Which place is cheaper, Istanbul 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 Istanbul?
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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul?
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.
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $32Istanbul $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $32, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $159. 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 Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11Istanbul $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Istanbul $148
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.62Istanbul $35
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$0.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Private Airport or City Transfer to Cairo and Giza hotels: $2.70
- Arrival transfer from Cairo airport: $5.00
- Private Transfer: Cairo Airport Arrival Any Hotel in Cairo Giza: $7.00
- Cairo airport or Sphinx airport transfer: $10
- Cairo Airport Transfer Service with Private Driver: $10
- Private Transfer: Cairo Airport (CAI) to Hotel in Cairo/Giza: $11
- VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from InterContinental Cairo Citystars to Cairo airport: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Windsor Hotel Cairo: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Golden Hotel in Cairo: $12
- Private transfer from Sonesta Hotel, Tower& Casino Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from Hotel Longchamps to Cairo airport: $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Airport Transfer 1 to 6 Passengers: $58
- Airport Transfer Hotel Transfer Istanbul Transfer: $64
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Business Car: $70
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Luxury Van: $76
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW by Luxury Van: $75
- Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Business Car: $70
- Airport transfer Istanbul: $58
- Arrival Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Business Car: $69
- Best Airport Transfer Company Istanbul Meet Transfer: $52
- Best of Istanbul City Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $49
- Departure Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Business Car: $69
- Departure Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Luxury Van: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $17Istanbul $59
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.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $4.00
- Dinner Cruise in Nile River with Belly Dancer show From Cairo: $4.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride: $6.30
- Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $7.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $7.20
- 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
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $23
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show with Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show in Istanbul: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $33
- Istanbul Turkish Coffee Cooking and Tasting with Locals at Home: $33
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkis Night Show in Istanbul: $34
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $8.65Istanbul $39
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$0.80
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.16
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full experience Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, inside pyramids &tombs: $2.00
- Giza Pyramids Tour, Sphinx, Camel Ride and Shopping: $3.00
- Private Day tour in Khan Elkhalele Market with Shopping and Lunch: $3.00
- VIP Pyramid Tour Inside the 3rd Pyramid with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.00
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx Day Tour: $4.00
- Private Shopping Customizable Tour from Cairo and Giza with lunch: $4.00
- Limited-Time Offer: Giza Pyramids Tour: $4.00
- Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx & Mummies Museum Private Guided Tour: $4.00
- Giza pyramids Tour with horse drawn carriage or camel ride: $4.00
- Egyptian Spicy Shop Shopping Private Tour: $4.00
- VIP All-Inclusive Grand Egyptian Museum,Pyramids & Quad Bike Tour: $4.00
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $4.48
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Daily Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul with lunch: $2.50
- Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: $3.50
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.46
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $6.31
- Istanbul Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.63
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Balat&Asia: $8.00
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Pera: $8.00
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Old City: $8.00
- Istanbul Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour: $8.15
- Sapanca and Masukiye Tour from Istanbul with Optional Activities: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.41Istanbul $11
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: $70
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $18
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $209
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Cairo. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Cairo is a little warmer than Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul 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 Istanbul during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Istanbul in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Istanbul. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the autumn, Cairo is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°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 Istanbul. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Istanbul in the Winter?
Both Istanbul 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 travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Cairo is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Istanbul in the Spring?
Both Istanbul 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. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Cairo is much warmer than Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Cairo
| Cairo | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.