Cairo vs Delhi: Cost of Living Comparison
Cairo and Delhi are both legendary megacities that serve as the heartbeat of their respective nations. While both offer a low cost of living compared to Western capitals, they provide very different urban experiences. Recent economic shifts in Egypt have made Cairo exceptionally affordable for those with foreign currency, whereas Delhi remains a consistently budget-friendly hub with world-class infrastructure in its newer sectors.
Is Cairo more expensive than Delhi?
On average, Delhi is slightly more affordable than Cairo, though the margin has narrowed significantly due to the recent devaluation of the Egyptian Pound (EGP). When measured in USD, both cities offer a high standard of living for under $1,500 a month. However, Delhi tends to offer better value for money in terms of public infrastructure and consumer goods, while Cairo provides lower costs for fuel and local staple foods.
Housing and Rent in Cairo vs Delhi
Housing is a major expense in both cities but remains affordable by global standards. In Cairo, a one-bedroom apartment in an expat-friendly area like Maadi or Zamalek costs between $350 and $600 USD. In Delhi, a similar apartment in South Delhi or Gurgaon ranges from $400 to $750 USD. For those looking to buy, Cairo's real estate market currently offers lower price-per-square-meter rates than Delhi's highly competitive and rapidly appreciating market.
Food, Groceries, and Dining Out
Both cities are culinary capitals. A meal at an inexpensive local restaurant costs around $3–$5 USD in Delhi and $4–$6 USD in Cairo. Groceries are marginally cheaper in Delhi due to India's vast internal supply chain, with a basket of staples (milk, rice, eggs) costing about 10-15% less than in Cairo. However, Cairo’s government-subsidized bread and local street food like Koshary are among the cheapest caloric options in the world.
Transportation and Fuel Costs
Delhi boasts one of the world's most efficient and affordable metro systems, making daily commutes very cheap ($0.50–$1.50 per trip). Cairo's metro is also inexpensive but less extensive. Cairo wins on fuel prices, which are heavily subsidized, often costing less than $0.35 per liter, compared to approximately $1.15 per liter in Delhi. Ride-sharing services like Uber are remarkably affordable in both cities, rarely exceeding $10 USD for long cross-city trips.
Lifestyle, Utilities, and Entertainment
Utilities for an 85sqm apartment average $40–$60 USD in Cairo and $70–$100 USD in Delhi, where heavy air conditioning use in summer can drive costs up. Entertainment is comparable; a cinema ticket is roughly $5–$8 USD in both. Cairo offers a unique social life centered around traditional 'ahwas' (cafes), while Delhi features a more diverse array of high-end malls, international bars, and fitness centers.
How to get from Cairo to Delhi
Traveling between Cairo and Delhi is most convenient via air. There is a direct flight route operated by Air India (Return: /ai-del-cai), which takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Numerous other airlines offer connecting flights via hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul, providing flexible schedules for travelers moving between North Africa and South Asia.
The Verdict: Cairo or Delhi?
The choice depends on your professional needs. Delhi is the superior choice for career-driven individuals and families who require robust infrastructure, international schools, and a booming corporate scene. Cairo is currently a paradise for digital nomads and retirees who want to stretch their USD or EUR further while enjoying a slower pace of life and rich historical surroundings. Both cities offer an intense, rewarding experience for the budget-conscious traveler.
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