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

Should you visit Cairo or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Cairo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cairo Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Barcelona Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cairo $33
    Barcelona $218

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $33, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $218. 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 Barcelona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $11
    Barcelona $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $22
    Barcelona $230
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Barcelona

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona


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 Barcelona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.80
    Barcelona $22
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:

  • Private Transfer: Cairo Airport Arrival to any hotel in Cairo or Giza: $9.00
  • Private transfer from Cairo Airport to the hotel in Cairo or Giza: $9.00
  • Private Arrival or Departure Cairo Airport Transfer: $9.50
  • Private Transfer: Cairo Airport (CAI) to Hotel in Cairo/Giza: $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Your Hotel: $10
  • Cairo airport or Sphinx airport transfer : $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotels within Cairo and Giza: $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo International Airport to Cairo &Giza : $10
  • Private Transfer: From/To Cairo International Airport Cairo Giza: $11
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Cairo Airport: $11
  • Private Departure Transfer from Cairo City to Cairo Airport: $12
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Cairo or Giza to Cairo Airport: $12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

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


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    $9.15
  • Airport Bus
    $5.87
  • Metro
    $2.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona private van transfer cruise port to airport Barcelona : $143
  • private transfer from Sants station to cruise port tranfer: $33
  • 24 Hour Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to City Centre: $33
  • Airport Transfer: $179
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $86
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $100
  • Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $93
  • Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $83
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BCN to Barcelona by Business Car: $94
  • Barcelona - Salou private transfer: $202
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) Private Transfer to Barcelona City/Hotels: $63
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Barcelona - Arrival Private Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Barcelona?

Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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 $18
    Barcelona $68
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.

  • Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
  • Great tour toThe Grand Museum of Giza and Nile River DinnerCruise: $5.00
  • Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
  • Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.00
  • Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
  • Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $8.00
  • night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
  • Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $9.00
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00
  • Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $9.00
  • food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $9.00
  • Giza pyramids,Sphinx,ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise& shopping: $9.00

Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    $4.87
  • Sandwich
    $1.99
  • Baguette & Horchata
    $4.46
  • Tapas on the beach
    $9.72
  • Gelatto
    $2.93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Barcelona Morning Walking and Food Tour with Local Flavors: $35
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $42
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $54
  • Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $54
  • Tablao Flamenco Cordobes on Rambla Barcelona with Dinner Option: $57
  • Barcelona Morning Tapas Crawl by Food Tour: $70
  • Wine Tasting and 5 Course Tapas Pairing Dinner: $70
  • Barcelona Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience: $78
  • Seafood Paella and Mediterranean Tapas Cooking Class: $81
  • Barcelona Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $85
  • Barcelona : Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Exclusive Tour: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $9.09
    Barcelona $39
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
    $6.47

Tours and Activities in Cairo

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

  • Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $1.00
  • Egyptian Museum Tour Cave Church Old Cairo Saladin Citadel: $1.00
  • Best Day TourTo Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Egyptian Museum, Bazar,Lunch: $1.75
  • Cheap Day tour to Giza Pyramids Sphinx With Camel Rid : $2.00
  • Best Egypt Tour Giza Pyramids Sphinx lunch fees camel 9rd pyramid: $3.50
  • VIP privatr tour Giza pyramids sphins &Saqqara and Memphis : $3.50
  • Explore Giza Pyramids on a Private ATV or Camel Tour: $4.00
  • Chep Day Tour Pyramids Giza, Memphis, Saqqara and Camel: $4.00
  • Private Half Day Pyramids Tour with Felucca: $4.50
  • All inclusive Tour To Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel Ride, Lunch: $4.50
  • Private Tour in Iconic Giza Pyramids From Cairo: $5.00
  • Cairo Highlights Tours Visit Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $5.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    $49
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    $10
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    $7.04

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Private City Tour in Barcelona's Best Kept Secrets: $2.39
  • Sagrada Familia Exterior Tour: $3.57
  • Barcelona Electric Scooter Tour: $3.57
  • Barcelona Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.58
  • Costa Brava Luxury Tour Boat and Lunch from Barcelona: $3.58
  • Sagrada Familia External Audio Tour - The 3 Iconic Facades: $3.58
  • Censored Barcelona Tour: $3.58
  • Discover the Gothic Quarter Walking Tour: $3.58
  • Gothic Quarter Donation-Based Walking Tour in English : $3.58
  • Barcelona Gothic Quarter Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
  • Barcelona Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
  • Barcelona Gothic Quarter Self Guided Walking Tour with Mobile App: $5.20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.48
    Barcelona $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Bar Crawl Old Town Treasure Tramp Adventure: $15
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $18
  • Largest Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $18
  • Largest Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $18
  • Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $18
  • Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $18
  • Barcelona Halloween Bar Crawl: $18
  • Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $24
  • Wine tasting next to the Sagrada Familia: $30
  • Go out like a local, pub Crawl / Tour in Raval - Barcelona: $32
  • Magic Montjuïc Tour with Wine Tasting : $33
  • Barcelona Markets Tour With Optional Food & Wine Tasting Upgrade: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Barcelona?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Barcelona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Cairo is a little warmer than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Barcelona. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cairo is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cairo is generally much warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Cairo during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Cairo is much warmer than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Cairo

Cairo Barcelona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)