Cost Comparison 2025

São PaulovsCairo

Brazil
Egypt

Overall

💰

-27.1%

São Paulo is 27.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-50.0%

Housing is 50.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-25.0%

Restaurants 25.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-28.9%

Food shopping 28.9% less

Comparing the cost of living between São Paulo, Brazil and Cairo, Egypt reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that São Paulo is more affordable than Cairo by approximately 27.1%. 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 São Paulo are higher than in Cairo by 100%. A one-bedroom apartment in São Paulo's city center costs around R$2,800, while the same in Cairo is approximately EGP 10,000.

Dining out in São Paulo is notably more expensive compared to Cairo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs R$30 in São Paulo versus EGP 150 in Cairo.

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

Grocery shopping in São Paulo is more expensive by approximately 41%. 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 São Paulo can expect to spend approximately R$1,250 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 R$4,375 monthly in São Paulo 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
São Paulo, Brazil
Cairo, Egypt

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

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

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

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

São Paulo

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index35

Cairo

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index15
Purchasing Power Index25

Frequently Asked Questions

Is São Paulo more expensive than Cairo?

No, São Paulo is approximately 27.1% cheaper than Cairo. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 79% of your Cairo salary when living in São Paulo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Cairo, you'd need about $39,344 in São Paulo for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 100%, 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 São Paulo if you prioritize earning potential, or Cairo for affordability.

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

In São Paulo, a single person needs approximately R$3,050 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about R$7,875. 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 São Paulo 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 São Paulo

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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