A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Cairo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Athens or Cairo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Cairo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Athens or Cairo?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

Which city is cheaper, Cairo or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €103, while the average daily cost in Cairo is €19. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Cairo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens €51
    Cairo €10
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens €102
    Cairo €20
Compare Hotels in Athens and Cairo

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Cairo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Athens


Hotels in Cairo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Cairo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens €22
    Cairo €3.48
Typical Local Transportation prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    €6.40
  • Metro
    €1.50
  • Metro
    €2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    €8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    €35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ATHENS AIRPORT to ATHENS or vice versa PRIVATE LUXURY TRANSFERS: $62
  • Airport Transfer: $77
  • Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $59
  • Airport pick up taxi and minivans transfers ,tours and trips: $60
  • Airport transfer: $156
  • Ancient Olympia Taxi Transfer from Athens: $539
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van Athens Rafina Port to Athens City: $100
  • Athens & Sounio Taxi Multiple Destination Transfer: $311
  • Athens Airport Departure Private Transfer. Depart in Style!: $62
  • Athens Airport Departure Transfer (Athens Hotels to Athens Airport): $66
  • Athens Airport Departure Transfer: Athens Hotels to Athens Airport Shuttle Bus: $34
  • Athens Airport Private Departure Transfer: $28

Typical Local Transportation prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    €0.12
  • Taxi Ride
    €0.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • One Way Transfer from Cairo to Safaga - 25 Seater: $754
  • One Way Transfer from Cairo to Makadi Bay - 25 Seater: $644
  • Private transfer: Cairo to Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE): $622
  • One Way Transfer from Cairo to Safaga - 15 Seater: $585
  • One Way Transfer from Cairo to Hurghada – 25 Seater: $555
  • One Way Transfer from Cairo to Safaga - Premium: $535
  • 4 Day Nile Cruise with Train Transfer from Cairo: $514
  • One Way Transfer from Cairo to Makadi Bay - 15 Seater: $439
  • 5 days guided trip in Giza and Cairo , all airport transfer in Egypt: $432
  • Day Trip to Cairo from Luxor by flight with sightseeing lunch airport transfers: $424
  • Day trip to Luxor from Cairo by plane with sightseeing lunch airport transfers: $424
  • One Way Transfer from Cairo to Makadi Bay - Premium: $407

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Cairo?

Prices for flights to both Cairo and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Athens €30
    Cairo €5.53
Typical Food prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    €3.00
  • Souvlaki
    €2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Online 1hr Cooking Class: Santorini Tomato Fritters: $6.22
  • Greek Meatballs Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Athens Private Food Tour with a Local: $42
  • Online Cooking Class: Greek mini cheese pies: $45
  • Street Culture & Food Tour: $56
  • Afternoon Food Tour: $56
  • Athens walking and tasting food tour.: $60
  • 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit: $69
  • Homemade Gyros cooking class and dinner in Athens for private groups: $75
  • The Classic Food Tour: $76
  • Taste of Half-Day Small Group Food Tour: $77
  • Greek Phyllo and Pie Cooking Class in Athens: $77

Typical Food prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:


  • Juice
    €0.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.

  • Delicious food tour in Cairo: $15
  • Enjoy a dinner on the boat in the River Nile.: $19
  • Enjoy a dinner on the boat in the River Nile: $19
  • Cairo 2-Hour Nile River Cruise with Dinner and Pickup: $20
  • Cairo dinner cruise includes dinner belly dancing show pickup & all transfers: $21
  • Dinner on a boat in Luxor Nile Cruise with oriental dance: $21
  • Dinner on the river nile and party: $23
  • Nile Cruise Dinner at the Nile with Oriental Show: $24
  • Dinner on the river nile: $25
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Pick-up: $25
  • Special Bedouin Dinner+ watching oriental show: $26
  • Cairo Food Tour: $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens €28
    Cairo €6.70

