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

Should you visit Cairo or Mexico City?

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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City?

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.

Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the largest and most populated cities in the world. There are an estimated 26 million people living in the greater Mexico City metropolitan area. The area is about 60 kilometers by 40 kilometers and is surrounded by tall mountains and volcanoes on three sides. Mexico City proper has about 8.8 million people and is the capital of the country. More than a third of the country's economy is based here, making it the wealthiest city in all of Latin America.

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 Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Cairo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cairo Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Mexico City Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cairo $31
    Mexico City $231

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $31, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $231. 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 Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $11
    Mexico City $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $22
    Mexico City $84
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Mexico City? 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 Mexico City


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 Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.55
    Mexico City $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • transfer from Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels to Alexandria: $55
  • transfer from Cairo airport to the hotel in Cairo or Giza: $20
  • private transfer from Cairo to Alexandria: $95
  • Welcome to Private Airport Pickup & Transfer: $24
  • Visit Mall of Egypt with Hotel Transfer: $47
  • VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $12
  • VIP Meet and Assist in Cairo Airport with Private Transfer to Cairo Hotels: $49
  • VIP Meet and Assist at Cairo Airport with Private Hotel Transfer: $35
  • VIP Luxury Airport Transfer: Mercedes E-Class Meet & Greet: $50
  • VIP Ain Sokhna Red Sea Day Trip from Cairo with Private Transfer: $90
  • Two-Day Private City Tour of Cairo, Giza Pyramids and Saqqara+Airport Transfer: $220
  • Transfers From Cairo Airport: $13

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    $1.18
  • Uber Ride
    $4.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) to Aguascalientes - Arrival Transfer: $42
  • Aguascalientes to Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) Departure Transfer: $42
  • Aguascalientes to Guanajuato Airport (BJX) - Departure Transfer: $100
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $89
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $100
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $89
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $100
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $201
  • Arrival Private Transfer Mexico City Airport MEX to Mexico by Car: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfer Mexico City Airport MEX to Mexico by SUV: $130
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport MEX to Mexico City by Business Car: $89
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City 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 $17
    Mexico City $47
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.

  • Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, ATV & Shopping Tour with Dinner Cruise: $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
  • Giza Pyramids Sphinx Camel Ride ATV Bike Shopping Dinner cruise: $7.00
  • Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
  • 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
  • night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
  • Food Tour Private Tour from Cairo or Giza Hotel: $8.00
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
  • Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00
  • Romantic Nile Dinner Cruise Experience: $8.00

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.61
  • Dinner for 2
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

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

  • Street Food Tour Mexico City (Saturday): $20
  • Mexico City Coyoacan Food Tour & Optional Frida Kahlo Museum: $20
  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated: $35
  • Cable Car, Cultural Spaces, and Traditional Food Tour: $40
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • San Juan Market Food Tour Exotic Bites & Flavors: $56
  • Coyoacan Market Food Tour Urban Eats & Local Legends: $56
  • Mexico : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $58
  • Street Food Tour in  Mexico with a Local Guide: $62
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $8.51
    Mexico City $15
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
    $0.79
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.06

Tours and Activities in Cairo

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

  • "Private Half-Day Tour to the Giza Pyramids Saqqara and Memphis: $25
  • ( Stopover Tour Of Cairo ) Private All Inc.Pyramids,Camel Ride,Museum& Lunch: $180
  • (Egypt jewel) Day Tour To Giza Pyramids, Museum, Mosque &Felucca: $55
  • 1 Day Private Tour in Cairo and Giza: $90
  • 1 Day Private Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $100
  • 1 Day tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $30
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour Around Giza Pyramids: $30
  • 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1 Hour adventure in the Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1-Day Tour to the Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo: $34
  • 1-Hour Private Felucca Boat Tour on the Nile: $9.00

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mexico City Self-Guided Tour: Historic Center & Beyond: $3.55
  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.65
  • Mexico City Historic Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Mexico City Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • A Tour through the Guadalupe Basilica Grounds: $6.04
  • Mexico City Coyoacán, Frida Kahlo Exploration Game and Tour: $6.04
  • Mexico City Walking Tour 2h40 and 24 audio reviews: $7.31
  • Hidden Gems of Exploration Game and Tour: $7.42
  • Mexico City Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $7.70
  • Mexico City Jewish History Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Mexico City Self-Guided Walking Tour Aztec Legacy Audio and Quiz: $8.31
  • Night City Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.38
    Mexico City $20

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: $69

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $24
  • The Mexico City Pub Crawl: A real chilango night: $33
  • THE MEXICO CITY PUB CRAWL: A real chilango night: $35
  • Make Your Own Tequila or Mezcal with Distillery and Cocktails: $97
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $100
  • Mexican Wine Tasting with Food Pairing: $126
  • The Mexican Wine Tasting and Pairing: $130
  • Full Day Harvest Season Wine Tour & Grape Stomping Tequisquiapan: $136
  • Private Cheese and Wine Tour to Queretaro: $511


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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Cairo. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Mexico City, 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.