Which place is cheaper, Riga 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 Riga?
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 Riga 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 Riga?
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.
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.
-
Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesRiga Prices
Latvia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $31Riga $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $31, while the average daily cost in Riga is $141. 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 Riga in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11Riga $60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Riga $120
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Riga
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Riga? 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 Riga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.55Riga $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride$0.08
-
Taxi Ride$0.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Private Airport or City Transfer to Cairo and Giza hotels: $5.50
- Cairo CAI Airport Private Transfer to/from Cairo/El Omraniya: $8.82
- Cairo Airport (CAI) Private Transfer From or To All Cairo Hotells: $9.47
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to the hotel in Cairo or Giza: $10
- Private Departure Transfer from Cairo City to Cairo Airport: $12
- VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from InterContinental Cairo Citystars to Cairo airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from Cairo Pyramids Hotel to Cairo airport: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Hilton Cairo Heliopolis: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from Novotel Cairo El Borg to Cairo airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from JW Marriott Hotel Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski: $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minibus: $124
- Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minibus: $124
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $72
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $161
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Pärnu City Tour: $680
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $494
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $448
- Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
- Private Transfer from Riga Cruise Port to Riga Airport (RIX): $59
- Private Transfer from Riga International Airport RIX to Riga City: $38
- Private transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga city by Car or Van: $72
- Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga City - Private Transfer.: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Riga?
Prices for flights to both Riga 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 $17Riga $66
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
- Giza Pyramids Sphinx Camel Ride ATV Bike Shopping Dinner cruise: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride: $7.00
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $7.65
- Giza pyramids, sphinx &ATV +Nile Dinner cruise: $8.00
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $8.00
- Romantic Nile Dinner Cruise Experience: $8.00
- Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $8.00
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
-
Fast Food Lunch$6.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Riga Central Market Food Tour with Guide & Tastings ENG, DE: $26
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour with 20 taste samples: $52
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $69
- Latvian Cooking Class in a Local Home: $114
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $128
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $248
- Pizza Making Master Class in Riga: $249
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $8.51Riga $16
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$0.79
-
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.06
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- VIP Luxury Shopping Tour –Local Markets + Gourmet Lunch & Drinks: $4.00
- Ancient Egypt Journey: Giza, Saqqara & Dahshur Private Experience: $4.00
- Day tour to Giza pyramids & sphinx, saqqara and Memphis: $4.00
- Budget-Friendly Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Tour: $4.00
- Full-Day Giza Pyramids,Sphinx, Saqqara&Memphis All-Inclusive Tour: $4.00
- Top Luxury PrivateTour Giza Pyramids,Grand Egyptian MuseumFelucca: $4.39
- Luxury Private Tour Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum: $4.74
- Half-Day Tour Giza Pyramids&Sphinx Tour With Great Photographer: $5.00
- Explore Giza Pyramids on a Private ATV or Camel Tour: $5.00
- Shopping Tour Discover Khan El Khalili & More: $5.00
- Half Day Tour to Giza Pyramid,Sphinx ,inside pyramid,Camel,lunch: $5.00
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx Full Tour inside pyramids & tomb: $5.00
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $8.29
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.22
- Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $10
- Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
- Old Town Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $12
- Old Town E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $12
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $12
- Old Riga E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide, 45 min: $12
- Riga Panoramic River Tour by MISISIPI Boat: $12
- Old Riga Walking Tour: Stories and Legends ENG/DE/ESP: $12
- Top Panorama Cruise With Bar,WiFi and audioguide: $13
- Admission Ticket to Live Silver Museum: $13
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.38Riga $23
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $29
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer and Riga Balsam Tasting: $32
- Combo Brewery Tour + Canal Boat tour: $39
- 2 in 1 - Old Town Walking Tour & Pub Crawl: $40
- Private - Riga Pub Crawl: $40
- Riga 2 in 1 Tour: Art Nouveau Tour & Pub Crawl: $45
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $51
- Authentic Latvian Brewery Beer Tasting & Riga Highlight Tour: $51
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $52
- Pub Crawl for 50+ with Folk Clubs & Authentic Bars: $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Riga, we can see that Riga 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 Riga 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Riga?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Riga, 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 Riga?
Riga 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 Riga in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cairo is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Riga averages at about 17°C (63°F).
In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Riga. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Riga 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Riga in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Riga. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Cairo is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Riga. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Riga 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Riga in the Winter?
Both Riga 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, the winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Riga can be very cold. Cairo is much warmer than Riga in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Riga fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Riga. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Riga -5°C (23°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Riga in the Spring?
Both Riga 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In the spring, Cairo is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Riga averages at about 5°C (42°F).
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Riga. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Riga 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Riga and Cairo
| Cairo | Riga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.