Cost Comparison 2025

CairovsLima

Egypt

•

Peru

Overall

💰

+20.0%

Cairo is 20.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+86.7%

Housing is 86.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+16.7%

Restaurants 16.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+40.6%

Food shopping 40.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Cairo, Egypt and Lima, Peru reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Cairo is more expensive than Lima by approximately 20.0%. 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 Cairo are lower than in Lima by 46%. A one-bedroom apartment in Cairo's city center costs around EGP 10,000, while the same in Lima is approximately PEN 2,000.

Dining out in Cairo offers significant savings compared to Lima. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs EGP 150 in Cairo versus PEN 15 in Lima.

Public transportation in Cairo is more expensive, with monthly passes at EGP 200 compared to PEN 100 in Lima.

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

Grocery shopping in Cairo is more affordable by approximately 29%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Cairo can expect to spend approximately EGP 4,980 per month (excluding rent), while in Lima, the same lifestyle would cost around PEN 867. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about EGP 17,430 monthly in Cairo versus PEN 3,035 in Lima. 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

Cairo, Egypt

Lima, Peru

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

EGP 10,000

PEN 2,000

1BR Outside Center

EGP 6,000

PEN 1,200

3BR City Center

EGP 20,000

PEN 3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

EGP 150

PEN 15

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

EGP 600

PEN 100

Cappuccino

EGP 60

PEN 10

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

EGP 60

PEN 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

EGP 35

PEN 5

Bread (500g)

EGP 20

PEN 5

Eggs (12)

EGP 50

PEN 7

Cheese (1kg)

EGP 200

PEN 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

EGP 10

PEN 2

Monthly Pass

EGP 200

PEN 100

Taxi Start

EGP 20

PEN 5

Gasoline (1L)

EGP 13

PEN 5

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

EGP 1,000

PEN 200

Internet (60 Mbps)

EGP 400

PEN 120

Mobile Minute

EGP 2

PEN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cairo to Lima, 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 Lima 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

Cairo

Cost of Living Index35

Rent Index15

Purchasing Power Index25

Lima

Cost of Living Index42

Rent Index28

Purchasing Power Index38

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cairo more expensive than Lima?

Yes, Cairo is approximately 20.0% more expensive than Lima overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.2x of your Lima salary when living in Cairo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lima, you'd need about $60,000 in Cairo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Cairo and Lima?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 46%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Cairo, a single person needs approximately EGP 10,980 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about EGP 29,430. In Lima, these figures are PEN 2,067 for singles and PEN 5,235 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Cairo and Lima in 2025 shows notable 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.