Cost Comparison 2025

San FranciscovsCairo

United States
Egypt

Overall

💰

-66.7%

San Francisco is 66.7%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-86.4%

Housing is 86.4% lower

Dining

🍽️

-71.4%

Restaurants 71.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-69.5%

Food shopping 69.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between San Francisco, United States and Cairo, Egypt reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that San Francisco is more affordable than Cairo by approximately 66.7%. 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 San Francisco are higher than in Cairo by 633%. A one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco's city center costs around $3,800, while the same in Cairo is approximately EGP 10,000.

Dining out in San Francisco is notably more expensive compared to Cairo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $22 in San Francisco versus EGP 150 in Cairo.

Public transportation in San Francisco is more affordable, with monthly passes at $98 compared to EGP 200 in Cairo.

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

Grocery shopping in San Francisco is more expensive by approximately 228%. 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 San Francisco can expect to spend approximately $778 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 $2,724 monthly in San Francisco 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
San Francisco, United States
Cairo, Egypt

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$3,800
EGP 10,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,800
EGP 6,000
3BR City Center
$7,500
EGP 20,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$22
EGP 150
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$130
EGP 600
Cappuccino
$6
EGP 60
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$8
EGP 60

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$2
EGP 35
Bread (500g)
$4
EGP 20
Eggs (12)
$5
EGP 50
Cheese (1kg)
$18
EGP 200

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
EGP 10
Monthly Pass
$98
EGP 200
Taxi Start
$6
EGP 20
Gasoline (1L)
$1
EGP 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$160
EGP 1,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
EGP 400
Mobile Minute
$0
EGP 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cairo to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco 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

San Francisco

Cost of Living Index105
Rent Index110
Purchasing Power Index115

Cairo

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index15
Purchasing Power Index25

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco more expensive than Cairo?

No, San Francisco is approximately 66.7% cheaper than Cairo. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in San Francisco compared to Cairo?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 60% of your Cairo salary when living in San Francisco. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Cairo, you'd need about $30,000 in San Francisco for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between San Francisco and Cairo?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 633%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for San Francisco vs Cairo?

In San Francisco, a single person needs approximately $3,578 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $7,724. 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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