A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Luxor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Luxor?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Luxor? 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: Hydra or Luxor?

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Hydra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, while the average daily cost in Luxor is €16. 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 Hydra and Luxor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Luxor 7.14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Luxor 14
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Luxor

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Luxor? 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 Hydra


Hotels in Luxor


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: Luxor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Luxor 3.66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    0.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • Hot Air Balloon, Luxor Museum and Mummification with Transfer: $80
  • Luxor Airport Transfer : $15
  • Luxor airport transfer : $25
  • Luxor airport transfer To any place in the East Bank: $12
  • Private Transfer From Luxor to Aswan: $73
  • Transfers From Luxor To Hurghada : $140
  • 4- Hours Private Transfer With Driver In Luxor : $20
  • Airport Shuttles private Transfer to your Hotel/ Nile Cruise Boat: $10
  • Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $21
  • Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $27
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
  • Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Luxor?

Prices for flights to both Luxor and Hydra 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
    Hydra 30
    Luxor 5.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
  • Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner : $50
  • Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
  • Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
  • Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Luxor 6.31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    0.53
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    2.57
  • Camel Ride for Two
    1.19

Tours and Activities in Luxor

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

  • Ramesseum Mortuary Temple of Ramses II Entry Ticket: $4.56
  • Valley Of The Queens Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
  • Mummification Museum Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Souvenir Shopping Tour, Luxor: $5.13
  • Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $7.60
  • See the Valley of the Kings & More: Shared Tour (All-Inclusive): $8.80
  • Karnak Temple And Luxor Temple Private Day Tour : $8.95
  • Explore Luxor temple and City Private Tour by Flucca: $9.00
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Tickets : $9.20
  • Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Luxor 2.12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Luxor, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hydra is in Europe and Luxor 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Hydra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hydra than you might in Luxor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Luxor?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Luxor, 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 Hydra or Luxor?

Hydra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Luxor in the Summer?

Both Luxor and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Luxor can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Hydra is cooler than Luxor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Luxor averages at about 33°C (91°F).

In July, Hydra usually receives more rain than Luxor. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Luxor 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Luxor in the Autumn?

Both Luxor and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.

In October, Hydra is generally cooler than Luxor. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Hydra usually gets more rain in October than Luxor. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Luxor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Luxor. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hydra is cooler than Luxor in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Luxor fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In January, Hydra usually receives more rain than Luxor. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Luxor 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Luxor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Luxor. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.

In the spring, Hydra is much colder than Luxor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Luxor averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Hydra usually gets more rain in April than Luxor. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Luxor and Hydra

Hydra Luxor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)