Cost Comparison 2025

CairovsTokyo

Egypt
Japan

Overall

💰

+157.1%

Cairo is 157.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+400.0%

Housing is 400.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+100.0%

Restaurants 100.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+243.8%

Food shopping 243.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Cairo, Egypt and Tokyo, Japan reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Cairo is more expensive than Tokyo by approximately 157.1%. 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 Tokyo by 80%. A one-bedroom apartment in Cairo's city center costs around EGP 10,000, while the same in Tokyo is approximately ¥180,000.

Dining out in Cairo offers significant savings compared to Tokyo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs EGP 150 in Cairo versus ¥1,000 in Tokyo.

Public transportation in Cairo is more affordable, with monthly passes at EGP 200 compared to ¥10,000 in Tokyo.

Purchasing power in Tokyo 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 71%. 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 Tokyo, the same lifestyle would cost around ¥63,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about EGP 17,430 monthly in Cairo versus ¥220,500 in Tokyo. 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
Tokyo, Japan

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
EGP 10,000
¥180,000
1BR Outside Center
EGP 6,000
¥100,000
3BR City Center
EGP 20,000
¥400,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
EGP 150
¥1,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
EGP 600
¥6,000
Cappuccino
EGP 60
¥450
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
EGP 60
¥500

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
EGP 35
¥200
Bread (500g)
EGP 20
¥250
Eggs (12)
EGP 50
¥300
Cheese (1kg)
EGP 200
¥2,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
EGP 10
¥200
Monthly Pass
EGP 200
¥10,000
Taxi Start
EGP 20
¥730
Gasoline (1L)
EGP 13
¥170

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
EGP 1,000
¥20,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
EGP 400
¥4,000
Mobile Minute
EGP 2
¥40

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cairo to Tokyo, 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 Tokyo 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

Tokyo

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cairo more expensive than Tokyo?

Yes, Cairo is approximately 157.1% more expensive than Tokyo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.6x of your Tokyo salary when living in Cairo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Tokyo, you'd need about $128,571 in Cairo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Cairo and Tokyo?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 80%, 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?

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

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

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 Tokyo, these figures are ¥163,000 for singles and ¥470,500 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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