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

Should you visit Luxor or Catania?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Catania? 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 Catania?

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.

Catania

Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is at the base of Mount Etna, which is the largest volcano in Europe. It's also the island's second largest city and a major transportation center for the area. With almost one million residents in the metropolitan area, the city serves as an important economic base and university town for Sicily. It's a vibrant city with a young population, a lively downtown, and an excellent nightlife. The city has an abundance of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the downtown area, where much of it is this architecture is concentrated, has been declared a World Heritage Site.

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


Which place is cheaper, Catania 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 Catania is $129. 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 Catania in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Catania $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Catania $138
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Catania

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Catania? 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 Catania


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 Catania Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Catania $22
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Catania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:

  • Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Palermo by Car: $722
  • Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Catania and Acireale: $52
  • Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Syracuse: $6.63
  • Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Taormina: $7.49
  • Catania Private Transfer (Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Messina, Naxos, Etna, etc): $71
  • Catania Airport to/from Verdura Resort Transfer: $321
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Agrigento: $373
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Catania: $63
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Siracusa: $134
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Siracusa: $155
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Taormina: $155
  • From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Van Transfer to Taormina: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Catania?

Prices for flights to both Catania 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
    Catania $44

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 Catania

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

  • Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $38
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $52
  • Cooking class & visit to the Catania Historical market: $59
  • Patisserie Food tour: $60
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $63
  • Food tour of Catania by night: $64
  • Catania Street Food Tour: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $73
  • Aci Trezza boat tour with dinner on board: $85
  • Cooking Class Tiramisù: $95
  • Cooking Class Arancini in Catania: $96
  • Cooking class Pizza: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Catania $21
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 Catania

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

  • One-way tickets to travel between airport and city: $2.69
  • Benedictine Monastery of Guided tour in English: $11
  • Heart of the City Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • The heart of the City - Guided tour in Italian: $21
  • Underground Catania Tickets and Guided Tour: $21
  • the heart of the City - Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $24
  • City Highlights Tour with Guide: $27
  • Food Tasting Tour in an ancient church: $35
  • Tasting tour in the ancient church of Piazza Scammacca: $35
  • Pozzo di Gaspare Farm Guided Tour with Tastings: $37
  • 2 hours guided tour of Catania: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Catania $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Catania

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

  • Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market: $48
  • Wine Tasting in the South Slope of Etna: $50
  • Etna: Urban Winery, Vineyards Walk & Wine Tasting at Sunset: $62
  • Wine tour in Catania: $102
  • Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $116
  • Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: $126
  • From Mt.Etna picnic and wine tasting: $128
  • Guided Tour of Etna with Wine Tasting & Appetizers: $139
  • Etna trekking and wine tasting: $147
  • Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $158
  • Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting: $265
  • From Catania/Taormina: Mount Etna Private Wine Tasting Tour: $433


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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Catania?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Catania, 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 Catania?

Catania 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 Catania in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Catania. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is a little warmer than Catania in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Catania fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Catania 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Catania. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite rainy in Catania. Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Luxor or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania 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, most visitors come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Catania. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Catania. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Luxor or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Luxor is much warmer than Catania in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Catania fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Catania. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Catania 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Catania and Luxor

Luxor Catania
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (51°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)