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

Should you visit Luxor or Gran Canaria?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Gran Canaria? 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 Gran Canaria?

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.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.

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


Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria is $134. 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 Gran Canaria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Gran Canaria $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Gran Canaria $134
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Gran Canaria

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Gran Canaria? 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 Gran Canaria


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Gran Canaria $49
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
  • One Way Transfer From Luxor to Alexandria In A Private Vehicle: $295
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $280
  • Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
  • Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $270
  • Enjoy 2 days Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel includes daily lunch&transfers: $254
  • Private Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada : $230
  • Private Pickup Transfers from Luxor to Cairo by Bus : $220
  • Private Transfer from luxor to Aswan with 2 stops in Komombo & Edfu Temples : $220
  • Private Transfer Luxor City To El Gouna: $196
  • Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Buggy Tour of 2 hours in the afternoon with Transfers only South Zone: $71
  • El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
  • From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from El Salobre to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Gáldar to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $64
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $61
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Anfí del Mar: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Gran Canaria?

Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria 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
    Gran Canaria $37

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Gran Canaria $22
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 Hours Private Tour in Luxor with Lunch : $35
  • City Tour, Hot Air Balloon, Kings Valley, Felucca in Luxor: $110
  • Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $108
  • Day Private Tour to Karnak and Luxor Temples: $90
  • Day Tour to East and West Banks From Luxor: $24
  • Day Tour to Hathor Temple at Dendera from Luxor by car: $72
  • Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $54
  • Day tour to Aswan from Luxo visit Edfu,Kom Ombo,Phila Temples & Aswan dam.: $276
  • Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $29
  • Dendera and Abydos Temples Day Tour from Luxor with Lunch: $75
  • Dendera and Abydos Templs Full Day Tour: $170
  • East Bank Tour in Luxor: $87

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

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

  • Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
  • Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
  • Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
  • Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
  • Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
  • Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
  • Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
  • Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
  • Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Gran Canaria $7.65

Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:

  • Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
  • Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
  • Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102


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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria in the Summer?

Both Gran Canaria and Luxor during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. In the summer, Luxor is a little warmer than Gran Canaria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luxor in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Luxor usually gets rain in July Gran Canaria. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Luxor or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Gran Canaria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.

In October, Luxor is generally around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 25°C (77°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In October, Luxor usually receives less rain than Gran Canaria. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Gran Canaria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Gran Canaria. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Luxor is cooler than Gran Canaria in the winter. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in January than Gran Canaria. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Gran Canaria in the Spring?

Both Gran Canaria and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.

In the spring, Luxor is a little warmer than Gran Canaria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luxor in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In April, Luxor usually receives less rain than Gran Canaria. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Luxor

Luxor Gran Canaria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)