Cairo, Egypt

Cairo rises from the desert floor 23 meters above sea level, a city of 10 million people sprawling along the Nile. The climate is arid, with hot summers and mild winters that keep the city dry year-round. Expats gravitate toward a handful of neighborhoods: Zamalek, Maadi, and New Cairo, each offering a different flavor of urban life. Zamalek sits on an island in the Nile with leafy streets and old villas, Maadi provides a quieter suburban feel with its own expat-friendly amenities, and New Cairo is a newer, more sprawling development to the east.

Living costs in Cairo are low by global standards, with a cost of living index of 29 out of 100 (New York City equals 100). A single adult can get by on a budget tier total of $328 per month, which includes rent, while a mid-range tier comes to $510 and a comfortable tier to $629. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $306 per month, dropping to $244 outside the center. A three-bedroom in the center runs $544, or $362 outside it. Monthly utilities add $41, internet costs $14, and a mobile phone plan is $10. A gym membership is $29 per month. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $6 per person, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $26, and a cappuccino runs $2. The average monthly net salary for locals is $188, which puts the cost of living into sharp relief.

Safety is a relative strength here. The safety index sits at 68 out of 100, and the crime index is 32 out of 100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as fair, and the air quality index is 130, which is considered poor. English proficiency among locals is limited, so learning some Arabic helps with daily life. The expat community is large and active, providing a support network for newcomers.

Cairo offers a Retirement Residency visa program for those looking to stay long-term. The nearest airport is CAI, just 8 kilometers from the city center, making arrivals and departures straightforward. The city scores an overall expat score of 81 out of 100, a FIRE score of 83, a retiree score of 57, and a digital nomad score of 70. With its low costs, decent safety, and active expat scene, Cairo suits budget-conscious travelers, early retirees pursuing financial independence, and digital nomads who can work around limited English and fair healthcare.