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

Should you visit Luxor or Albufeira?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Albufeira? 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: Luxor or Albufeira?

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.

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Luxor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $17, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is $158. 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 Luxor and Albufeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Albufeira $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Albufeira $158
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Albufeira

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Albufeira? 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 Luxor


Hotels in Albufeira


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 and Albufeira Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Albufeira $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax: $49
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
  • From Slide & Splash Waterpark One-Way Transfer: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
  • Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
  • Private Transfer From Albufeira To Faro Airport By Minibus: $75
  • Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax): $59
  • Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Ferreiras to Faro (FAO) Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Albufeira?

Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Luxor 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
    Luxor $5.83
    Albufeira $51

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

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

  • A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
  • Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
  • Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
  • Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
  • Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Albufeira $41
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)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.74
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

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

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

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

  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
  • Old Town History Walking Tour with Drink: $20
  • Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $21
  • Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $21
  • Albufeira Old Town: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Albufeira The Strip: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Albufeira: $22
  • 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
  • Algarve Wines Tasting Shared Experience at Mercado Municipal de Silves: $27
  • Tour to Benagil Caves and Coastline in Albufeira: $29
  • Private Guided Tuk Tuk Tour with pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira : $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Albufeira $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
  • Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
  • Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
  • Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
  • Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
  • Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
  • From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
  • Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107


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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Albufeira?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Albufeira, 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 Luxor or Albufeira?

Albufeira 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 Luxor or Albufeira in the Summer?

Both Albufeira and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is a little warmer than Albufeira in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Albufeira in the Autumn?

Both Albufeira and Luxor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Luxor is a little warmer than Albufeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luxor in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Albufeira averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Albufeira. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Luxor or Albufeira in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Albufeira. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Also, many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Albufeira in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Albufeira. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Luxor is much warmer than Albufeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Albufeira. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Albufeira and Luxor

Luxor Albufeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)