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

Should you visit Cappadocia or Cairo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cappadocia or Cairo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Cappadocia or Cairo?

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, between the mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan. It is famous for its underground cities, fairy chimneys, and caves. The landscape of the area is some of the most unique you'll ever see. The fairy chimneys are bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings that have evolved from the unique geography in the area. There are hiking trails through the series of valleys that make up the area. It's a great place to explore for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Cappadocia?

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 Cappadocia is $122, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $29. 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 Cappadocia and Cairo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cappadocia $34
    Cairo $9.74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cappadocia $68
    Cairo $19
Compare Hotels in Cappadocia and Cairo

Looking for a hotel in Cappadocia or Cairo? 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 Cappadocia


Hotels in Cairo


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: Cappadocia Hotel Prices and Cairo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cappadocia $33
    Cairo $3.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia

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

  • ATV Quad Bike Tour in Cappadocia (Sunrise/sunset + transfer): $23
  • Cappadocia 2 Hours Sunset ATV Tour w/Free Hotel Transfers: $18
  • Cappadocia 2-Hour Sunset ATV Quad Tour with Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Cappadocia ATV Safari Sunrise Sunset Daytime Hotel Transfer: $12
  • Cappadocia ATV tour with transfer and guide: $12
  • Cappadocia Airport Transfer: $114
  • Cappadocia Airport Transfer to/from Kayseri/Nevsehir (ASR or NAV): $14
  • Cappadocia Dervishes Ceremony & İncluding Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Cappadocia Flying Dress Photo Shoot with Transfer: $210
  • Cappadocia Green South Walking Tour Lunch and Transfer: $40
  • Cappadocia Green and Red Combo Tour with Transfers and Lunch: $74
  • Cappadocia Horseback Riding Tour (Transfer Included): $45

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

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


  • Metro Ride
    $0.07
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.27

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
  • 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
  • Private Transfer from Cairo City Hotels to Port Said Cruise Port: $296
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Int Airport (CAI) to Port Said Port: $296
  • Private Pickup Transfers From Cairo To Luxor By Bus: $295
  • Private One-Way Transfer to/from Hurghada: $292
  • Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh: $290
  • Full-Day Private Trip to Fayoum from Cairo, with Transfer: $286
  • Private Tour to Memphis Sakkara & Dahshur Pyramids With Transfers: $280
  • From Private Day Trip to Luxor w/ Transfer: $278
  • 2-Day-One night Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $274

Is it cheaper to fly into Cappadocia or Cairo?

Prices for flights to both Cairo and Cappadocia 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
    Cappadocia $56
    Cairo $15
Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia

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


  • Cookies
    $0.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cappadocia

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

  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Drinks: $51
  • Cappadocia From Traditional Cooking Class Course: $57
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show, Dinner & Unlimited Drinks & Pickup: $61
  • Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Unlimited Drinks: $62
  • Turkish Nights in Cappadocia Dinner & Cultural Show in a Cave: $65
  • Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner: $70
  • Turkish Night Show With Dinner in a Cave Restaurant: $74
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Cultural Show and Dinner: $75
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner & Hotel Transfers: $75
  • Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri: $78
  • 2-Hour Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner Experience: $79
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night with Dinner and Cultural Show: $79

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.

  • Giza Pyramids Sphinx , ATV, camel ride Plus Nile Dinner Cruise: $3.00
  • Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $4.50
  • Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
  • Cairo Dinner Nile Cruise with Belly Dancer Show on Nile River: $7.00
  • Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
  • Giza Pyramids Sphinx and Nile River Dinner Cruise Cairo Tour: $7.20
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $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
  • Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00
  • Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $8.00
  • Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping,Dinner cruiseII: $8.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cappadocia $62
    Cairo $7.85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cappadocia

For Cappadocia, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Underground City Entrance for Two
    $0.60
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
    $12
  • Horseback Riding for Two
    $2.31
  • Cappadocia Driving Tour
    $2.46
  • Goreme Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.30
  • Whirling Dervishes Show
    $2.01
  • Turkish Bath
    $1.41
  • Hot air ballooning
    $8.15
  • Goreme open air museum
    $0.40
  • Bellydancing Show
    $2.62

Tours and Activities in Cappadocia

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

  • Cappadocia Sunrise Balloon Watching Tour with Hotel Pickup: $3.39
  • Cappadocia Green Tour Lunch + Guide + Museum Tickets /Small Group: $3.39
  • Cappadocia Daily Tour Red & Green - Mix: $5.68
  • Cappadocia Horse Tour: $6.70
  • Cappadocia Private Day Tour: $8.00
  • Cappadocia Private Tour - Cappadocia's All Highlights in 1 Day: $9.00
  • Private Full Day Cappadocia Tour With Luxury Van and Guide: $9.00
  • One Day Cappadocia Private Tour: $9.00
  • Private Pottery Workshop Experience and Guiding: $9.08
  • Cappadocia Tours : Best of Cappadocia: $10
  • Private Tour : All Highlights of Cappadocia 1 Day: $10
  • Cappadocia Artisan & Local Craft Experience: $10

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
    $0.73
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $5.59

Tours and Activities in Cairo

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

  • “Cairo Private Tour: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & GEM Museum”: $69
  • ( Stopover Tour Of Cairo ) Private All Inc.Pyramids,Camel Ride,Museum& Lunch: $180
  • (Egypt jewel) Day Tour To Giza Pyramids, Museum, Mosque &Felucca: $55
  • 01 Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $246
  • 1 Day Private Tour from Hurghada to Cairo: $219
  • 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 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 Private Felucca Boat Tour on the Nile: $7.00
  • 1-Hour Private Felucca Boat Tour on the Nile: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cappadocia $12
    Cairo $1.28

Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:

  • Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $67
  • Local Wine Tasting Experience: $68
  • Wine Tasting in Cappadocia Turkey - Introduction of local wines: $72
  • Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys Guided Tour with Local Wine Tasting: $85
  • Cappadocia Vineyard Experience and Wine Tasting: $92
  • Private Wine Tasting and Day Tour w/Göreme Museum: $108
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $204
  • Half-Day Private Cappadocia Wine Tour Experience: $268
  • Ancient Cappadocia's Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $275

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
  • Cairo Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour: $75
  • Cairo Autumn Downtown Food & Bar Crawl with Drinks: $108


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cappadocia and Cairo, we can see that Cappadocia is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cappadocia is in Europe and Cairo is in Africa, 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 Cappadocia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cappadocia 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 Cappadocia Expensive? and Is Cairo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cappadocia or Cairo?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 1220 times larger than the population of Cappadocia. When comparing the sizes of Cappadocia and Cairo, 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.