A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luxor vs. Kolkata (Calcutta) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luxor or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?

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.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, and The Best Bicycle Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) is $37. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Kolkata (Calcutta)

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)


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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11
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:

  • Private Transfer from & to Luxor Airport from Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.00
  • Luxor Airport Private Transfer: $6.00
  • Private Transfer From Luxor to Anywhere in Safaga: $6.00
  • Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40
  • Private Transfer : from / to Luxor Airport (any Hotel): $6.40
  • private Transfer From Luxor Hotel To The Airport Or Vice Versa : $7.00
  • Private Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor Airport: $7.00
  • Private Transfer Luxor Airport to Hotel: $7.00
  • Pickup Transfers And Taxi Services From Hotel In Luxor To Luxor Airport: $7.50
  • Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
  • Luxor Train Station Private Transfer to Your Hotel: $7.50
  • Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):

  • Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
  • Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $165
  • Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $14

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 Kolkata (Calcutta)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).

  • Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
  • Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner: $41
  • Alleyway Food Tour: $42
  • Traditional Bengali Cooking Class in Kolkata in a Local Home: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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:

  • Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Mummification Museum Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Souvenir Shopping Tour, Luxor: $5.13
  • Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $6.40
  • Skip-the-Line Valley Of The Queens Entry Ticket: $7.00
  • Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $7.60
  • Private Tour Shopping in Luxor Exploring Workshops and Markets: $8.00
  • Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $8.45
  • Karnak Temple And Luxor Temple Private Day Tour : $8.89
  • Explore Luxor temple and City Private Tour by Flucca: $9.00
  • Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Tickets : $9.20

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:

  • Kolkata Colonial Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Heritage & Cultural Walk of Kolkata (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Kolkata Half Day Guided City Tour: $27
  • The Taste of Kolkata - Evening Food Walk Tour: $30
  • Magic Hour Tour: $37
  • Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
  • Kolkata's Flower Market - Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour: $37
  • Kolkata Slum Walking Tour: $41
  • Mesmerising Kolkata Private Customised Day Tour: $53
  • Kolkata Daily - A Private Tour - Explore • Engage • Enchant: $55
  • Full Day City Tour Of Kolkata With Guide: $55
  • Kolkata Heritage Tram Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Also in Kolkata (Calcutta), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Kolkata: $39


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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.