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

Should you visit Cairo or Durban?

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 Durban 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 Durban?

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.

Durban

The third largest city in South Africa, Durban sits on the east coast of the country in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The city also has the country's most active port. The city's comfortable weather and vast beaches make it one of the country's major tourist centers. There's a population of about 3.5 million in the entire metropolitan area that spreads over 2,295 square kilometers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Durban 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 Durban is $52. 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 Durban in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $9.36
    Durban $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $19
    Durban $48
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Durban

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Durban? 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 Durban


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 Durban Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $2.99
    Durban $13
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:

  • From Private Day Trip to Luxor w/ Transfer & Flights: $659
  • 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
  • Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
  • Cairo - Sharm El Sheikh: One-Way or Return Private Transfer: $290
  • Full-Day Private Trip to Fayoum from Cairo, with Transfer: $286
  • 2 Days and 2 Evenings Private Tour in Cairo include airport transfer and M&A: $280
  • From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $275
  • Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to Hurghada: $264
  • Private 3 Days in Giza Cairo and Alexandria including Free airport transfers: $250
  • Cairo To El Gouna Private Transfer: $248
  • Day Trip to Luxor East and West Bank from Cairo with private airport transfer and lunch included: $235
  • Transfer from Hurghada to Cairo by van : $235

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Durban

Also for Durban, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 1-3 Passenger Private Durban - Airport Transfer: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Durban Airport DUR to Durban City by Minivan: $84
  • Durban Airport (DUR) to Durban - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Durban King Airport (DUR) to Durban - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Durban to Durban King Airport (DUR) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • From Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Overnight Safari w/ Transfer: $500
  • Private transfers from King Shaka Airport: $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Durban?

Prices for flights to both Durban 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
    Durban $16
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 Durban

For Durban, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day Guided Taste of Africa Food Tour in Durban: $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $5.75
    Durban $16
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:

  • ( Stopover Tour Of Cairo ) Private All Inc.Pyramids,Camel Ride,Museum& Lunch: $180
  • 2 Days 1 Nights Tour package to Saint-Catherine from Cairo : $300
  • 2-Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Pyramids and Museums: $219
  • 2-Days Tour at Cairo & Giza: $86
  • 3-Day Private Tour in Cairo : $196
  • 3-Day Tour at Cairo & Giza : $200
  • 3-Days Tour at Cairo (Customized Package): $229
  • 4-Day Tours at Cairo & Giza & Alexandria: $209
  • 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
  • All Inclusive Full-Day Tour to Pyramids, Museum, mosque and Felucca: $79
  • All Inclusive day tour to Giza pyramids, Egyptian museum and Felucca : $87

Tours and Activities in Durban

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Durban.

  • 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise: $5.33
  • 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf: $8.00
  • Durban Point Waterfront: Luxury Canal Boat Cruise: $8.00
  • Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka: $8.29
  • Magical Gondola Night Boat Cruise in Durban: $8.56
  • Pontoon Boat Harbor Cruise: $10
  • Durban Walking Tour: $26
  • Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Durban Half-Day City Tour - Golden Mile, Botanical Gardens: $42
  • Durban:Culture Walking Tour of Durban: $51
  • Culture Walking Tour of Durban: $51
  • Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Durban City Tour: $63

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.17
    Durban $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Durban

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

  • Bar Crawl in Durban : $36


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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Durban?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Durban. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Durban, 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 Durban?

Durban 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 Durban in the Summer?

Both Durban and Cairo during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Cairo is a little warmer than Durban. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Durban averages at about 25°C (76°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Durbanin January. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durban receives 184 hours of full sun.

Durban gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Durbanin January. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Durban receives 134 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Durban 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Durban in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Durban. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round.

In October, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Durbanin April. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Durban fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durban this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Durban during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Durban receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Durbanin April. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Durban receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Durban 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Durban in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Durban. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Cairo is cooler than Durban in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Durban fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durban. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the winter, Cairo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durbanin July. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durban receives 230 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in January than Durbanin July. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Durban receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Durban 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Durban in the Spring?

Both Durban and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year.

In the spring, Cairo is around the same temperature as Durban. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Durban averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Durban during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Durban receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Durbanin October. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Durban receives 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Durban 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Durban and Cairo

Cairo Durban
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 102 mm (4 in)