Should I Visit Luxor or Jaisalmer for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Luxor or Jaisalmer?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer?

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.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

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, Jaisalmer or Luxor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Luxor Prices
Egypt Prices

Jaisalmer Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Luxor $20

Jaisalmer $45

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $20, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $45. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Luxor $7.16

Jaisalmer $13
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Luxor $14

Jaisalmer $26

Compare Hotels in Luxor and Jaisalmer

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Jaisalmer? 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.

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 Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Luxor $3.67

Jaisalmer $12

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:

3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan with Transfers and Meals: $429
Private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by Car: $280
Luxor to Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $277
Private Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $270
Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $236
Private Transfer Luxor City To El Gouna: $229
Private Transfer Luxor City To Sahl Hasheesh: $229
Private Transfer from Luxor to Dendara Temple to Hurghada: $199
Private transfer - from Luxor to Hurghada and visit Dendara en route: $192
Private Transfer from Luxor to Abu Simbel: $183
Luxor to Hurghada Private Transfer: $150
Family Friendly Private Transfer from Luxor to Marsa Alam: $150

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
Jaisalmer Airport: One-Way Transfer Arrival and Departure: $12
One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $43
One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $12
Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Jaisalmer?

Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 $9.48

Jaisalmer $23

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
Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
Private Romantic Dinner or Lunch on board Felucca at Luxor Nile: $45
Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Nile in Luxor: $50
Felucca Ride at Sunset and Dinner at an Egyptian House in Luxor: $55
Saray El Nile restaurant Dinner : $60
Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
private day in west bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
Luxor Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show with Dinner and Transfers: $95
Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:

Dinner

$4.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

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

Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner by Wanderlust: $24
Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $29
4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $46
Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $53
Jeep Safari,Camel Ride,Buffet Dinner & Folk Dance: $65
Half-Day Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $70
Luxury tent, dinner, breakfast, camel ride in thar desert: $94

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Luxor $6.33

Jaisalmer $12

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)

$0.53
Temple Karnak for Two

$2.57
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:

3 Day City Break Tour in Luxor: $290
7 Hours Private Tour in Luxor with Lunch : $35
Balloon Experience with Personalized Photography: $120
Balloon, Tour of Temples West Bank and Carter House in Luxor : $93
Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Experience Of Luxor: $56
Daily Tour at The East & West Bank of the Nile: $120
Day Tour to Madinet Habu Temple & the Workers Tombs: $51
Dendera Temple Half Day Tour from Luxor: $52
Dendera Temple from Luxor Private Tour: $49
Dendera and Abydos Templs Full Day Tour: $170
East Bank Tour in Luxor: $87
Enjoy Private full day tour Dendera & Abydos From Luxor: $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

Sam Sand Dunes for Two

$3.48

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

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

Frenzy Paradise Overnight Thar Desert Camping Tour: $5.80
Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $12
Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $12
Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer- Guided Walking Tour: $13
Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
Vibrant Markets of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
Marvin Private Full-Day Tour of Golden City Jaisalmer: $16
Walking tour of Jaisalmer: $17
private golden city heritage tour: $17
Private Full-Day Tour of Golden City Jaisalmer: $17
Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Guided Walking Tour: $17

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Luxor $2.12

Jaisalmer $8.95

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Luxor or Jaisalmer?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Jaisalmer, 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.

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

Should you visit Luxor or Jaisalmer?

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

Where Should I go: Luxor or Jaisalmer?

Luxor

Jaisalmer

Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer or Luxor?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Luxor and Jaisalmer

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Jaisalmer?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Luxor or Jaisalmer?

Related Articles for Luxor

Related Articles for Jaisalmer

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

Should you visit Luxor or Jaisalmer?

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

Where Should I go: Luxor or Jaisalmer?

Luxor

Jaisalmer

Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer or Luxor?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Luxor and Jaisalmer

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Jaisalmer?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Luxor or Jaisalmer?

Related Articles for Luxor

Related Articles for Jaisalmer

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