Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cairo or Portimao?
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 Portimao 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 Portimao?
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.
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Portimao $163
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, while the average daily cost in Portimao is $163. 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 Portimao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.36Portimao $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Portimao $166
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Portimao
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Portimao? 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 Portimao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.99Portimao $40
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$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Private Departure Transfer from Cairo or Giza Hotels to Cairo Airport: $5.00
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to the hotel in Cairo or Giza: $9.00
- Private Transfer to Cairo and Giza from Cairo Airport: $9.00
- Private Arrival or Departure Cairo Airport Transfer: $9.50
- Pickup transfer from Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Windsor Hotel Cairo: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Novotel Cairo El Borg to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Cairo Pyramids Hotel to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Osiris Hotel to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel Royal: $9.60
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Cairo Paradise Hotel: $9.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $114
- Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Portimao?
Prices for flights to both Portimao 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 $4.75Portimao $48
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.
- Cairo/Giza: Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show & Private Transfer : $9.63
- Cairo Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $11
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $12
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
- VIP tour Giza pyramids ,Sphinx, Quad bike ,Camel, Dinner cruise : $19
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $19
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, Quad Bike, Night and Dinner Cruise on Nile: $19
- Private Cairo Food Tour : $20
- All inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & ATV &Dinner cruise : $20
- Giza pyramids and Nile dinner cruise private tour from Cairo Giza hotels: $22
- Private Cairo food tour and Egyptian tea: $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.75Portimao $44
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$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.49
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.25
- Baron Palace Entry Tickets : $4.60
- Cairo Shopping tour Private Papyrus Essential oils Bazar Cotton : $4.70
- Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Entry Ticket: $4.80
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Papyrus and Perfumes in Ancient Egypt: $5.00
- All Inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
- New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan Entry Ticket: $5.10
- Baron Empain Palace Entry Tickets: $5.15
- Serapeum Of Saqqara Entry Tickets: $7.00
- Cairo Shopping Tour.: $7.00
- El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket: $7.08
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $15
- SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunrise Tour: $22
- Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
- From Portimão Early Birds Benagil Tour By Traditional Boat: $24
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding Guided Experience in Praia da Rocha: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.17Portimao $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Portimao, we can see that Portimao 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 Portimao 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 Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao 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 Portimao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Portimao?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Portimao, 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 Portimao?
Portimao 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 Portimao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Portimao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 28°C (82°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
In July, Cairo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portimao. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Portimao 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Portimao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Portimao. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Cairo is a little warmer than Portimao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Portimao fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Portimao. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Portimao 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Portimao in the Winter?
Both Portimao 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, most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Cairo is a little warmer than Portimao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cairo in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Portimao averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Portimao. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Portimao 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Portimao in the Spring?
Both Portimao 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, the spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Cairo is generally a little warmer than Portimao. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 21°C (70°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Portimao. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Portimao 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Portimao and Cairo
| Cairo | Portimao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.