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

Should you visit Luxor or Cape Town?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Cape Town? 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 Cape Town?

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.

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Luxor?

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 Luxor is $20, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $127. 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 Cape Town in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.20
    Cape Town $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $14
    Cape Town $76
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Cape Town

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Cape Town? 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 Cape Town


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 Cape Town Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.69
    Cape Town $17
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:

  • VIP Luxor Airport Transfer: $45
  • Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $14
  • Transfer to East bank Luxor From Hotel Or Airport : $47
  • Transfer from luxor to marsa alam : $150
  • Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada or vice versa ( optional Denderh): $47
  • Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada: $85
  • Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada: $55
  • Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada: $64
  • Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $69
  • Transfer from Luxor airport to East Bank Hotels : $7.00
  • Transfer from Luxor To Hurghada : $48
  • Transfer from Luxor To Aswan: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

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

  • Airport Transfers To Hermanus: $217
  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $17
  • Cape Town International Airport Private Affordable Transfers: $52
  • Airport transfers: $22
  • 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
  • 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $19
  • 6 Hour Private Tour of Robben Island with Return Transfers: $98
  • AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $27
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Cape Town City Center : $17
  • Airport Transfer: $32
  • Airport Transfer ( Cape Town): $39
  • Airport Transfer (Cape Town ) Bus: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Cape Town?

Prices for flights to both Cape Town 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 $9.53
    Cape Town $72

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: $31
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
  • Savor a Sunset Felucca on the Nile in Luxor Lunch or dinner: $35
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
  • Sunset Dinner at a Traditional Egyptian House of Luxor: $45
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Nile in Luxor: $50
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
  • Private Romantic Dinner with Fallucca Sail boat on the Nile Luxor: $70
  • private day in west bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

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

  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $40
  • Malay Cooking Class and Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $54
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $62
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
  • From CapeTown: African Dinner and Drumming Experience: $67
  • African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $69
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $75
  • South African Cooking in Cape Town with Local Chef Richard: $76
  • South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family: $82
  • Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.36
    Cape Town $23
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)
    $0.54
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.59
  • 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:

  • 7 Hours Private Tour in Luxor with Lunch : $35
  • Balloon Experience with Personalized Photography: $120
  • Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Experience Of Luxor: $56
  • Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $120
  • Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
  • Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $90
  • Day Tour to Karnak temple and luxor temple from luxor: $77
  • Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $52
  • Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
  • Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $52
  • Dendera Temple Tour by Boat from Luxor { private }: $120
  • Dendera Temple from Luxor Private Tour: $49

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $3.30
  • Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.53
  • 30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching: $3.75
  • V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $4.00
  • District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $4.00
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.31
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.37
  • Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
  • Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Return Ticket : $5.23
  • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • The Village in the City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bo-Kaap: $5.34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.14
    Cape Town $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

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

  • Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $9.23
  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.50
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $19
  • Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $26
  • Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $28
  • Stellenbosch and Paarl Half-Day Wine Tour: $36
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $41
  • From 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines: $41
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $45
  • Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Babylonstoren Wine Tour: $46
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $49
  • From CapeTown: Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $51


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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Cape Town?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Cape Town, 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 Cape Town?

Cape Town 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 Cape Town in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Cape Town. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is much warmer than Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

Luxor usually gets less rain in July than Cape Townin January. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Cape Town 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Cape Town in the Autumn?

Both Cape Town and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.

In the autumn, Luxor is a little warmer than Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luxor in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

In October, Luxor usually receives less rain than Cape Townin April. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Cape Town 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Cape Town in the Winter?

Both Cape Town and Luxor during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Cape Townin July. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in January than Cape Townin July. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Cape Town 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Cape Town in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Cape Town. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.

Luxor is much warmer than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.

In April, Luxor usually receives less rain than Cape Townin October. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Cape Town 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Cape Town and Luxor

Luxor Cape Town
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)