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Athens virtual History, Philosophy and Democracy Tour: $6.22
  • Skip the Line: Frissiras Museum Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: War Museum of Athens Entrance Ticket: $7.46
  • Skip the Line: Temple of Olympian Zeus Entrance Ticket: $8.09
  • Skip the Line: Roman Agora of Athens Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Athens Museum of Cycladic Art Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum: $9.33
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.94
  • Skip the Line: Ancient Agora of Athens and Temple of Hephaestus Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Benaki Museum of Islamic Art Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Athens Museum of Illusions Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided City Experience: $12

Typical Entertainment prices in Cairo

Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    €1.23
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    €9.46

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • (Memphis Sakkara, Dahshur Pyramids, Imhotep Museum) Private Tour - From Cairo: $90
  • 01 Day Cairo tour Islamic and Coptic Cairo: $143
  • 01 Day Tour To Giza Pyramids Egyptian Museum And Bazaar: $217
  • 01 Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $246
  • 01 Day Tour to Pyramids Of Giza Memphis And Sakkara: $86
  • 01 Day Tour to the Giza Pyramids & Great Sphinx: $69
  • 03 Days Budget tours Cairo Giza Alexandria: $290
  • 04 Days Egypt Royal Tour in Cairo: $674
  • 05 Days Egypt Budget Tour Cairo & Alexandria: $860
  • 06 Days Egypt Classic Tour Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh: $1,543
  • 06 Nights cruise on The Oberoi Philae (Aswan to Luxor): $5,965
  • 07 Days Egypt Classic Tour Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria: $1,486

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens €18
    Cairo €1.37

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Athens Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $37
  • Virtual Greek Wine Tasting: $87
  • Athens Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Wine tasting tour: $131
  • Wine Tasting and Athens Trikke Combo Tour: $133
  • The Best Winery & Tasting Tour in Nemea.Enjoy a unique all day wine tasting tour: $140
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience of Greek Awarded Wines in Athens: $148
  • Premium Wine Tour in Peloponnese -Ancient Corinthos, Nemea - the Land of Myth: $148
  • Athens Private Wine Tasting Tour - Dionysian Grapes: $149
  • Ancient Corinth & Nemea Wine Tasting (up to 15 in a Luxurious Mercedes Minibus): $151
  • Greek Private Wine Tasting: $166
  • Mercedes Private Full-Day Tour, Nafplio, Corinth Canal and Wine Tasting: $168

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Cairo, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and Cairo is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Cairo.


When is the best time to visit Athens or Cairo?

Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cairo experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Cairo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Cairo. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Cairo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July are around 27°C (81°F), and Cairo is about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cairo. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 350 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in July than Cairo. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Cairo 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Athens or Cairo in the Autumn?

Both Cairo and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

In October, Athens is generally cooler than Cairo. Temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Cairo stays around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Cairo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Cairo during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 290 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Cairo. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Cairo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Athens or Cairo in the Winter?

Both Cairo and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year.

Athens is cooler than Cairo in the winter. The temperature in Athens is usually 10°C (51°F) in January, and Cairo stays around 14°C (57°F).

In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Cairo. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 221 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Cairo. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Cairo 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Athens or Cairo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Cairo. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Athens is cooler than Cairo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April are around 16°C (60°F), and Cairo is about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Cairo during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives more rain than Cairo. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Cairo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Cairo and Athens

Athens Cairo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Athens vs. Dubai
Athens vs. Saint Petersburg
Athens vs. Moscow
Athens vs. Istanbul
Athens vs. Kathmandu
Athens vs. Ho Chi Minh City
Athens vs. Bangkok
Athens vs. Kuala Lumpur
Athens vs. Shanghai
Athens vs. Beijing
Athens vs. Hong Kong
Athens vs. Seoul
Athens vs. Tokyo
Athens vs. Singapore
Athens vs. Sydney
Athens vs. Lisbon
Athens vs. Marrakech
Athens vs. Casablanca
Athens vs. London
Athens vs. Edinburgh
Athens vs. Amsterdam
Athens vs. Munich
Athens vs. Berlin
Athens vs. Paris
Athens vs. Prague
Athens vs. Madrid
Athens vs. Barcelona
Athens vs. Venice
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Athens vs. Cairo Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.