Which place is cheaper, Phuket or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cairo or Phuket?
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 Phuket 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 Phuket?
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.
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
-
Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesPhuket Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $33Phuket $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $33, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $139. 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 Phuket in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11Phuket $64
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Phuket $128
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Phuket
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Phuket? 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 Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.80Phuket $12
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:
- 2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $13
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to The Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel: $12
- Private transfer from Sonesta Hotel, Tower& Casino Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer in Cairo or Giza: $50
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $13
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer : $30
- 1 Way Pick up transfer from Cairo to Hurghada by private Car: $60
- 2 Day Cairo Tour upon arrival day with airport transfer: $160
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
-
Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
-
Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Hanuman World Phuket Round Trip Transfer Extra Zone: $95
- Lion Land Phuket Entry Ticket with Private Hotel Transfer: $69
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $11
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $160
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $135
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $84
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $116
- Andamanda Water Park Phuket Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $75
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $131
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer : $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Phuket?
Prices for flights to both Phuket 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 dayCairo $18Phuket $43
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.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- Great tour toThe Grand Museum of Giza and Nile River DinnerCruise: $5.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $9.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $9.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $9.00
- Giza pyramids,Sphinx,ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise& shopping: $9.00
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
-
Thai Noodles$2.83
-
Bananas$0.79
-
Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $9.09Phuket $49
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$6.47
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $1.00
- Egyptian Museum Tour Cave Church Old Cairo Saladin Citadel: $1.00
- Best Day TourTo Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Egyptian Museum, Bazar,Lunch: $1.75
- Cheap Day tour to Giza Pyramids Sphinx With Camel Rid : $2.00
- Best Egypt Tour Giza Pyramids Sphinx lunch fees camel 9rd pyramid: $3.50
- VIP privatr tour Giza pyramids sphins &Saqqara and Memphis : $3.50
- Explore Giza Pyramids on a Private ATV or Camel Tour: $4.00
- Chep Day Tour Pyramids Giza, Memphis, Saqqara and Camel: $4.00
- Private Half Day Pyramids Tour with Felucca: $4.50
- All inclusive Tour To Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel Ride, Lunch: $4.50
- Private Tour in Iconic Giza Pyramids From Cairo: $5.00
- Cairo Highlights Tours Visit Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $5.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
One Day Boat Tour$28
-
Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
-
Thai Oil Massage$20
-
Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $4.75
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $8.05
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $17
- Aquaria Phuket Tickets and 4D Trickeye Museum Combo Deal: $17
- Aquaria Phuket and 4D Trickeye Museum Experience Ticket: $17
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Patong Beach Parasailing and Jet Skiing Experience Shared: $22
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.48Phuket $7.32
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 Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
-
Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
-
Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Phuket, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Phuket?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Phuket, 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 Phuket?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Cairo or Phuket in the Summer?
Both Phuket and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Phuket. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Phuket. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Phuket during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Cairo is around the same temperature as Phuket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Phuket averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Phuket in the Autumn?
Both Phuket 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Phuket. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 181 hours of full sun.
In October, Cairo is generally cooler than Phuket. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Phuket 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Phuket in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Phuket. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Phuket is the dry season. In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Phuket. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives less sunshine than Phuket during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
Cairo is much colder than Phuket in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Phuket in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Phuket. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Phuket. Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Phuket. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 249 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Cairo is cooler than Phuket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Phuket averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Phuket 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Phuket and Cairo
| Cairo | Phuket | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.