Which place is cheaper, Palermo 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 Palermo?
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 Palermo 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 Palermo?
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.
Palermo
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesPalermo Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $29Palermo $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $29, while the average daily cost in Palermo is $128. 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 Palermo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.74Palermo $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Palermo $126
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Palermo
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Palermo? 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 Palermo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.28Palermo $6.33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.07
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Taxi Ride$0.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel at Cairo or Giza: $6.00
- Cairo CAI Airport Private Transfer to/from Cairo/El Omraniya: $8.82
- Cairo Airport Transfer Service with Private Driver: $10
- VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel Vise Versa: $10
- Private Arrival Transfer From Cairo Airport: $11
- Pickup & Transfer Flexible, Fair: $11
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Osiris Hotel: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from Cairo Pyramids Hotel to Cairo airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from JW Marriott Hotel Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Hilton Cairo Heliopolis: $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
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Bus to Monreale$3.37
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Bus From Airport$6.74
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90 Minute Bus Pass$1.46
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Short Taxi Ride$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Airport Transfer: Palermo Airport PMO to Palermo by Business Car: $96
- CO2-Offset Arrival Private Transfer Palermo Airport to Palermo: $78
- From Bus Transfer to/from Trapani City Center: $11
- From Panoramic Transfer to Monreale in CruiserCar: $406
- From Segesta Archaeological Park Transfer: $87
- From Siracusa Transfer with Piazza Armerina Stop: $348
- Mangias Pollina Resort private transfer to Palermo airport: $143
- Mondello Palace Hotel to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $39
- Palermo Airport (PMO) to Palermo Cruise Port- Arrival Private Transfer: $88
- Palermo Airport transfers to/from Palermo city center (One-way): $103
- Palermo Airport ⇄ Palermo City: Private Transfer Service: $51
- Palermo Cruise Port to Palermo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Palermo?
Prices for flights to both Palermo 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 $15Palermo $57
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.
- Giza Pyramids Sphinx , ATV, camel ride Plus Nile Dinner Cruise: $3.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Cairo Dinner Nile Cruise with Belly Dancer Show on Nile River: $7.00
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
- Giza Pyramids Sphinx and Nile River Dinner Cruise Cairo Tour: $7.20
- 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
- Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $8.00
- Giza pyramids, Sphinx, ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise&shopping: $8.00
- Cairo Nile Dinner Cruise Belly Dancer Tanora Show Dinner Buffet: $8.00
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $8.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
Typical Food Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$36
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Fast Food Lunch$5.97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Palermo Ballaro Market & Street Food Tour by Eating Europe: $51
- Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better: $53
- Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group with a Local: $53
- Palermo Sicilian Cooking Class with Market Tour or Pasta & Gelato: $55
- Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo / History and Food: $57
- Palermo Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Meal and Wine: $57
- Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $64
- Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Flowing Wine: $64
- Palermo : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $69
- Pizza & Tiramisu Class with Free Flowing Fine Wine: $69
- Food Tour at the Vucciria Market – Palermo: $73
- Pasta and Gelato Making Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $7.85Palermo $19
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$0.73
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$5.59
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Luxury private tour Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Gem Museum, kingTut: $2.50
- Best ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, inside Pyramids: $4.00
- Private Half-Day Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Tour with Camel Ride: $4.00
- Egyptian Spicy Shop Shopping Private Tour: $5.00
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $5.00
- Half Day Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Lunch with Private Tour Guide: $5.00
- Customized Shopping Tour and Egyptian Souvenir from Cairo Giza hotels: $5.00
- Private Shopping Customizable Tour from Cairo and Giza with lunch: $5.00
- VIP Luxury Shopping Tour –Local Markets + Gourmet Lunch & Drinks: $5.00
- Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Grand Museum , ATV, CAMEL , Lunch ,ticket: $5.00
- Private Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Guided Tour: $5.00
- Shopping tour In Governmental Bazaars include guide's advisor: $5.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
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Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)$6.74
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Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)$13
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Theater Tickets (for Two)$55
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- Single bus tickets between Airport and City Center: $6.99
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Palermo: $9.12
- Tour of Church of the Gesù & Casa Professa Museum: $9.32
- sensorial experience of nature and ecology: $9.32
- Skip the Line in Museum of Marionette Antonio Pasqualino: $9.70
- Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
- TOP Palermo : Private guided tour with your mobile: $11
- Tour of the historic center by little train: $12
- Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour: $14
- Tour Cappella Palatina e palazzo Reale: patrimonio Unesco: $14
- Cathedral Audioguided Tour & Rooftop Entry Ticket: $17
- tour Palermo with audioguide: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.28Palermo $12
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
- Cairo Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour: $75
- Cairo Autumn Downtown Food & Bar Crawl with Drinks: $108
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
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Beer$2.87
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Bottle of Quality Wine$13
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Discounts on Drinks: $19
- Sicilian wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres in an 18th century palace: $42
- Sicilian Wine Tasting with Local Food in Palermo: $47
- Wine Tasting with Sicilian Tapas: $50
- Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $51
- Etna Experience - Wine tasting and food pairing: $58
- Sicily Experience - Wine tasting and food pairing: $58
- Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $64
- Eating Evening Food & Wine Tour: $99
- Palermo on a plate: Mamma's classics and Wine tour: $104
- Palermo on a plate: Traditional Food & Wine tour (All-Inclusive): $113
- Street Food and Wine Tour With an Architect: $116
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Palermo, we can see that Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palermo 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 Palermo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Palermo?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Palermo, 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 Palermo?
Palermo 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 Palermo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Palermo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.
In July, Cairo is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 28°C (82°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo 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 Palermo during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Palermo. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Palermo 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Palermo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Palermo. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Cairo is a little warmer than Palermo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Palermo. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Palermo 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Palermo in the Winter?
Both Palermo 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 visitors come to Palermo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cairo is a little warmer than Palermo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cairo in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Palermo averages at about 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Palermo during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Palermo. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Palermo 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Palermo in the Spring?
Both Palermo 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Cairo is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 21°C (70°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Palermo. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Palermo 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Palermo and Cairo
| Cairo | Palermo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 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.