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

Should you visit Cairo or Lagos?

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 Lagos 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 Lagos?

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.

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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 Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Lagos 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 Lagos is $126. 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 Lagos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $9.36
    Lagos $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $19
    Lagos $132
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Lagos

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Lagos? 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 Lagos


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 Lagos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $2.99
    Lagos $33
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:

  • Airport and excursion in Hurghada , Luxor or Cairo Transfer: $16
  • Cairo Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
  • Private Pickup transfer from Windsor Hotel Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
  • Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $27
  • Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
  • Private transfer from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
  • Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
  • Round-Trip Airport Transfer in Cairo or Giza: $49
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Car or Van Departure Transfer Meia Praia or Lagos to Faro Airport: $78
  • Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $118
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer With Options To or From Lagos: $128
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Monchique or Lagos: $103
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport Up to 8 passengers: $132
  • Private Transfer from Lisbon Airport Up to 8 pax: $487
  • Private Transfer to Faro Airport (60 min): $107
  • Private Transfer from Budens to Faro (FAO) Airport: $130
  • Private Transfer from Gil Eannes Square to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Quinta Falzina to Faro (FAO) Airport: $141
  • Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Lagos?

Prices for flights to both Lagos 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
    Lagos $36
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 Lagos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $97
  • Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine : $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $5.75
    Lagos $28
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:

  • Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.25
  • Baron Palace Entry Tickets : $4.60
  • Cairo Shopping tour Private Papyrus Essential oils Bazar Cotton : $4.70
  • Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Entry Ticket: $4.80
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Papyrus and Perfumes in Ancient Egypt: $5.00
  • All Inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
  • New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
  • Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Baron Empain Palace Entry Tickets: $5.15
  • Serapeum Of Saqqara Entry Tickets: $7.00
  • Cairo Shopping Tour.: $7.00
  • El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket: $7.08

Tours and Activities in Lagos

Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Guided Walking Tour with Brodie from Australia: $16
  • Ponta da Piedade Rock Formations Guided Boat Tour: $19
  • Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos: $20
  • Lagos Street Art: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour: $22
  • Boat Tours: $27
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour in Lagos, Algarve: $27
  • Coast Cruise Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos: $29
  • NATURA TOUR - Countryside of Lagos - ECO TUK and LOCAL guide: $29
  • TUK TUK Tour Lagos Old& New Town& Beaches- Best way to know: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.17
    Lagos $7.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $44
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $86
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $104


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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Lagos?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

Lagos 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 Lagos in the Summer?

Both Lagos 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 Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cairo is a little warmer than Lagos in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Lagos. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Lagos 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Lagos in the Autumn?

Both Lagos 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 Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cairo is cooler than Lagos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Lagos averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Lagos. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Lagos 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Lagos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Lagos. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cairo is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In January, Cairo usually receives more rain than Lagos. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Lagos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Lagos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Lagos. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cairo is cooler than Lagos in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Lagos. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Lagos 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Lagos and Cairo

Cairo Lagos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)