EG Cairo — a mover's brief

What Cairo actually looks, feels, and costs like for someone considering moving. Neighbourhoods, climate, transport, healthcare, safety, and the practical scaffolding — every figure sourced.

Country
Egypt
Africa
Population
22,183,200
metro · 2024
Area
3,085 km²
Elevation
23 m
city centre
Time zone
Africa/Cairo
Currency
EGP
Airport
CAI · Cairo International Airport
Metro
3 metro lines · tram network
Walkability
●●○○○
editorial score · 1–5
Bike friendliness
●○○○○
editorial score · 1–5
Primary language
Arabic (Egyptian colloquial) is the working language. English widespread in multinational firms, universities, and higher-end services; French also present in professional circles.

Source: CAPMAS Egypt ↗ · verified 2026-04-22

Cost of living

Cost of living

Total monthly essentials: approximately €475/month for a single person in a 1-bedroom flat (rent + utilities + groceries + transit). District and lifestyle swing this 30–50% either way.
ItemMonthly / item costSource
1-bedroom flat, city centre €300/mo CAPMAS ↗
Rent per square metre €5.00/m² CAPMAS ↗
Utilities (85m² flat) €35/mo CAPMAS ↗
Public transport pass €10/mo CAPMAS ↗
Groceries, one person €130/mo CAPMAS ↗
Restaurant meal, average €4 CAPMAS ↗
Climate

Climate

Monthly normals — high · low (°C)
Annual: 28.3° / 15.9° · 24mm rainfall
Jan 19° 9° Feb 21° 10° Mar 24° 12° Apr 29° 15° May 33° 18° Jun 35° 21° Jul 35° 22° Aug 35° 22° Sep 33° 20° Oct 30° 18° Nov 25° 14° Dec 20° 10°
Monthly rainfall (mm)
5 4 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 6

Hottest month typically Jun, coldest Jan. Values are station normals — actual weather varies year-to-year. Source: Egyptian Meteorological Authority / WMO normals ↗

Also in Egypt

Other Egypt cities

CityAlexandriaCityGiza
Moving to Egypt

Visa routes

Relevant residence permits. Full visa data on the Egypt country brief.

VisaWork Permit (Ta'asheera al-'Amal)Non-Egyptian workers sponsored by Egyptian employers.VisaInvestor ResidenceForeign investors in Egyptian enterprises.VisaEgyptian Citizenship by InvestmentHigh-net-worth investors seeking Egyptian citizenship.VisaFamily-Reunification ResidenceFamily members of Egyptian nationals and legal residents.

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