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

Should you visit Luxor or Chennai?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Chennai? 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 Chennai?

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.

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Chennai 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 Chennai is $29. 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 Chennai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Chennai $15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Chennai $30
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Chennai

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Chennai? 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 Chennai


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 Chennai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Chennai $2.61
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:

  • 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $429
  • Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
  • Enjoy 2 days Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel includes daily lunch&transfers: $254
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada : $230
  • Private Transfer from luxor to Aswan with 2 stops in Komombo & Edfu Temples : $220
  • Shared Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $220
  • Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192
  • Private Transfer Luxor City To Sahl Hasheesh: $191
  • Private Transfer Luxor To Hurghada City: $191
  • One Way Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $180
  • Private Transfer From Luxor to Hurghada: $159
  • Private Group Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada: $150

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

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

  • Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
  • Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35
  • Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
  • Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $15
  • Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
  • Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25
  • Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
  • Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
  • Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $246
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Chennai?

Prices for flights to both Chennai 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
    Chennai $6.40

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
  • 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
  • private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
  • Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

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

  • 2 Hour Street Food Tour in Sowcarpet Chennai : $37
  • Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
  • Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai : $48
  • South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Menna: $54
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
  • Traditional Tamil Brahmin Vegetarian Cooking Lesson with a Local in Her Home: $74
  • Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
  • Private 3-Hour Cooking Lesson and Meal in Chennai: $100
  • Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
  • Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $216

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Chennai $2.77
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:

  • 7 nights Nile Cruise: $300
  • Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $108
  • Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
  • Day Tour to Karnak temple and luxor temple from luxor: $77
  • Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
  • Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $29
  • East Bank Tour in Luxor: $87
  • Experience the Magic of a Luxor Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: $85
  • From Hurghada: Privete Day Tour to Luxor and Valley of the Kings: $79
  • Full Day Private Tour of Luxor East and West Banks: $21
  • Full Day Private Tour to Explore Luxor's East and West Banks : $120
  • Full Day Tour in Luxor with Hot Air Balloon: $165

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

  • Chennai Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Explore Chennai in Nightlights (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Spiritual Trails of Chennai (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Walking Tour Chennai: $14
  • Chennai Night Walk Tour ( 2 hours guided walking tour): $16
  • Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $16
  • Magical Chennai Markets Tour (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $17
  • Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $17
  • 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $22
  • Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $26
  • Night Walking Tour of Chennai: $26
  • Chennai Food Tasting Trails (2 Hour Guided Tour Experience): $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Chennai $3.08


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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Chennai?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Chennai, 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.