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

Should you visit Cairo or New York 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 New York 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 New York 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.

New York City

The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan area.

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 from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, New York 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
    New York City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cairo $31
    New York City $363

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $31, while the average daily cost in New York City is $363. 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 New York City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $11
    New York City $175
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $22
    New York City $350
Compare Hotels in Cairo and New York City

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or New York 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 New York 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 New York City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.55
    New York City $49
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 New York City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:


  • Subway
    $4.50
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.00
  • Subway
    $2.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City

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

  • Airport Limousine Transfer one-way - LaGuardia Airport - Lincoln MKT: $275
  • Brooklyn Cruise Terminal One-Way Transfer to/from Manhattan: $155
  • Central Park Private Walking Tour with Transfers: $171
  • Central Park Zoo Skip-the-line Tickets & Private Transfers: $291
  • EWR to Manhattan Private Luxury Transfer | Sedan, SUV & Van: $180
  • Empire State Building NYC Tour, Pre-booked Tickets, Transfer: $300
  • J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Cape Cruise Port - Arrival Transfer: $44
  • J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Cape Liberty Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $220
  • JFK to Manhattan: One Way Shared Arrival Transfer: $28
  • La Guardia Airport to Manhattan Private Transfer by Sedan SUV: $130
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Cape Cruise Port - Arrival Transfer: $44
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Cape Liberty Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or New York City?

Prices for flights to both New York 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
    New York City $87
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 New York City

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


  • Gelato
    $7.50
  • Snacks for Two at Yankees Game
    $34
  • Coffee
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City

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

  • New York Union Square Sweetest Food Tour: Choose Your Own Donuts: $35
  • The Greenwich Village Food Tour: $39
  • The Chinatown, Little Italy, Food Tour: $39
  • Private Pizza Experience (5 tastings) in Manhattan: $45
  • Brooklyn's must-try Pizza Crawl experience (5 top rated slices!): $46
  • Central Park Cafe: Scenic Lunch & Dinner Experience in NYC: $50
  • Chelsea Food Tour NYC Pizza Tacos and Chelsea Market Walk: $55
  • Homemade Pizza Party in NYC: $63
  • New York City's Best Pizza tour - You be the judge!: $68
  • Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Food Tour: Local Eats & Iconic Views: $70
  • East Village Food Tour: $70
  • Astoria Queens Global Bites Food Tour (NYC): $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $8.51
    New York City $180
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in New York City

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Comedy Show Tickets
    $56
  • City Map
    $8.00
  • Broadway Musical
    $111
  • Broadway Show Program
    $10
  • Magazine
    $6.99

Tours and Activities in New York City

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

  • Broadway: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the World's Iconic Theatre District: $5.00
  • New York: Central Park Walking Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
  • The Battery: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Bowling Green Park to Stone St: $5.00
  • A New York Date Night Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
  • New York Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.03
  • Central Park Stolen Archives: NY Exploration Game and Tour: $5.03
  • New York Ghost Tour: Self-Guided Haunted Walk: $5.92
  • New York Kids Quest: Family Walking Adventure: $5.99
  • New York Celebrity Chef Self Guided Tour and Exploration Game: $6.40
  • New York West Village Audio Tour: $6.65
  • Self Guided "Central Park Movie Tour" Solo Walking Tour in New York City: $6.75
  • New York City Greenwich Village Haunted Self Guided Walking Tour: $6.95

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.38
    New York City $29

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 New York City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:

  • Brooklyn Distillery Tour: $22
  • NYC Bar Crawl: Games, Live Music & Underground Nightlife: $28
  • New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • NYC Pub Crawl Tour: $30
  • Top Shelf Distillery Tour: $33
  • NYC Pub Crawl & Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $34
  • Cheers to Chinatown Tour and Bar Crawl: $40
  • Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl: $49
  • Best of NYC Drag - Drag Bar Crawl with Drink: $49
  • Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl: $49
  • Greenwich Village Piano Bar Crawl: $50
  • Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64


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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Cairo. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and New York 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.


When is the best time to visit Cairo or New York City?

New York City 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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cairo as well as New York City. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in New York City. Cairo usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    New York City 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Cairo or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cairo is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and New York City averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than New York City. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    New York City 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Cairo or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Cairo during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

New York City can be very cold during winter. In January, Cairo is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

Cairo usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    New York City 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Cairo or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and New York City. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New York City because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cairo is much warmer than New York City in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than New York City. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    New York City 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for New York City and Cairo

Cairo New York City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 36°F (2°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)