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

Should you visit Cairo or Washington?

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 Washington 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 Washington?

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.

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

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 United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Washington or Cairo?

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

  • Cairo Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Washington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cairo $31
    Washington $226

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $31, while the average daily cost in Washington is $226. 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 Washington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $10
    Washington $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $20
    Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Washington

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Washington? 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 Washington


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 Washington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.53
    Washington $47
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:

  • Cairo To Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $511
  • From One-Way Private A/C Transfer To Luxor City.: $489
  • 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
  • Private One-Way Transfer to/from Hurghada: $292
  • Private Transfer Cairo to Hurghada: $290
  • From Private Day Trip to Luxor w/ Transfer: $278
  • Private Transfer Cairo To Soma Bay: $268
  • Cairo To Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $267
  • Private Transfer Cairo To Sahl Hasheesh: $264
  • One Way Private Transfer from Cairo to Luxor: $256
  • Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to El Alamein: $253
  • 3-Days Private Guided Tour Package Covering all Cairo,Lunch and Airport Transfer: $240

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer DCA to/from Washington DC Downtown Area only: $147
  • Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA - Washington DC: $75
  • Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Business Car: $144
  • Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury Van: $174
  • Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $176
  • Arrival Transfer from Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by SUV: $198
  • BWI Airport Transfer From or To Washington DC: $165
  • Baltimore Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $150
  • DCA to Baltimore Downtown | Private Luxury Airport Transfer: $140
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $192
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $159
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $144

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Washington?

Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $16
    Washington $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
  • Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
  • Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
  • 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
  • Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
  • night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
  • Romantic Nile Dinner Cruise Experience: $8.00
  • 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
  • food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $8.00
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
  • 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00

Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $59
  • Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
  • DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $73
  • Washington D.C : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $93
  • Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
  • Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
  • Washington DC: Food Tour with 6+ Locals Favorites Bites: $99
  • City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Washington, DC: Downtown DC Food Tour: $125
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • City Cruises DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch/Dinner Cruise: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $8.46
    Washington $23
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
    $0.78
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.02

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • (Egypt jewel) Day Tour To Giza Pyramids, Museum, Mosque &Felucca: $55
  • 01 Day Cairo tour Islamic and Coptic Cairo: $143
  • 01 Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $246
  • 1 Day Private Tour in Cairo and Giza: $90
  • 1 Day Private Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $100
  • 1 Day tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $30
  • 1 Day tour to Giza pyramids Memphis city Dahshur and Saqqara pyramids: $15
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour Around Giza Pyramids: $30
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour around Giza Pyramids: $38
  • 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1 Hour adventure in the Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $2.32
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.87
  • The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h20 and 18 reviews: $6.94
  • The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • The Architecture of Argument: A DC Self-guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Capitol Hill Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Form Follows Function: An Audio Tour of D.C.'s Federal Buildings: $9.99
  • Washington DC Mall Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $12
  • DC - Historical: At your leisure and your pace. Downloadable audiovisual tour.: $15
  • Explore Washington DC: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Washington, D.C: History and Culture Walking Tour With Guide: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.37
    Washington $19

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 Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Astounding Bar Crawl: Wildin' Out Washington DC: $15
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $29
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted DC Pub Crawl Spirits and Scandals in the Capital: $35
  • Washington, DC: History Tour Pub Crawl: $49
  • Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105


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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Washington?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Washington, 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 Washington?

Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington and Cairo during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cairo is around the same temperature as Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Washington. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Washington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cairo or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cairo is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Washington. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Washington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cairo or Washington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Washington. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In January, Cairo is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the winter, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Washington. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Washington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Cairo or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cairo is much warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Washington during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Washington. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Washington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Washington and Cairo

Cairo Washington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)