Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Barcelona $173
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $173. 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 personCairo $9.27Barcelona $105
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Barcelona $210
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.
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 $2.96Barcelona $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride$0.08
-
Taxi Ride$0.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Airport Transfer Service With Meeting And Greeting: $7.50
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel Vise Versa: $8.00
- Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
- Private Transfer to Cairo and Giza from Cairo Airport: $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
- Cairo Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Anywhere in Cairo: $10
- Private Airport Transfer to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $10
- Cairo Airport Private Transfer ( One-Way comfort ride ): $10
- Private Transfer: Cairo Airport Arrival to any hotel in Cairo or Giza: $10
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport: $12
- Private Departure Transfer from Cairo City 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$8.49
-
Airport Bus$5.45
-
Metro$2.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Arrival Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $39
- Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City transfer : $33
- Barcelona City to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $31
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to PortAventura hotels: $210
- Transfer from Barcelona To Blanes(Tossa de mar)Malgra de mar: $262
- America's cup venue pick and drop from barcelona private transfer: $52
- Arrival Cruise Port to barcelona city Private Transfer: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona: $38
- Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $76
- Arrival Transfer: Airport BCN to Barcelona by Business Car: $83
- Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to Barcelona by Business Car: $83
- Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $87
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 dayCairo $4.70Barcelona $36
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 Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
- Giza Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
- Cairo Nile dinner cruise night show with belly dancer: $10
- Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $11
- Food Tour in Local Cairo Life with Egyptian tea: $11
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $13
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $13
- Private "Cairo Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Nile" with Pickup: $13
- Private Cairo food tour and Egyptian tea: $14
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $14
- Experience Magic A 4Star Cairo Dinner Cruise with Belly Dancer: $15
- Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $15
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
-
Hot Cocoa & Churro$4.52
-
Sandwich$1.85
-
Baguette & Horchata$4.14
-
Tapas on the beach$9.02
-
Gelatto$2.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $39
- Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $39
- Flamenco Casa Sors & Guitar Museum with Dinner or Drink: $41
- Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $42
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
- Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $60
- Barcelona street food tour La Boqueria Market: $64
- Rooftop Terrace Paella Cooking Lesson: $65
- Private Evening Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $70
- Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour: $75
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.69Barcelona $36
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$0.83
-
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.43
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.37
- Baron Palace Entry Tickets : $4.60
- Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Entry Ticket: $4.80
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Papyrus and Perfumes in Ancient Egypt: $5.00
- Full Day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
- Coptic Museum Entry Ticket : $5.20
- Entry Ticket to the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace : $5.57
- Private Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx : $6.00
- Cairo Museum of Islamic Arts Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Baron Palace Skip the line Access Entry Tickets: $7.11
- Museum of Islamic Art Entry Ticket : $7.35
- TOP Half Day Tour To Explore Coptic Cairo Visit Ben Ezra Synagogue: $8.00
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$46
-
Souvenir Gaudi Book$9.31
-
Admission to Museo Picasso$6.53
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: $1.98
- Gaudí Free Walking Tour: $2.18
- History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.18
- Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.26
- Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.26
- Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.26
- Premium El Born: History & Legends Comedy Tour: $3.30
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.30
- Gaudí & Sagrada Familia Free Tour in English : $3.31
- Barcelona, Gothic Quarter: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $4.50
- Barcelona:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.95
- Gaudi and La Sagrada Familia Exterior Self-Guided Audio Tour : $5.00
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.16Barcelona $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Original Pub Crawl: $13
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
- Pub Crawl Party Tour with 1-Hour Open Bar: $16
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $16
- Legendary Pub Crawl by I'm Barcelona VIP: $16
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $17
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $22
- Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: $27
- Guided LGBTQI+ Bar Crawl in Gaixample: $27
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 JulyCairo 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 OctoberCairo 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 JanuaryCairo 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 AprilCairo 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.