Manila vs Cairo: Cost of Living Comparison
Choosing between Manila and Cairo involves comparing two of the world's most vibrant and densely populated mega-cities. While both serve as primary economic engines for their respective nations, Cairo generally emerges as the more affordable option. Manila, as a major Southeast Asian financial hub, carries higher premiums on real estate and utilities, whereas Cairo offers one of the lowest costs of living for a city of its scale in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Is Manila more expensive than Cairo?
In a direct comparison, Manila is significantly more expensive than Cairo. When evaluated in USD, consumer prices in Manila—including rent—are approximately 25% to 35% higher than in Cairo. While Manila offers a slightly higher local purchasing power, the sheer affordability of basic services, food, and housing in Cairo makes it a more budget-friendly destination for those with foreign currency earnings or fixed USD budgets.
Housing and Rent: Manila vs Cairo
Housing costs represent the largest disparity between the two cities. In Manila, a one-bedroom apartment in a prime area like Makati or BGC typically costs between $600 and $950 USD per month. In Cairo, a similar unit in upscale neighborhoods such as Maadi, Zamalek, or New Cairo ranges from $350 to $550 USD. Property prices follow this trend, with Manila's real estate market being considerably pricier per square meter than Cairo's.
Food and Dining Costs
Dining out and grocery shopping are both more affordable in Cairo. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Cairo averages $25–$35 USD, while in Manila, the same experience costs roughly $40–$55 USD. Groceries, particularly local produce, bread, and poultry, are cheaper in Egypt due to local production and subsidies, whereas Manila relies more heavily on imported goods, driving up supermarket prices.
Transportation and Fuel
Both cities are infamous for heavy traffic, but Cairo’s transportation infrastructure is notably cheaper. Cairo's Metro is one of the most affordable in the world, with tickets costing less than $0.50 USD. Gasoline prices in Egypt are also significantly lower than in the Philippines. While Manila’s Grab service is efficient, it is generally more expensive than the equivalent Uber or Careem rides in Cairo.
Lifestyle, Utilities, and Entertainment
Utilities are a major factor in Manila's higher cost; the Philippines has some of the highest electricity rates in Asia, often resulting in monthly bills 50% higher than those in Cairo for a standard apartment. Fitness and leisure also cost more in Manila, where a monthly gym membership averages $45 USD compared to Cairo's $30 USD. Cinema tickets and nightlife are similarly priced about 15-20% higher in the Philippine capital.
How to get from Manila to Cairo
The journey between Manila (MNL) and Cairo (CAI) covers a vast distance across Asia and the Middle East. The most efficient way to travel is via the <a href="/pr-mnl-cai">direct flight route</a> provided by Philippine Airlines, which significantly reduces travel time compared to layover flights through Gulf hubs like Dubai or Doha. The flight duration is approximately 11 to 13 hours.
The Verdict: Manila or Cairo?
For digital nomads and remote workers seeking the lowest possible overhead, Cairo is the superior choice, offering a unique historical backdrop at a fraction of Western costs. Manila is better suited for families and expats who prioritize a more Westernized urban infrastructure, English-language ubiquity, and modern shopping malls, and are willing to pay the associated premium for those comforts.
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