Which place is cheaper, Seoul 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 Seoul?
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 Seoul 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 Seoul?
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $32Seoul $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $32, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $119. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $11Seoul $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Seoul $100
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Seoul? 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 Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $3.64Seoul $14
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$0.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Private Airport or City Transfer to Cairo and Giza hotels: $4.09
- Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel at Cairo or Giza: $6.00
- VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $9.00
- Private Cairo Airport Transfers & Limousine to Anywhere in Cairo or vice versa: $10
- Private Transfer To/From Cairo Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotels in Cairo: $10
- Private Transfer: From/To Cairo International Airport Cairo Giza: $10
- Private Transfer: Cairo Airport (CAI) to Hotel in Cairo/Giza: $11
- Private Transfer from Cairo Airport: $12
- Private Pickup transfer from Hotel Longchamps to Cairo airport: $12
- Pickup transfer from Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis to Cairo airport: $12
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to JW Marriott Hotel Cairo: $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.34
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Short Taxi Ride$4.67
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Metro Ride$0.90
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Seoul City Pass Plus$6.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Gimpo Airport GMP Private Transfer To From Seoul Hotels: $108
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Incheon Airport (ICN): Private Transfer To/From Seoul Hotels: $104
- Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
- Lotte World 1Day Pass+Obesrvatoy+Private round transfer(Seoul): $115
- Lotte World Theme Park Private Transfer: $218
- Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport Seoul (1-5 people): $92
- Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 $17Seoul $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.
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping,Dinner cruiseII: $8.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $8.00
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
- 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Giza pyramids, Sphinx, ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise&shopping: $9.00
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $9.00
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.00
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Waffle$0.67
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Dippin' Dots$1.33
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.67
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Chicken Stick$1.33
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.27
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Lunch Buffet$4.00
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Donut$0.67
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Mushroom Burger$3.47
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.20
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Udon & Sushi$4.67
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Fresh Burger$3.20
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.00
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.34
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Fried Rice$3.67
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.34
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.34
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Donut$1.67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- EG Tour Gimpo Peace and Food Tour: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $59
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Street Food Tour in Jongno, Heart of Seoul: $61
- Dinner at a Local's Hanok & Seoul's Night Life: $61
- Korean Home Style Cooking Class in Gangnam Seoul: $62
- Explore Seoul's Flavors on Group Cooking Class Adventure: $63
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $8.71Seoul $24
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$0.81
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.20
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- VIP All-Inclusive Grand Egyptian Museum,Pyramids & Quad Bike Tour: $4.00
- Best-Selling Giza Pyramids Tour: Camel Ride, Lunch &Private Guide: $4.00
- 4hours VIp Private tour Giza pyramids & sphinx All Inclusive: $4.50
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.50
- VIP Private Giza Pyramids Sphinx Tour with Camel Ride: $4.90
- Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Half Day Tour: $5.00
- ViP Private Tour Giza Pyramids,camel ride , inside 3rd Pyramid: $5.00
- Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx & Mummies Museum Private Guided Tour: $5.00
- Egyptian Spicy Shop Shopping Private Tour: $5.00
- Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx Day Tour: $5.00
- Female Guided Tour for Pyramids, Bazaar and Museum Tour: $5.00
- Top : 5 Hours Day Tour Pyramid Sakkara Pyramid Memphis City: $5.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.34
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Movie Ticket$5.34
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Kimchi Museum$2.00
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Seoul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Seoul Walking Tour 3h30 and 19 audio reviews: $6.80
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- Seoul : Essential History Walking Tour for Visitor: $14
- Elysian Gangchon Winter Ski + Eobi Ice Valley Day Tour fr Seoul: $14
- Changdeokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- bukchon Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- Yeouido: Seoul Eland Han River Cruise: $15
- Jamsil: Seoul Eland Han River Cruise: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.42Seoul $11
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 Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Beyond Makgeolli: A Hidden Brewery Experience in Seoul: $9.52
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $80
- From Yeongdong Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Janggu: $91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Seoul, we can see that Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Cairo. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Seoul, 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 Seoul?
Seoul 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 Seoul in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Cairo is around the same temperature as Seoul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Seoul averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.
Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Seoul. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Seoul in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Seoul. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Cairo is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Seoul. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Seoul in the Winter?
Both Seoul 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. Cairo is much warmer than Seoul in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Seoul. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Seoul in the Spring?
Both Seoul 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, many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Cairo is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Seoul averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Cairo
| Cairo | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.