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.
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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.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesPhuket Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $30Phuket $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $30, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $132. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $10Phuket $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $20Phuket $122
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.46Phuket $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 01 way Transfer from Cairo airport to your Hotel in Giza: $13
- 01 way Transfer from hotel in Cairo to Alexandria: $50
- 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: $80
- 1 Way Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Le Meridien Heliopolis: $18
- 1 way Private Pickup transfer from Le Meridien Heliopolis to Cairo airport: $18
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $200
- 2 Private day tours in Giza pyramids and Cairo city with 2 airport Transfers: $155
- 2 Private days in Giza and Cairo including Free Transfer from Airport: $126
- 2-Day Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $250
- 2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
- 2-Days Trips in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $137
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.95
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $17
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $129
- Airport Transfer: Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket by Business Car: $113
- Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $113
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $110
- Andamanda Water Park Phuket Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $75
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $125
- Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer: $124
- Comfortable Private Phuket Airport to Hotel Arrival Transfer: $26
- Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $125
- Departure Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $113
- Erawan Patong Seaview Zipline Adventure with Transfers: $64
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
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Food Meals for one dayCairo $16Phuket $41
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
- Explore Giza Pyramids with Camel, ATV, Dinner Cruise, & Shopping: $5.00
- 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
- Cairo Dinner Nile Cruise with Belly Dancer Show on Nile River: $7.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Giza pyramids, sphinx &ATV +Nile Dinner cruise: $8.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
- Cairo Nile Dinner Cruise Belly Dancer Tanora Show Dinner Buffet: $8.00
- Cairo (Dance, Sing and Eat ) Nile Dinner Cruise Show &Open Buffet: $8.00
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$8.63
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.07
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.69
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Bananas$0.75
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Pizza (for Two)$8.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Authentic Peranakan Cooking Class & Tasting Menu in Phuket: $29
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $47
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $50
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Phuket with Dinner at Promthep Cape: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- 3-Hour Authentic Thai Cooking Experience: $52
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Phuket Coral Island & Sunset Dinner Cruise by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Simply Thai Cooking Experience: $55
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $58
- Coral Island Premium Yacht Half Day Tour with Sunset Dinner: $58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $8.29Phuket $46
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$0.77
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$5.90
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Top Day 5 Hours Day Tour Pyramid Saqqar Pyramid Memphis City: $2.00
- Private VIP Giza Tour+ New Musuem + Market: $3.59
- Shopping Tour to all the Egyptian governments shops handmade: $4.00
- Best-Selling Giza Pyramids Tour: Camel Ride, Lunch &Private Guide: $4.00
- Half Day Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Lunch with Private Tour Guide: $5.00
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $5.00
- Shopping tour In Governmental Bazaars include guide's advisor: $5.00
- All Inclusive Tour Pyramids of Giza , Sphinx and Lunch: $5.00
- Private Giza Pyramids Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour: $5.00
- Cairo shopping advisor tour papyrus ,perfume ,golden cartouche , Egyptian cotton: $5.00
- Cairo Shopping Tour from Cairo airport or Cairo Giza hotel: $5.00
- Luxury Private Pyramids half day tour: $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:
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One Day Boat Tour$27
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$75
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Thai Oil Massage$19
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Surfboard Rental$8.95
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $6.10
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.67
- Rock Beach Swing Phuket Scenic Photo Spot Ticket: $14
- Phuket Tour with Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Old Town: $15
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $16
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $16
- Ultimate Virtual Reality Gaming Park Ticket at VAR Live in Phuket: $17
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $18
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $20
- Rock Beach Swing Ticket with Karon Viewpoint in Phuket: $20
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.35Phuket $6.95
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 Autumn Downtown Food & Bar Crawl with Drinks: $109
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$5.97
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Beer$2.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $17
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $40
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $52
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $86
- Half Day Rum Distillery Tour & Sunset Viewpoint: $95
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery: $107
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $132
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).
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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.