Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Luxor?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Luxor or Phnom Penh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Luxor or Phnom Penh? 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 Phnom Penh?
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.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
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Luxor Prices
Egypt PricesPhnom Penh Prices
Cambodia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuxor $30Phnom Penh $51
The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $30, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is $51. 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 Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuxor $10Phnom Penh $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuxor $20Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Phnom Penh? 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 Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luxor $5.13Phnom Penh $7.90
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride$0.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- 4 Hours Private Transfer in Luxor: $115
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $20
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $21
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $27
- Cairo Airport Private Transfer: $31
- Day Tour East & West Bank+Transfer to Aswan or Hurghada or Marsa: $105
- Day Tour to East and West Bank with Transfer to Aswan or Hurghada: $105
- Deluxe Private Hurghada Airport Transfer: $15
- Departure Transfer from Luxor Airport: $13
- Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $8.00
- Edfu Temple Private Tour from Luxor – Transfer & Guide/Ticket: $170
- Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Tour with Aswan Transfer from Luxor: $105
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- A Day Trip Transfer Sightseeing Phnom Penh Battambang: $99
- A Day Trip Transfer Sightseeing Phnom Penh Siem Reap: $99
- Battambang: Transfer From/To Sihanoukville & Hidden Gems: $50
- From Private Transfer To/From Siem Reap: $58
- From Sihanouk: Private Taxi Transfer to Phnom Penh City: $73
- Ground Transfer/ Minivan/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $150
- Ground Transfer/SUV/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $110
- Intercity Transfer Siem Reap-Phnom Penh/Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: $95
- Overland Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville: $59
- PHN Airport Transfer Plus Killing Field, Toul Sleng Museum: $65
- Phnom Penh - Battambang Transfer Plus Stop Sightseeing: $118
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap One-Way Private Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh 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
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Food Meals for one dayLuxor $15Phnom Penh $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- 3-Hour Egyptian Cooking Experience with a Local Family in Luxor: $10
- Luxury Nile Sunset Felucca Sail | Private Dinner - Hotel Transfer: $14
- Open-Air Farm Luxor Lunch or Dinner Experience in a Green: $15
- Day Tour to Local Farm with Bread Making & Cooking Class: $25
- Enjoy lunch or dinner al fresco at Luxor Farm: $30
- Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
- 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
- Sunset Dinner at a Traditional Egyptian House of Luxor: $45
- Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
- 3-Hour Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $50
- Cooking Session with Family in Luxor with lunch: $50
- Private Luxor Temple Night Tour with Felucca Sunset & Dinner: $55
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two$10
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Breakfast for Two$4.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset & Evening Dinner Cruise With One Way Free Pick Up: $9.90
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Dinner 4-course Mekong River cruise with Kanika Boat: $27
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Small Group Phnom Penh Food Tour and Local Market Experience: $39
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luxor $9.45Phnom Penh $7.68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)$0.52
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.48
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Camel Ride for Two$1.15
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Luxor Day Tour: Valley of Kings& Hatshepsut, Karnak&Luxor Temples: $4.68
- Dahabiya Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan: $5.00
- Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City: $6.00
- Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $8.00
- Luxor Day Tour: Explore Valley of Kings,Queens, Hatshepsut Temple: $8.00
- Luxor Half Day tour: valley of the kings and Hatshepsut & Memnon: $8.00
- Private Tour: Medinet Habu,Valley of the Queens & Deir el-Medina: $8.49
- Private Half Day Luxor Tour Valley of Kings & Queens, Hatshepsut: $8.90
- Luxor One Day Tour Visit East With West Bank and Hot Air Balloon: $8.99
- Sail into the Sunset on a Nile Felucca Cruise in Luxor: $9.00
- Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
- Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show Experience in Luxor: $9.00
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Riverside Walking Tour with Snack, Drinks & Local Ferry Ride: $7.20
- Sunset Cruise-Unlimited BBQ Buffet-Beers, Sodas & Fruit Platter**: $7.45
- Sunset Cruise on the Mekong with Kanika Boat: $8.00
- Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
- Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer & BBQ Buffet: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise-Unlimited Beers-Sodas-BBQ buffet-Fruit platter: $9.00
- Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Angkor Optional Mekong Cruise: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 wonderful options: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer &Fruit platter: $9.35
- Phnom Penh Bus with Free Boat Cruise 1 Day Pass: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuxor $2.82Phnom Penh $4.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Phnom Penh, we can see that Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luxor or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Phnom Penh, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.