How Much Do You Need Per Month to Live a Decent Life in Cairo, Egypt in 2019?

In 2019, the cost of living in Cairo, Egypt varied significantly depending on lifestyle and location. A rough estimate for a decent standard of living was around 500 to 1000 Egyptian pounds (EGP) per month. Here is a breakdown of typical expenses:

1. Housing

Housing costs in Cairo can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the apartment.

City Center: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: 200 to 400 EGP per month. Outside the City Center: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: 100 to 250 EGP per month.

2. Utilities

Basic utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection can also vary. Monthly costs are estimated as follows:

Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, and Garbage: Around 30 to 70 EGP per month.

3. Food

Here is a breakdown of food expenses:

Groceries: 100 to 200 EGP per month. Eating Out Occasionally: 50 to 100 EGP per month.

4. Transportation

Transportation costs can be managed with public transport or occasional taxi services:

Public Transport: 10 to 30 EGP per month. Taxi Services: 20 to 50 EGP per month.

5. Healthcare and Insurance

Basic healthcare costs can range from 50 to 100 EGP per month.

6. Miscellaneous

Entertainment, internet, and mobile phone bills can add up:

Entertainment, Internet, and Mobile Phone: 50 to 100 EGP per month.

Overall, a budget of 500 to 1000 EGP per month is sufficient to cover basic needs and allow for some discretionary spending, making it possible to live a decent life in Cairo during that time.

Additional Insights from Ahmed Okasha

As Ahmed Okasha mentioned, if you are considering a higher standard of living, similar to that of a 5-star hotel, the daily costs can be much higher. According to Ahmed, living in Cairo with the luxury of a 5-star hotel:

Hotel Cost: 90 to 187 Euros per night. Pocket Money and Other Meals Not Included: Additional amount for pocket money and other meals not included in the hotel cost.

This translates to a daily cost ranging from 180 Euros to 374 Euros. Converting to EGP, this would mean a range of 2340 to 4976 EGP per day, which can be staggering. Therefore, having a sum of 5000 to 15000 EGP per month can provide a decent life in Cairo, considering other expenses such as:

Rent: 1500 to 5000 EGP per month depending on the location and size of the apartment. Food: 3000 to 10000 EGP per month for rent and food, with cheaper options available from local shops. Transportation: 1000 EGP maximum for two persons. Additional Needs: 2000 EGP for clothes, drugs, etc.

Calculated together, this sums up to a more substantial budget required to live a decent life in Cairo, Egypt, especially if opting for higher standards of living.