Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cairo or Beijing?
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 Beijing 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 Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $29Beijing $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $29, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $98. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.74Beijing $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Beijing $86
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Beijing? 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 Beijing Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.28Beijing $8.39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.07
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Taxi Ride$0.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 01 way Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Your Hotel in Cairo: $13
- 01 way Transfer from Cairo airport to your Hotel in Giza: $13
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer: $30
- 1 Way Pick up transfer from Cairo to Hurghada by private Car: $80
- 1 way Private Pickup transfer from Le Meridien Heliopolis to Cairo airport: $18
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $200
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $280
- 2 Days and 2 Evenings Private Tour in Cairo include airport transfer and M&A: $280
- 2 Private day tours in Giza pyramids and Cairo city with 2 airport Transfers: $155
- 2-Day Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $250
- 2-Day-One night Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $274
- 2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$5.12
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Train from Airport for Two$7.51
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Taxi to Hotel$9.01
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2 Metro Passes$2.40
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Metro$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $230
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $35
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $80
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing: $112
- Badaling Great Wall Ticket, Transfer & Guide Service: $10
- Badaling Night Great Wall Ticket Show and Optional Transfer: $45
- Beijing 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfer Options: $26
- Beijing Acrobatic Show in Red Theater with Guide and Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
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Food Meals for one dayCairo $15Beijing $36
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Giza Pyramids Sphinx , ATV, camel ride Plus Nile Dinner Cruise: $3.00
- Explore Giza Pyramids with Camel, ATV, Dinner Cruise, & Shopping: $5.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Cairo Dinner Nile Cruise with Belly Dancer Show on Nile River: $7.00
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
- Giza pyramids, sphinx &ATV +Nile Dinner cruise: $8.00
- Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $8.00
- Giza pyramids, Sphinx, ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise&shopping: $8.00
- Cairo (Dance, Sing and Eat ) Nile Dinner Cruise Show &Open Buffet: $8.00
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.90
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.51
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$3.00
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Watermelon$2.10
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$18
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Two Popsicles$0.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef: $20
- Gastronomic Gems of Beijing Shared Walking Food Tour: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $25
- Beijing Market Tour and Cooking Class with an Executive Chef: $36
- Beijing Food Tour: $40
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Beijing Chinese Home Cooking Class with Local Host: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $7.85Beijing $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.73
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$5.59
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Luxury private tour Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Gem Museum, kingTut: $2.50
- Luxury private tour Giza Pyramids, grand Egyptian Museum, kingTut: $3.50
- Full-Day Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, Saqqara&Memphis All-Inclusive Tour: $4.00
- Private Half-Day Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Tour with Camel Ride: $4.00
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.50
- Shopping Tour Discover Khan El Khalili & More: $4.60
- Cairo Shopping Tour from Cairo airport or Cairo Giza hotel: $5.00
- Explore Giza Pyramids on a Private ATV or Camel Tour: $5.00
- Vip pyramids sphinx tour &inside Queen pyramid: $5.00
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $5.00
- Cairo shopping advisor tour papyrus ,perfume ,golden cartouche , Egyptian cotton: $5.00
- VIP Luxury Shopping Tour –Local Markets + Gourmet Lunch & Drinks: $5.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$9.01
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Two Opera Tickets$64
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$11
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Forbidden City (for 2)$18
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Forbidden City Tickets$18
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$12
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jingshan Park QR Ticket with 4 Language Audio Guide: $2.50
- Entrance Tickets: Coal Hill Park, Beihai Park & Drum-Bell Towers: $2.50
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $2.90
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Forbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket: $2.99
- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Tickets & Tours: $3.00
- Jingshan Park Ticket - Panoramic Forbidden City View: $3.00
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking: $3.10
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Beijing Jingshan Park Entry Ticket: $3.60
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.28Beijing $13
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: $69
- Cairo Autumn Downtown Food & Bar Crawl with Drinks: $108
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing is in Asia, 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Beijing?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing 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, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In July, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Beijing. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing 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, many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Cairo is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Beijing. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cairo is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cairo in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cairo usually receives more rain than Beijing. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Beijing. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Cairo is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 21°C (70°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Cairo
| Cairo | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.