Cost of Living: Cairo vs Tashkent (2026)
Egypt vs Uzbekistan — relocation comparison
- No VAT exemption
- €150/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €80k
- €100/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out early in Tashkent's winter. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
Only permitted to save the woman's life. De facto prohibited in nearly all circumstances.
On request up to 12 weeks. Male homosexuality criminalized with up to 3 years imprisonment.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
The Short Version
- •Rent is 65% cheaper in Cairo ($215/mo vs $609/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Cairo (35°C vs 35°C).
- •Cairo scores higher on democracy (2.8 vs 2.1 / 10 EIU).
- •Street-level English is easier in Cairo (21/100 vs 16/100).
Cairo vs Tashkent — Common Questions
Is Cairo cheaper than Tashkent?▾
Cairo is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $215/month in Cairo vs $609/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Cairo or Tashkent?▾
Cairo is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Cairo has a rate of 1.31 per 100,000 and Tashkent has 1.40 per 100,000.
Should I move to Cairo or Tashkent?▾
Too close to call — 55 vs 52. Tashkent has a slight edge, but Cairo might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Can I live in Cairo or Tashkent without speaking the local language?▾
Cairo is easier for street-level English (21/100) than Tashkent (16/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.
What's the cost of rent in Cairo vs Tashkent?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $215/month in Cairo, $609/month in Tashkent (Numbeo). That's 65% cheaper rent in Cairo.
Is Cairo or Tashkent better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Cairo scores 2.8/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 2.1/10 for Tashkent. Worth researching — neither scores as a 'full democracy,' so dig into press freedom and judicial independence before committing.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
Related comparisons