Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Luxor?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Luxor or Varenna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Luxor or Varenna? 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 Varenna?
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.
Varenna
A golden light cascades from the heavens, bathing the misty blue mountains in a honey haze. The shivering waters of Lake Como blend the gentle blues and yellows of the sky to a tea rose pink that sits under white sailboats. A quaint village hustled around lush gardens, Varenna, Italy is an attractive fishing village that dates back to the eleventh century. Founded in 769 AD by fisherman, the town was originally destroyed in 1126 AD by the rival town Como, only to be restored refugees from the Isola Comacina whose town was also destroyed. Located on the eastern shore of the lake in the province of Lecco, Varenna is filled with a romantic air from its old Italian fisherman houses to the picturesque lanes. Unlike the towns of Bellagio or Milan, Varenna holds a particular authenticity to Italian culture without the burdens of tourist-ridden streets and hotel-packed areas. As Lake Como works as the main attraction of Varenna, the village provides its visitors with a wide array of entertainment on its pebbly beaches. Besides this, Varenna is also known for its exquisite gardens of two villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Besides this, Varenna also has museums just waiting to be explored. Take a tranquil retreat to Varenna!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuxor $17Varenna $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $17, while the average daily cost in Varenna is $176. 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 Varenna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuxor $7.62Varenna $92
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuxor $15Varenna $184
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Varenna
Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Varenna? 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 Varenna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luxor $3.91Varenna $37
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 Luxor to Hurghada: $110
- private Transfer From Luxor Hotel To The Airport Or Vice Versa : $7.00
- VIP Luxor to Hurghada Transfer Luxury and Style: $125
- VIP Luxor Airport Transfer: $15
- Transfers from Luxor Airport to Hotels or to Nile Cruise: $7.00
- Transfer from luxor to marsa alam : $150
- Transfer from luxor to Aswan passing by Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples (Optional): $105
- Transfer from Luxor to Marsa alam: $99
- Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada, Gouna, Sahlhashesh, Makadi: $69
- Transfer from Luxor to Hurghada: $64
- Transfer from Luxor to Aswan: $65
- Transfer from Luxor airport to Luxor Hotel : $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna
Also for Varenna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Varenna : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $358
Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Varenna?
Prices for flights to both Varenna 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 dayLuxor $5.83Varenna $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna
For Varenna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luxor $6.74Varenna $36
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
Tours and Activities in Varenna
For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
- Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
- Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
- Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $118
- Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $150
- Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $491
- Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $664
- Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,551
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuxor $2.26Varenna $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Varenna
Also in Varenna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Castello di Vezio: $112
- Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Villa Monastero: $134
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Varenna, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luxor or Varenna?
Luxor has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Varenna, 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 Varenna?
Varenna 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 Varenna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Varenna. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is a little warmer than Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Varenna. Luxor usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuxor 33°C (91°F)Varenna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Varenna in the Autumn?
Both Varenna and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.
In the autumn, Luxor is much warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luxor in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Luxor usually receives less rain than Varenna. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuxor 25°C (77°F)Varenna 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Varenna in the Winter?
Both Varenna and Luxor during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varenna. In January, Luxor is generally much warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Luxor usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuxor 14°C (57°F)Varenna 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Varenna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Varenna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the spring for the natural beauty.
Luxor is much warmer than Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Luxor usually receives less rain than Varenna. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuxor 25°C (77°F)Varenna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Varenna and Luxor
| Luxor | Varenna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
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.