Cost Comparison 2025

CairovsMontreal

Egypt
Canada

Overall

💰

+85.7%

Cairo is 85.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+166.7%

Housing is 166.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+126.7%

Restaurants 126.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+134.4%

Food shopping 134.4% more

Comparing the cost of living between Cairo, Egypt and Montreal, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Cairo is more expensive than Montreal by approximately 85.7%. 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 Montreal by 63%. A one-bedroom apartment in Cairo's city center costs around EGP 10,000, while the same in Montreal is approximately CA$1,500.

Dining out in Cairo offers significant savings compared to Montreal. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs EGP 150 in Cairo versus CA$18 in Montreal.

Public transportation in Cairo is more expensive, with monthly passes at EGP 200 compared to CA$94 in Montreal.

Purchasing power in Montreal 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 57%. 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 Montreal, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$570. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about EGP 17,430 monthly in Cairo versus CA$1,994 in Montreal. 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
Montreal, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
EGP 10,000
CA$1,500
1BR Outside Center
EGP 6,000
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
EGP 20,000
CA$2,600

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
EGP 150
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
EGP 600
CA$80
Cappuccino
EGP 60
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
EGP 60
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
EGP 35
CA$2
Bread (500g)
EGP 20
CA$3
Eggs (12)
EGP 50
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
EGP 200
CA$16

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
EGP 10
CA$4
Monthly Pass
EGP 200
CA$94
Taxi Start
EGP 20
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
EGP 13
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
EGP 1,000
CA$90
Internet (60 Mbps)
EGP 400
CA$65
Mobile Minute
EGP 2
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cairo to Montreal, 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 Montreal 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

Montreal

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cairo more expensive than Montreal?

Yes, Cairo is approximately 85.7% more expensive than Montreal overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.9x of your Montreal salary when living in Cairo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Montreal, you'd need about $92,857 in Cairo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Cairo and Montreal?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 63%, 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?

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

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

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 Montreal, these figures are CA$1,670 for singles and CA$3,894 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Cairo and Montreal 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 Montreal to maintain your lifestyle from Cairo

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers