Cairo is divided into many districts, and each part has a special way of life and its own type of people. There is also a particular price range for each district. Some areas have a high living standard and others are very rustic. I will give you some advice about where are the better places for a foreigner to live happily and comfortably.
Downtown
This is the center of Cairo and the people here are used to seeing foreigners. Prices for flats start from 400 dollars for a two-bedroom flat. Downtown is a good place for shopping and to have fun. You can meet people from all over the world in the cafes and make friendship. Here you really feel the Egyptian culture. But be careful there are some Egyptians, especially on Talaat Harb St. or Bustan cafe that will offer to find you a flat but trick you instead. It is better to work with a real agent who thinks about his reputation and not fast money. You should be careful in some places in Abdin, because here some people are not used to seeing foreigners, especially girls.
Zamalek
This is an island on the Nile river. It is a small area and close to Downtown (15 minutes by car). This area has a high living standard and the prices for rent begin from 700 dollars. The area has a lot of foreigners living there and it is a quiet area. You can find many places to relax and have fun like the Mariott Hotel, Cilantro coffee shop and many nice bars. There are also ships on the banks of the Nile where you can enjoy food and drinks. There is nowhere in Zamalek that I would not recommend for foreigners.
Armigatus 