Which place is cheaper, Houston or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cairo or Houston?
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 Houston 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 Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.27Houston $142
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Houston? 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 Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.96Houston $72
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:
- 2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
- Cairo Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
- Cairo Airport Transfer to Hotel: $20
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $27
- Private airport Transfer: $15
- Private transfer from Sonesta Hotel, Tower& Casino Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Transfer from Anywhere in Cairo to Cairo International Airport: $25
- Transfers From Cairo Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from/to Cairo International Airport: $26
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $10
- 01 way Transfer from Cairo airport to your Hotel in Giza: $10
- 01 way Transfer from hotel in Cairo to Alexandria: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
- George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
- Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Arrival Private Transfer: $169
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $349
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $4.70Houston $35
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 Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $11
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $13
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
- 2-Hour Nile River Night Dinner Cruise from Cairo: $16
- Super Safari Quad Bike Jeep Safari Buggy and Dinner in Hurghada: $18
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $19
- Dinner Cruise Cairo With Belly Dancer Show in The Nile River: $20
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, ATV, shopping Tour and Dinner cruise: $20
- Giza pyramids and Nile dinner cruise private tour from Cairo Giza hotels: $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.69Houston $14
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$6.43
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.28
- El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket : $4.56
- The Baron Empain Palace Entry Ticket: $4.60
- New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Papyrus and Perfumes in Ancient Egypt: $5.00
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan Entry Ticket: $5.07
- Wonder Tour To Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure Pyramids and Great Sphinx : $5.56
- Cairo Museum of Islamic Arts Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Baron Palace Skip the line Access Entry Tickets: $7.00
- El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Museum of Islamic Art Entry Ticket : $7.23
- Cairo Half day tours to Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $8.00
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
- Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
- Houston Astros Baseball Game Ticket at Minute Maid Park: $16
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Family Guy Experience - Houston: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.16Houston $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
- Private 3-in-1 Sightseeing, Brewery, and Mural Tour of Houston by Cart: $115
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston is in North America, 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Houston?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Houston, 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 Houston?
Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?
Both Houston 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, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cairo is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Houston. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Cairo or Houston in the Autumn?
Both Houston 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Cairo or Houston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Cairo is a little warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Houston. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Cairo or Houston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Houston. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Cairo is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Cairo
| Cairo | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
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.