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

Should you visit Luxor or Merzouga?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Merzouga? 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 Merzouga?

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.

Merzouga

Let's say you want to truly get away. I don't mean putting your ear buds in on some beach with a stronger on the next chair over. I mean really get away, and find yourself deserted. Merzouga, Morocco lets you do just that. This land of sand dune after sand dune is ideal for anyone yearning to ride a camel to the ends of civilization. And you'll find plenty of options to get here with a tour, or even on your own.

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


Which place is cheaper, Merzouga 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 Merzouga is $17. 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 Merzouga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Merzouga $10
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Merzouga $20
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Merzouga

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Merzouga? 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 Merzouga


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 Merzouga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Merzouga -
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
  • Luxor Private Transfer From East&west Banks hotels to the Airport: $8.00
  • Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $8.00
  • Luxor Private Transfer East Bank hotels to Airport or vice versa: $8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merzouga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Merzouga:

  • 1 way transfer: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Merzouga?

Prices for flights to both Merzouga 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
    Merzouga $5.92

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 Merzouga

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

  • One Night in Private Camp in the Sahara Desert in Merzouga with Dinner: $65
  • Sunset With Dinner And Berber Music in Merzouga Desert With 4WD : $65
  • Day Trip By Camels In Erg Chebbi Dunes, Lunch With Berber Pizza: $76
  • Merzouga Orange Dunes ATV Sandsurf Camels with 5 Stars Dinner: $85
  • Camel trek with 1 Night in Luxury camp with Dinner+ Sundbording: $87
  • 5 Hour Sunset Tour with Camel Ride and Dinner In Desert: $87
  • Visit The Nomads, Gnawa Music, Rally In Dunes, Berber Pizza : $104
  • Magical Dinner and Camel Trek with 1 Night In Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp: $105
  • Overnight in Luxury Camp With camel Trek & Dinner: $107
  • From Fes: 2-Day Merzouga Desert Trip(Luxury Tent & Dinner): $124
  • From Fes: 2-Day Merzouga Desert Trip w/Luxury Tent & Dinner: $127
  • 2 Nights Private Camp in Merzouga with Dinner and Camel Ride: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Merzouga -
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
  • Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
  • Valley Of The Queens Entry Ticket: $4.60
  • Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $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 Ticket: $9.20
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Tickets : $9.20

Tours and Activities in Merzouga

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

  • Camel Ride Experience: $27
  • Merzouga Desert Quad bike Adventure with Sand boarding: $38
  • Merzouga 4x4 Desert Excursion - Sahara 4WD Adventure: $43
  • Merzouga 4x4 Desert Tours & Excursions: $46
  • Extreme Adventure with Harness Zorbing in Merzouga dunes: $48
  • Merzouga one hour Adventure Tour: $54
  • Merzouga 4x4 tour - Excursion around dunes: $54
  • Merzouga Experience -1.5h Quad buggy : $55
  • Merzouga 4X4 Half-Day Tour with Lunch: $55
  • 1 Night Camel Trekking Tour in Merzouga Desert Camp : $60
  • From Quad bike tour to the peak of Erg Chebbi dune: $62
  • One Hour Sahara Desert Quad Biking tour: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Merzouga -


When comparing the travel costs between Luxor and Merzouga, we can see that Luxor is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luxor Expensive? and Is Merzouga Expensive?.