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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Cairo Prices
Egypt PricesWashington Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $33Washington $226
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $33, 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 personCairo $11Washington $113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $22Washington $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.
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 $3.80Washington $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride$0.08
-
Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- From Guided 4 Day Cairo & Red Sea Tour with Transfer: $1,440
- Private Day Trip to Luxor with Transfers and Flights: $791
- Cairo To Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $511
- From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $489
- 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Hurghada: $292
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Sharm El-Sheikh: $292
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private Transfer Cairo to Hurghada: $290
- Private Transfer From Cairo to Hurghada By Car: $280
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $280
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 Dulles IAD Airport⇄ Washington Dc: $99
- Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA ⇄ Washington DC: $65
- Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan ⇄Airport DCA to Washington DC: $90
- Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Business Car: $155
- Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury Car: $203
- Arrival Transfer from Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by SUV: $188
- Arrival Transfer: Airport DCA to Washington by Luxury SUV: $173
- Baltimore Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $154
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $232
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $173
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $173
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 dayCairo $18Washington $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
- 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
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: $60
- DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $71
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
- Adams Morgan Food Tour: $78
- Dupont Circle Food Tour: $84
- Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
- DC: Eastern Market Eats Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $99
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $104
- City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Dinner Cruise: $121
- City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Dinner Cruise: $127
- Eastern Market Neighborhood Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $129
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $9.09Washington $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:
-
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:
- 1 Day Private Tour in Cairo and Giza: $90
- 2 Days in Cairo & Giza Private Tour : $80
- 2-Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Pyramids and Museums: $253
- 2-Day Tour Ancient Egypt and Old Cairo Highlights Tour: $290
- 2-Days Tour at Cairo & Giza: $86
- 2-Days Tours at Cairo & Giza : $143
- 3 Days Private Tour in Giza, Cairo, and Alexandria: $70
- 8-Hour Private Tour Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and local Bazaars: $14
- Alexandria Private Day Tour From Cairo: $95
- Alexandria day tour : $75
- All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour to All Pyramids and Cairo and 2 evenings: $299
- All Inclusive Full-Day Tour to Pyramids, Museum, mosque and Felucca: $39
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $6.00
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Washington DC Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Georgetown's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $9.75
- Reflections on a Nation Self-Guided National Mall Highlights Tour: $9.99
- Washington DC Mall Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $12
- National Mall Democracy Quest Experience in Washington DC: $12
- Washington DC Audio Tour: Washington, D.C. Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- DC - Historical: At your leisure and your pace. Downloadable audiovisual tour.: $15
- Washington DC Monuments Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- City Cruises DC: Water Taxi from Wharf or Old Town Alexandria: $20
- Washington D.C.: Washington Wizards Basketball Game Ticket: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.48Washington $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: $70
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $36
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $56
- DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- 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 JulyCairo 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 OctoberCairo 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 JanuaryCairo 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 AprilCairo 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) |
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.