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

Should you visit Luxor or Positano?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Positano? 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 Positano?

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.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano 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 Positano is $238. 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 Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $7.62
    Positano $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $15
    Positano $316
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Positano? 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 Positano


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 Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $3.91
    Positano $8.28
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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:


  • Bus Ticket
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

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

  • Amalfi and Positano cruise with transfer included: $94
  • Cozy Private Door-to-Door Transfer from Positano to Naples: $145
  • From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
  • From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
  • From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $257
  • Naples: Private Minivan Transfer to or from the Amalfi Coast: $123
  • Positano or Ravello to Naples airport/station private departure transfer: $176
  • Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
  • Positano to Napoli Airport (NAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Naples: $133
  • Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
  • Private Transfer to Sorrento, Rome or Naples: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano 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
    Positano $57

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

Typical Food Prices in Positano

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $33
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    $9.99
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

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

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $6.74
    Positano $65
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano

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


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    $18
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    $86
  • Sunset Cruise
    $26
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    $104
  • Cooking Class
    $70

Tours and Activities in Positano

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

  • From Sorrento: Positano Mini Cruise: $36
  • Positano Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $66
  • Sunset Tour Experience - Shared: $75
  • Amalfi Coast Sunset Group Boat Tour with Prosecco: $80
  • Golden Hour around Positano Sunset Group Cruise : $82
  • Unforgettable sunset tour in Positano: $87
  • From Amalfi Coast Sunset Cruise - Group Tour: $97
  • Sunset Group Boat Tour from Positano or Praiano: $104
  • Full Day Amalfi Small Group Cruise from Positano : $104
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $106
  • Sunset Boat Cruise from Maiori: $106
  • Sunset Boat Cruise from Amalfi: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $2.26
    Positano $17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

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

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Positano?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Positano, 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 Positano?

Positano 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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. In the summer, Luxor is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luxor in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Positano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In October, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 25°C (77°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Luxor usually receives less rain than Positano. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Positano 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Positano. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Luxor is much warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Positano. Luxor usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Positano 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Luxor is much warmer than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luxor in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Luxor usually receives less rain than Positano. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Positano 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Positano and Luxor

Luxor Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)