Cost Comparison 2025

SantiagovsCairo

Chile
Egypt

Overall

💰

-36.4%

Santiago is 36.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-57.1%

Housing is 57.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-40.0%

Restaurants 40.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-41.8%

Food shopping 41.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Santiago, Chile and Cairo, Egypt reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Santiago is more affordable than Cairo by approximately 36.4%. 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 Santiago are higher than in Cairo by 133%. A one-bedroom apartment in Santiago's city center costs around CLP 500,000, while the same in Cairo is approximately EGP 10,000.

Dining out in Santiago is notably more expensive compared to Cairo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CLP 7,000 in Santiago versus EGP 150 in Cairo.

Public transportation in Santiago is more expensive, with monthly passes at CLP 33,000 compared to EGP 200 in Cairo.

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

Grocery shopping in Santiago is more expensive by approximately 72%. 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 Santiago can expect to spend approximately CLP 286,600 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 CLP 1,003,100 monthly in Santiago 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
Santiago, Chile
Cairo, Egypt

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CLP 500,000
EGP 10,000
1BR Outside Center
CLP 350,000
EGP 6,000
3BR City Center
CLP 900,000
EGP 20,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CLP 7,000
EGP 150
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CLP 40,000
EGP 600
Cappuccino
CLP 3,000
EGP 60
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CLP 3,000
EGP 60

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CLP 900
EGP 35
Bread (500g)
CLP 1,000
EGP 20
Eggs (12)
CLP 2,500
EGP 50
Cheese (1kg)
CLP 8,000
EGP 200

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CLP 800
EGP 10
Monthly Pass
CLP 33,000
EGP 200
Taxi Start
CLP 700
EGP 20
Gasoline (1L)
CLP 1,200
EGP 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CLP 80,000
EGP 1,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
CLP 20,000
EGP 400
Mobile Minute
CLP 100
EGP 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Cairo to Santiago, 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 Santiago 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

Santiago

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Cairo

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index15
Purchasing Power Index25

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santiago more expensive than Cairo?

No, Santiago is approximately 36.4% cheaper than Cairo. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 73% of your Cairo salary when living in Santiago. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Cairo, you'd need about $36,667 in Santiago for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Santiago and Cairo?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 133%, 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?

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

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

In Santiago, a single person needs approximately CLP 636,600 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CLP 1,653,100. 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 Santiago 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 Santiago

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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