Cost Comparison 2025

CairovsSão Paulo

Egypt
Brazil

Overall

💰

+37.1%

Cairo is 37.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+100.0%

Housing is 100.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+33.3%

Restaurants 33.3% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+40.6%

Food shopping 40.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Cairo, Egypt and São Paulo, Brazil reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Cairo is more expensive than São Paulo by approximately 37.1%. 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 São Paulo by 50%. A one-bedroom apartment in Cairo's city center costs around EGP 10,000, while the same in São Paulo is approximately R$2,800.

Dining out in Cairo offers significant savings compared to São Paulo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs EGP 150 in Cairo versus R$30 in São Paulo.

Public transportation in Cairo is more affordable, with monthly passes at EGP 200 compared to R$230 in São Paulo.

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 São Paulo, the same lifestyle would cost around R$1,250. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about EGP 17,430 monthly in Cairo versus R$4,375 in São Paulo. 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
São Paulo, Brazil

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
EGP 10,000
R$2,800
1BR Outside Center
EGP 6,000
R$1,800
3BR City Center
EGP 20,000
R$5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
EGP 150
R$30
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
EGP 600
R$150
Cappuccino
EGP 60
R$8
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
EGP 60
R$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
EGP 35
R$5
Bread (500g)
EGP 20
R$7
Eggs (12)
EGP 50
R$10
Cheese (1kg)
EGP 200
R$40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
EGP 10
R$4
Monthly Pass
EGP 200
R$230
Taxi Start
EGP 20
R$5
Gasoline (1L)
EGP 13
R$6

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
EGP 1,000
R$300
Internet (60 Mbps)
EGP 400
R$100
Mobile Minute
EGP 2
R$1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cairo to São Paulo, 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 São Paulo 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

São Paulo

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cairo more expensive than São Paulo?

Yes, Cairo is approximately 37.1% more expensive than São Paulo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Cairo compared to São Paulo?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.4x of your São Paulo salary when living in Cairo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in São Paulo, you'd need about $68,571 in Cairo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Cairo and São Paulo?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 50%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Cairo vs São Paulo?

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 São Paulo, these figures are R$3,050 for singles and R$7,875 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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