Cairo vs. Teresina: Detailed 2026 Comparison

Cairo, with a population of approximately 20 million, stands as a massive metropolis in North Africa, characterized by immense economic activity, historical significance, and significant challenges. Teresina, a considerably smaller city with a population of around 0.8 million, serves as the capital of the Brazilian state of Piauí and represents a different scale and context. Cairo boasts a higher GDP per capita ($100,000) compared to Teresina ($19,000), reflecting its status as a major global city, though both cities face distinct economic realities and development levels.

Cairo’s economy is diverse, underpinned by government, tourism, industry, and finance, offering vast job markets but often with high competition and significant income inequality. The average net salary in Cairo is $700 per month, significantly lower than Teresina’s $1,295. While Cairo’s GDP per capita is substantially higher ($100,000 vs. $19,000), its annual mortgage interest rate (11%) is slightly lower than Teresina’s (12%). This combination of lower salary and high mortgage rates makes housing in Cairo less affordable relative to income than in Teresina.

Teresina’s economy is more modest, driven by agriculture, services, and industry, with potentially fewer high-paying international job opportunities than Cairo. However, its lower cost of living and slightly lower mortgage rates make it more affordable for its average income. Cairo’s property prices are significantly inflated, with city centre prices at $1,000/m² compared to Teresina’s $1,000/m², but Cairo’s income levels do not proportionally match this price premium. Cairo’s property price-to-income ratio (19.13) is substantially higher than Teresina’s (12.47), indicating Cairo is far more expensive relative to earnings.

Tereseina generally scores higher across key quality-of-life indicators. Its overall quality-of-life index (109.91) is considerably higher than Cairo’s (59.91). Teresina boasts a much higher safety index (24.68 vs. 6.00) and a better health care index (62.78 vs. 38.12). While Cairo has a significantly better climate index (64.00 vs. 52.4), Teresina’s climate is likely perceived as more pleasant locally. Teresina’s pollution index (39.66) is vastly superior to Cairo’s (100.00), painting a stark picture