Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cairo or Cape Town?
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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town?
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.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Cape Town $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $100. 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 Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.27Cape Town $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Cape Town $78
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Cape Town? 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 Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.96Cape Town $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- transfer from Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels to Alexandria: $50
- transfer from Cairo airport to the hotel in Cairo or Giza: $20
- private transfer from Cairo to Alexandria: $70
- private tour to Abusimble transfer to Luxor and visiting Edfu : $175
- one transfer from airport to Cairo Giza hotels or hotels to Cairo airport: $22
- VIP Meet and Greet Private Hotel Transfer from Cairo Airport: $38
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cairo HTL-APT (CAI): $33
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cairo APT-HTL (CAI): $33
- Transfer to Cairo & Giza Hotels From Cairo Airport: $35
- Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada : $226
- Transfer from Hurghada to Luxor city by private Cars : $170
- Transfer from Hurghada to Luxor (sharing ): $126
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Robben Island and Long Walk to Freedom with Tickets and Transfer: $101
- 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $182
- 1 Day Helderberg Valley Winelands Tour with Private Transfers: $237
- 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $209
- 1 Day Tastes of Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $225
- 1 Day West Coast Wonders Tour with Private Transfers: $180
- 1 Day Wine Lover Wander Connoisseur Tour with Private Transfers: $184
- 1 day Cape Peninsula and Boulders Tour with Private Transfers: $230
- 1 day Cape Point and Constantia Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $213
- 1 day Winelands Explore - Cape Wine Region with Private Transfer: $243
- 1- Cape Town Tours & Transfers:We guide you around Cape Town: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town 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 $4.70Cape Town $43
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.
- Cairo Nile dinner cruise night show with belly dancer: $8.00
- Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $8.80
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $10
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $10
- Food Tour in Local Cairo Life with Egyptian tea: $11
- Dinner evening in the heart of the Nile for 3 hours: $11
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River with Buffet belly dancer performance: $12
- Private Dinner Cruise on the Nile River in Cairo with Pickup: $12
- dance, sing and eat on Cairo Dinner Nile Cruise on Nile river: $12
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour : $13
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $13
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- African Cooking with a Chef Founder: $29
- Cape Malay Cooking with a Chef Founder: $29
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $44
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $56
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $57
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $60
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $62
- From CapeTown: African Dinner and Drumming Experience: $63
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $63
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $65
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.69Cape Town $23
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$0.83
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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:
- 2 Days in Cairo & Giza Private Tour : $80
- 2-Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Pyramids and Museums: $253
- 2-Day Private Tour of Cairo with Accommodation and Entrance Fees: $165
- 2-Days Tour at Cairo & Giza: $86
- 2-Days Tours at Cairo & Giza : $143
- 3-Day Tour at Cairo & Giza : $200
- 3-Days Tour at Cairo (Customized Package): $229
- 3-Days Tour in Siwa Oasis from Cairo : $217
- 4-Day Tours at Cairo & Giza & Alexandria: $209
- 8 Hours Private Cairo Tour: A Journey Back in Time: $45
- 8-Hour Private Tour Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and local Bazaars: $26
- All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour to All Pyramids and Cairo and 2 evenings: $299
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.65
- 30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching: $3.83
- Half Hour Seal and Harbour Cruise from Cape Town: $3.93
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $4.00
- Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.21
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.21
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.46
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.46
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.16Cape Town $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.30
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.83
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $25
- From 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines: $39
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $39
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $40
- Half day Wine Tour: $43
- Three Region Wine Tour: $45
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $48
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $52
- From CapeTown: Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Cape Town, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Cape Town would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Town 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 Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Cape Town?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cape Town. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Cape Town, 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 Cape Town?
Cape Town 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 Cape Town in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Cape Town. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Cairo is a little warmer than Cape Town. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cape Town averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the summer, Cairo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Townin January. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Cape Townin January. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCairo 28°C (82°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Cape Town in the Autumn?
Both Cape Town and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year.
In October, Cairo is generally a little warmer than Cape Townin April. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Cape Town. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Cape Townin April. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCairo 23°C (73°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Cape Town in the Winter?
Both Cape Town and Cairo during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Cairo is a little warmer than Cape Town in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the winter, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Cape Townin July. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in January than Cape Townin July. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCairo 14°C (57°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Cape Town in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Cape Town. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round.
In the spring, Cairo is a little warmer than Cape Town. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Cape Town averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Town during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Cape Townin October. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCairo 21°C (70°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Cairo
| Cairo | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 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.