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

Should you visit Luxor or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Barcelona 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 Barcelona is $167. 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 Barcelona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Barcelona $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Barcelona $206
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Barcelona

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona


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 Barcelona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Barcelona $20
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:

  • Luxor Airport Private Transfer: $6.00
  • Private Transfer from & to Luxor Airport from Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.00
  • Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40
  • private Transfer From Luxor Hotel To The Airport Or Vice Versa : $7.00
  • Transfers from Luxor Airport to Hotels or to Nile Cruise: $7.00
  • Luxor Airport Departure: Convenient Private Hotel Transfer: $7.02
  • Luxor Airport Private Luxury Transfer (Arrival or Departure): $7.20
  • Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
  • Pickup Transfers And Taxi Services From Hotel In Luxor To Luxor Airport: $7.50
  • Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $8.00
  • Luxor Private Transfer From East&west Banks hotels to the Airport: $8.00
  • Luxor Private Transfer East Bank hotels to Airport or vice versa: $8.00

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

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


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    $8.36
  • Airport Bus
    $5.36
  • Metro
    $2.25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City transfer : $31
  • Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $40
  • Barcelona City to Sant Train Station Barcelona private transfer: $31
  • Transfer From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Cruise Port: $40
  • Airport Transfers Barcelona Minivan : $75
  • Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $31
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $70
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona: $33
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Car: $130
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $75
  • Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Barcelona?

Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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
    Barcelona $35

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

Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    $4.45
  • Sandwich
    $1.82
  • Baguette & Horchata
    $4.07
  • Tapas on the beach
    $8.88
  • Gelatto
    $2.68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
  • Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Barcelona $36
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    $45
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    $9.16
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    $6.43

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
  • History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
  • Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.21
  • Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.21
  • Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.21
  • Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21
  • Gaudí Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
  • Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.26
  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
  • Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.27
  • Sagrada Familia Exterior Free Tour: Stories, Secrets & Symbolism: $3.27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Barcelona $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
  • Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
  • Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
  • Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Barcelona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Luxor can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 33°C (91°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Barcelona. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Luxor is a little warmer than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the winter, Luxor is much warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luxor in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Luxor during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Luxor is generally much warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 25°C (77°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Luxor

Luxor Barcelona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)