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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cappadocia is $150, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $17. 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 $52
    Cairo $9.27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cappadocia $104
    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 $50
    Cairo $2.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia

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

  • Cappadocia Red Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer incl): $89
  • Private Airport Transfer Service from/to Kayseri or Nevsehir : $111
  • 2 Days 1 Night Cappadocia Tour (Airport Transfer, Hotel, Daily Tour And Atv): $212
  • 2-Hour Sunset Quad Bike Tour in Cappadocia with Transfer (1 ATV for 2 persons): $44
  • ATV Safari Experience in Cappadocia with roundtrip hotel transfer: $47
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer(Kayseri ASR - Nevsehir NAV Airport to Hotel): $13
  • All in One Private Cappadocia Tour By Optional Airport Transfer : $222
  • Cappadocia Airport Private Transfer: $111
  • Cappadocia Airport Transfer Safe and Comfortable : $56
  • Cappadocia Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Champagne and Transfers: $172
  • Cappadocia Green Tour (inc: Pro Guide, Transfers, Tickets, Lunch): $75
  • Cappadocia Green Tour (inc: Pro Guide, Transfers, Tickets, Lunch): $87

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

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


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
  • Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
  • Private Transfer Cairo to Hurghada: $290
  • Full-Day Private Trip to Fayoum from Cairo, with Transfer: $286
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $280
  • 2-Day-One night Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $274
  • Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to Hurghada: $268
  • Cairo : Marvel the Camping in the White & Black Deserts & Cairo Private Transfer: $250
  • Private 3 Days in Giza Cairo and Alexandria including Free airport transfers: $250
  • 2-Day Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $250
  • Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to El Alamein: $238
  • Transfer from Hurghada to Cairo by van : $235

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 $49
    Cairo $4.70
Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia

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


  • Cookies
    $0.03

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 With Unlimited Drinks And Dinner: $30
  • Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner : $55
  • Turkish night show with dinner and unlimited free alcohol: $59
  • Romantic Cappadocia Private Sunset Dinner With Wild Food : $64
  • Turkish Night Unlimited Drinks & Dinner in Cappadocia: $64
  • Cappadocian cooking - hands-on class with pickup: $65
  • Cappadocia Cave Restaurant for Dinner and Turkish Entertainments: $72
  • Romantic Cappadocia Sunset Dinner and Wine : $75
  • Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri: $77
  • 2-Hour Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner Experience: $78
  • Turkish Night Show & Dinner: $82
  • Turkish Home Cooking Class in Cappadocia with Hotel Transfers: $104

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.

  • Cairo Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
  • Giza Dinner Cruise With Belly Dancer Show: $10
  • Cairo Nile dinner cruise night show with belly dancer: $10
  • Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $11
  • Food Tour in Local Cairo Life with Egyptian tea: $11
  • 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing : $13
  • night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $13
  • Private "Cairo Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Nile" with Pickup: $13
  • Private Cairo food tour and Egyptian tea: $14
  • food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $14
  • Experience Magic A 4Star Cairo Dinner Cruise with Belly Dancer: $15
  • Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cappadocia $95
    Cairo $5.69
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
    $0.92
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
    $18
  • Horseback Riding for Two
    $3.52
  • Cappadocia Driving Tour
    $3.75
  • Goreme Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.46
  • Whirling Dervishes Show
    $3.07
  • Turkish Bath
    $2.15
  • Hot air ballooning
    $12
  • Goreme open air museum
    $0.61
  • Bellydancing Show
    $3.99

Tours and Activities in Cappadocia

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

  • Cappadocia Private Tour (Car & Guide): $5.00
  • Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Watching Experience: $15
  • Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Watching Experience: $17
  • Cappadocia Private Tour with Car & Guide : $19
  • Cappadocia Horseback Riding Tour: $20
  • Cappadocia Red Tour ( Shared Group ) : $20
  • 2 Hour Sunset Quad Bike (ATV) Tour in Cappadocia: $22
  • Private Mix Tour in Cappadocia: $22
  • Horseback sunset tour in the unique valleys of Cappadocia: $25
  • 1 Hour ATV Tour: $27
  • Cappadocia Horse Riding Experience Sunrise Sunset Daytime: $30
  • Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour: $30

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
    $0.83
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.43

Tours and Activities in Cairo

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

  • 2-Day Cairo Giza Highlights Guided Tour including Camel Ride All inclusive : $40
  • 2-Day Tours at Cairo & Giza: $145
  • 2-Days tour at Cairo & Giza: $80
  • 3-Day Tour at Cairo & Giza : $200
  • 3-Days Tour at Cairo (Customized Package): $229
  • 3-Days Tour in Siwa Oasis from Cairo : $217
  • 8 Hours Private Cairo Tour: A Journey Back in Time: $45
  • 8-Hour Private Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara: $67
  • All Inclusive Private Tour to Giza pyramids With Tickets and Camel Ride : $80
  • Antiquities in the Egyptian Museum with Private Guided Tour : $35
  • Bedouin Desert Safari Tours By Jeep 4x4 In Hurghada: $55
  • Cairo 2-Day Private Tours Pyramids Museum Citadel Khan El Khalili With Lunch: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cappadocia $18
    Cairo $1.16

Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:

  • Wine Tasting in Cappadocia Turkey - Introduction of local wines: $25
  • Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $65
  • 3-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour in Cappadocia: $189
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $200
  • Private Tour: Best of Cappadocia with Wine Tasting: $288


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.