Cost Comparison 2025

BeijingvsCairo

China
Egypt

Overall

💰

-43.5%

Beijing is 43.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-70.0%

Housing is 70.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-28.6%

Restaurants 28.6% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-50.8%

Food shopping 50.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Beijing, China and Cairo, Egypt reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Beijing is more affordable than Cairo by approximately 43.5%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Beijing are higher than in Cairo by 233%. A one-bedroom apartment in Beijing's city center costs around CN¥7,500, while the same in Cairo is approximately EGP 10,000.

Dining out in Beijing is notably more expensive compared to Cairo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CN¥30 in Beijing versus EGP 150 in Cairo.

Public transportation in Beijing costs similarly, with monthly passes at CN¥200 compared to EGP 200 in Cairo.

Purchasing power in Beijing is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Cairo.

Grocery shopping in Beijing is more expensive by approximately 103%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Beijing can expect to spend approximately CN¥1,746 per month (excluding rent), while in Cairo, the same lifestyle would cost around EGP 4,980. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CN¥6,111 monthly in Beijing versus EGP 17,430 in Cairo. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Beijing, China
Cairo, Egypt

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CN¥7,500
EGP 10,000
1BR Outside Center
CN¥4,000
EGP 6,000
3BR City Center
CN¥17,000
EGP 20,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CN¥30
EGP 150
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CN¥200
EGP 600
Cappuccino
CN¥25
EGP 60
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CN¥8
EGP 60

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CN¥13
EGP 35
Bread (500g)
CN¥10
EGP 20
Eggs (12)
CN¥12
EGP 50
Cheese (1kg)
CN¥90
EGP 200

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CN¥3
EGP 10
Monthly Pass
CN¥200
EGP 200
Taxi Start
CN¥13
EGP 20
Gasoline (1L)
CN¥8
EGP 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CN¥350
EGP 1,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
CN¥100
EGP 400
Mobile Minute
CN¥0
EGP 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cairo to Beijing, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Beijing to Cairo requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Beijing

Cost of Living Index62
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index65

Cairo

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index15
Purchasing Power Index25

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beijing more expensive than Cairo?

No, Beijing is approximately 43.5% cheaper than Cairo. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Beijing compared to Cairo?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 70% of your Cairo salary when living in Beijing. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Cairo, you'd need about $34,831 in Beijing for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Beijing and Cairo?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 233%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Beijing offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Beijing provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Beijing if you prioritize earning potential, or Cairo for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Beijing vs Cairo?

In Beijing, a single person needs approximately CN¥5,746 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CN¥15,111. In Cairo, these figures are EGP 10,980 for singles and EGP 29,430 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Beijing and Cairo in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Cairo to maintain your lifestyle from Beijing

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers