Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao?
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 Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao?
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesKoh Tao Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $33Koh Tao $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $33, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $50. 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 Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11Koh Tao $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Koh Tao $32
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Koh Tao? 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 Koh Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.80Koh Tao $9.98
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$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- From Guided 4 Day Cairo & Red Sea Tour with Transfer: $1,440
- Private Day Trip to Luxor with Transfers and Flights: $791
- Cairo To Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $511
- From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $489
- 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Sharm El-Sheikh: $292
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Hurghada: $292
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private Transfer from Cairo City Hotels to Suez Canal Cruise Port: $287
- PrivateTransfer from Cairo Airport(CAI) to Suez Canal Cruise Port: $287
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport (CAI) to Ain Sokhna Port : $287
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.97
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$20
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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 $18Koh Tao $18
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.
- Great tour toThe Grand Museum of Giza and Nile River DinnerCruise: $5.00
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
- Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $9.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $9.00
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $9.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $9.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00
Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$6.28
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Breakfast$4.71
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.77
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$15
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Pancake$2.20
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American Breakfast (for Two)$8.79
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$8.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao : $51
- Memorable Thai Cooking Class with Stunning View from Koh Tao : $55
- Private Thai Cooking Class at Rooftop Kitchen on Koh Tao: $208
- Koh Tao Private Rooftop Thai Cooking Class with Scenic View: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $9.09Koh Tao $30
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$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.47
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days 1 Nights Tour package to Saint-Catherine from Cairo : $300
- 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
- 3 Days Private Tour in Giza, Cairo, and Alexandria: $70
- 3-Day Private Tour in Cairo : $196
- 8-Hour Private Tour Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and local Bazaars: $14
- Alexandria day tour : $75
- All Inclusive day tour to Giza pyramids, Egyptian museum and Felucca : $95
- Ancient Wonders Unveiled: Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur Adventure: $50
- Antiquities in the Grande Egyptian Museum with Private Tour : $35
- Best Day Tour Visit Giza Pyramids, and Sakkara&Memphis Pyramids : $70
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$7.85
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Snorkel Rental$3.14
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$3.14
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $24
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $24
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $27
- Snorkelling Trip 5 Island Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nang yuan: $27
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $27
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao: $27
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $27
- Koh Tao Top Crystal Clear Snorkeling Day Tour by Big Boat : $27
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $29
- Koh Tao's First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours: $32
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $37
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.48Koh Tao $8.22
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$2.04
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Bottle of Wine$12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Koh Tao, we can see that Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Koh Tao?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 5600 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cairo or Koh Tao in the Summer?
Both Koh Tao 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Koh Tao. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Cairo is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao. Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Koh Tao in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Koh Tao. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. Cairo usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the winter, Cairo often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.
Cairo is much colder than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Koh Tao in the Spring?
Both Koh Tao and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June. In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Cairo is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Cairo
| Cairo | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.