which will make Cairo relatively affordable compared to other cities in the world.
