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

Should you visit Cairo or Albufeira?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Albufeira can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Cairo or Albufeira?

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.

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Cairo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is $158. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cairo and Albufeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $9.36
    Albufeira $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $19
    Albufeira $158
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Albufeira

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Albufeira? 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 Cairo


Hotels in Albufeira


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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Albufeira Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $2.99
    Albufeira $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

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


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • Airport and excursion in Hurghada , Luxor or Cairo Transfer: $16
  • Cairo Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
  • Private Pickup transfer from Windsor Hotel Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
  • Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $27
  • Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
  • Private transfer from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
  • Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer in Cairo or Giza: $49
  • Transfer from Anywhere in Cairo to Cairo International Airport: $25
  • Transfers From Cairo Airport: $10
  •  Private Transfer from/to Cairo International Airport: $26
  • 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax: $49
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
  • From Slide & Splash Waterpark One-Way Transfer: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
  • Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
  • Private Transfer From Albufeira To Faro Airport By Minibus: $75
  • Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax): $59
  • Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Ferreiras to Faro (FAO) Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Albufeira?

Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Cairo 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
    Cairo $4.75
    Albufeira $51
Typical Food Prices in Cairo

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


  • Juice
    $0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

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

  • Cairo/Giza: Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show & Private Transfer : $9.63
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $11
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $12
  • Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
  • VIP tour Giza pyramids ,Sphinx, Quad bike ,Camel, Dinner cruise : $19
  • Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
  • food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $19
  • Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, Quad Bike, Night and Dinner Cruise on Nile: $19
  • Private Cairo Food Tour : $20
  • All inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & ATV &Dinner cruise : $20
  • Giza pyramids and Nile dinner cruise private tour from Cairo Giza hotels: $22
  • Private Cairo food tour and Egyptian tea: $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

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

  • A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
  • Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
  • Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
  • Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
  • Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $5.75
    Albufeira $41
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
    $0.84
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.49

Tours and Activities in Cairo

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

  • Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.25
  • Baron Palace Entry Tickets : $4.60
  • Cairo Shopping tour Private Papyrus Essential oils Bazar Cotton : $4.70
  • Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Entry Ticket: $4.80
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Papyrus and Perfumes in Ancient Egypt: $5.00
  • All Inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
  • New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
  • Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Baron Empain Palace Entry Tickets: $5.15
  • Serapeum Of Saqqara Entry Tickets: $7.00
  • Cairo Shopping Tour.: $7.00
  • Baron Palace Skip the line Access Entry Tickets: $7.08

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

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

  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
  • Old Town History Walking Tour with Drink: $20
  • Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $21
  • Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $21
  • Albufeira Old Town: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Albufeira The Strip: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Albufeira: $22
  • 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
  • Algarve Wines Tasting Shared Experience at Mercado Municipal de Silves: $27
  • Tour to Benagil Caves and Coastline in Albufeira: $29
  • Private Guided Tuk Tuk Tour with pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira : $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.17
    Albufeira $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
  • Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
  • Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
  • Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
  • Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
  • Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
  • From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
  • Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa and Albufeira is in Europe, 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira than you might in Cairo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Albufeira?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Albufeira, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cairo or Albufeira?

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

Should I visit Cairo or Albufeira in the Summer?

Both Albufeira and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Albufeira in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cairo is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Albufeira averages at about 25°C (78°F).

In July, Cairo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Albufeira. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Albufeira in the Autumn?

Both Albufeira and Cairo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cairo is generally a little warmer than Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Albufeira. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cairo or Albufeira in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Albufeira. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cairo is a little warmer than Albufeira in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Albufeira fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Albufeira in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Albufeira. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

In the spring, Cairo is a little warmer than Albufeira. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Albufeira averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Albufeira. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Albufeira and Cairo

Cairo Albufeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)