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

Should you visit Cairo or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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 Queenstown?

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.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Cairo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $33, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $130. 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 Queenstown in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $11
    Queenstown $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $22
    Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Queenstown

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown


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 Queenstown Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.80
    Queenstown $10
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:

  • Private Transfer: Cairo Airport Arrival to any hotel in Cairo or Giza: $9.00
  • Private transfer from Cairo Airport to the hotel in Cairo or Giza: $9.00
  • Private Arrival or Departure Cairo Airport Transfer: $9.50
  • Private Transfer: Cairo Airport (CAI) to Hotel in Cairo/Giza: $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Your Hotel: $10
  • Cairo airport or Sphinx airport transfer : $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotels within Cairo and Giza: $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo International Airport to Cairo &Giza : $10
  • Private Transfer: From/To Cairo International Airport Cairo Giza: $11
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Cairo Airport: $11
  • Private Departure Transfer from Cairo City to Cairo Airport: $12
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Cairo or Giza to Cairo Airport: $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:

  • From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
  • One way transfer to Remarkable or Coronet Peak Ski Fields: $60
  • Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $69
  • Private Queenstown Airport to Hotel Transfers : $83
  • Private Return Luxury Transfers Queenstown to Gibbston Vineyard: $256
  • Private Transfer from Queenstown Central to Wanaka: $176
  • Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Central: $176
  • Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $176
  • QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
  • Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $101
  • Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Queenstown?

Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $18
    Queenstown $62
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.

  • Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
  • Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
  • Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138
  • Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $148
  • Queenstown Progressive Dinner & Wine Tour | 3 Stunning Locations: $285

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $9.09
    Queenstown $21
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 Queenstown

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:


  • Skyline Gondola (for 2)
    $30

Tours and Activities in Queenstown

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:

  • Underwater Theatre Experience Entry Ticket: $12
  • Augmented Reality Escape Adventure: $20
  • Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
  • Escape Adventure AR Experience in Queenstown: $23
  • Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $26
  • Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour: $29
  • Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $29
  • Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $32
  • Kiwi Park Admission Ticket: $35
  • Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $40
  • Scenic Queenstown Lake Cruise : $41
  • Coronet Peak Snow Play Experience from Queenstown: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.48
    Queenstown $8.86

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:

  • Ice Bar Crawl: $23
  • Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $59
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown : $59
  • Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $68
  • Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
  • Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
  • Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
  • Classic Wine Tour: $127
  • Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $131
  • Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
  • Central Otago Wine Tour Small Group, Expert Guide & Scenic Views: $136
  • Queenstown Wine Tour: $139


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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Queenstown?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 740 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Queenstown, 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.