What is the cost of living in Cairo in 2026?

Expat-facing furnished stock in Zamalek, Garden City, Maadi (Degla, Sarayat), and New Cairo compounds sits at the top of the market. Market guides in early 2026 commonly place comfortable furnished one- to two-bed expat lets in broad EGP bands that often convert to several hundred to well over a thousand US dollars depending on finish and street, with Zamalek frequently pricing above Maadi for similar size. Nasr City, parts of Heliopolis outskirts, and 6th of October options can stretch money further at the cost of longer rides.

Always confirm whether rent is furnished, whether electricity and building fees are included, and whether the quote is EGP or a hard-currency ask. Deposits of one to two months are common. Country context: How expensive is Egypt.

Local groceries and street classics keep food manageable if you avoid import aisles: Groceries and eating out. Zamalek cafés and Nile-view restaurants raise the food line fast: Café and dining culture. Metro and careful ride-hailing beat owning a car for many singles; compounds push car or driver habits.

Private schools, club memberships, and full-time drivers are the budget breakers after rent. Social life is late and café-heavy rather than constantly expensive if you choose ahwas over rooftops: Social life.

A careful Cairo single often plans near $600–1,000; a comfortable Maadi/Zamalek/New Cairo routine commonly needs about $950–1,700 before luxury compounds. Couples sharing rent often start around $1,200–2,400. Full bands: Monthly budget.

Banking unlocks rent transfers once residence is in place: Open a bank account. Rebuild dollar totals whenever your usable EGP rate moves.